By A.B. Simpson

      Every victor must first be a self-conqueror. But the method of Joshua's victory was the uplifted arm of Moses on the mount. As Moses held up his hands, Joshua prevailed; as he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. It was to be a battle of faith and not of human strength. The banner that was to wave over the discomfited foe was Jehovah-nissi.

      This, too, is the secret of our spiritual triumph. If we are led of the Spirit we shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace (Romans 6:14). Have we begun the battle and in the strength of Christ planted our feet on our own necks? And thus victorious over the enemy in the citadel of the heart, have we been set at liberty for the battle of the Lord and the service of others? It was this lack that hindered the life of Saul, and it has wrecked many a promising career. One enemy in the heart is stronger than ten thousand in the field.

      May the Lord lead us all into Joshua's first triumph and show us the secret of self crucifixion through the greater Joshua, who alone can lead us on to holiness and victory!