Reflection
Our readings today weave together themes of promise, integrity, and the heart posture that pleases God. In Joshua 18-21, we see the fulfillment of God's promise as the remaining seven tribes receive their inheritance, and the cities of refuge and Levitical cities are established. Psalm 15 describes the character of those who may dwell with God – people of integrity, truth, and justice. Then in Luke 18, Jesus teaches about persistence in prayer, humility before God, and the challenge of putting Him above all else.

The key insight we can draw from these passages is this: God faithfully fulfills His promises, and He calls us to live with integrity, persistence, and humble dependence on Him.

Let's break this down into a simple principle we can apply:

Approach God with persistence and humility, while living with integrity in all your relationships.

Here are five practical steps we can take to apply today's readings:

1. Claim God's promises: Like the Israelites receiving their inheritance, identify promises from God's Word that you need to actively claim.

2. Practice integrity: Reflect on Psalm 15's description of the godly person. Choose one area (speech, finances, relationships) to focus on with renewed integrity today.

3. Persist in prayer: Following Jesus' parable of the persistent widow, identify one area where you've stopped praying and commit to renewed, consistent prayer.

4. Choose humility: The tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified. How might pride be affecting your relationship with God or others?

5. Remove obstacles: Jesus challenged the rich young ruler about his possessions. What might be standing between you and fuller devotion to God?

As you go about your day, reflect on this question: How can you cultivate both persistence and humility in your approach to God, and how might this transform your daily relationships?

Conclusion
Thank you for joining me today. These passages remind us that God is faithful to fulfill His promises, and He desires that we respond with lives of integrity, persistent prayer, and humble hearts. Until tomorrow, may your life be marked by the kind of character described in Psalm 15, and may you never give up in prayer.