Build Up
By Joe Davis
Deuteronomy 3:28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see."
Hockey Chat: Although hockey pucks are hardened by the vulcanization process in which they are made, the black biscuits are kept frozen during an NHL game to stop them from bouncing on the ice which gives better control. Sometimes the refs swap thawed pucks out with chilled pucks during stops. It takes a little extra attention to keep them hard but it makes for a better playing puck.
Life Lesson: Moses had been instructed to build up Joshua who would lead the people to the Promise Land. God had put his hand on Joshua as well but this was a time of showing encouragement by his peers. Where there is an opportunity to encourage someone for Christ’s plan, hear God calling to you to speak encouragingly to them. While the world is trying to pull them away, you can be used by God to speak the words they need to hear to focus and strengthen them.