(14:5) Following the Lord - The land was divided exactly as God had instructed Moses years before. Joshua did not change a thing. He followed God's commands precisely. Often we believe that almost is close enough, and this idea can carry over into our spiritual lives. For example, we may follow God's Word as long as it feels easy but ignore it when we do not want to do what God wants. But God is looking for people who will devote themselves completely to following his Word and his will.

(14:6-12) Caleb is Rewarded - Caleb was faithful from the start. As one of the original spies sent into the Promised Land, he had seen great cities and giants and yet trusted that God would help the people conquer the land (Numbers 13:30-33). Because of Caleb's faith, God promised him a personal inheritance of land (Numbers 14:24; Deuteronomy 1:34-36). Here, 45 years later, the land was given to him. Caleb's faith was still unwavering. Although his inherited land still had giants, Caleb knew the Lord would help him conquer them. Like Caleb, be faithful to God not only at the start of your walk with him but also through your entire life. Be careful not to rest on your past accomplishments or reputation.

(14:6-12) God Keeps His Word - When Joshua gave Caleb his inheritance, it fulfilled a promise God had made to Caleb 45 years earlier. We expect such integrity and reliability from God, but do we expect the same from his followers? Can others expect it from you? Is your word this reliable? Would you honor a 45-year-old promise? God would--and does. Even today he is honoring promises he made thousands of years ago. In fact, some of his greatest promises have yet to be fulfilled. This gives us much to look forward to. Let your faith grow as you experience how God keeps his word.

(14:5) The Anakims - The Anakims were a people marked by extraordinary height and strength who inhabited parts of the land before Joshua's conquest. Because of their height, they were sometimes referred to as giants.

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we Continue in the book of Joshua with Chapter 14 and we see the Dividing of the Promised land. Today Caleb gets his mountain after 45 years of waiting. What catches my attention is the patience and faithfulness of Caleb and Joshua. They were willing to go into the promise land 40 years ago but due to the unfaithfulness of Israel they suffered from their decision. God is faithful to them and they are rewarded in the end. In making application many people are placed in situations due to the decisions of others. Spouses, Parents, Authorities, Church members, and others sometimes place us in situations that go against the Lord. Consequences of their bad decisions seem to affect us but if we are faithful the Lord, then He will bless us in the end. It reminds me of boss I have had that placed my career in a holding pattern because of his bad judgement. In the end he lost his position and I received a promotion. God was faithful to me as I remained faithful to my authority and the Lord. How about you? Have you been placed in a situation that is beyond your control? Let us learn from todays text and Joshua and Caleb staying faithful for in the end we will receive our reward.