The destruction of Jericho is a well-known Bible story, but a lesser-known account is of the curse of Jericho. Joshua warned Israel of what would happen to the man who rebuilt this stronghold—his firstborn and youngest sons would die. For 530 years, the fortifications (walls and gates) of this city were not rebuilt.

In the days of the wicked King Ahab, Hiel of Bethel (one of the most wicked cities in the kingdom) rebuilt Jericho. Perhaps he was emboldened by the wicked time he was living in, but time had not changed God's words. When the foundation of the city was laid, his oldest son (Abiram) died, and when the gates were set, Segub (his youngest son) died. Some historians say this was a Hebrew saying, meaning that ALL Hiel's children died. What a high cost for going against God's warning and rebuilding a stronghold!

Consider strongholds in your life that have been pulled down. God wants these ruins to be a reminder (a memorial) of His great power. Yet, the enemy is always looking for ways to rebuild these strongholds. Paul wrote, "If I build again . . ." If a previously destroyed stronghold begins to be rebuilt and fortified, it will be because WE have allowed (or caused) it.

Just as evil days, no doubt, affected Hiel, causing a disregard of God's warning, the lack of God in our culture can affect us as well. "A little sleep" (Proverbs 6:10), spiritually speaking, can dull our memory of the seriousness of past strongholds. Temptations to rebuild come, and we think, "I can handle it this time."

​Paul warned of the danger in rebuilding things that have been destroyed. The story of Hiel the Bethelite should be a serious warning that there is a HIGH COST to building again what God wants left in ruins.

An Irish proverb says, "A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything." Many times, when I have been overly upset, my mother has told me to go to sleep; things will look better in the morning. God made our bodies to require a good night's rest. Sleep is a time of renewal for the body. It is when tissue is repaired, growth takes place, the immune system is boosted, and energy builds up for the next day.

Just as the "outward man" (the body) needs daily renewal, "the inward man" also needs to be renewed "day by day." Not getting enough sleep dulls judgment, hinders memory, weakens immunity, and makes us moody and short-tempered. Likewise, consider the spiritual dangers of failing to experience daily renewal. It affects spiritual judgment, memory, immunity (to temptations), and temper.

A "sleep debt" builds when we do not get enough sleep. Just 30-60 minutes less sleep than needed, over time, create this deficit. Research has shown that while people seem to adapt, not feeling this lack, it affects us physically and mentally.

When we fail to give enough time to our spiritual renewal (Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation), a "spiritual deficit" begins building up. We might not notice this lack and begin to "adapt" to less time with God. A five-minute prayer and a Scripture or two seem to be enough; yet the inward man needs much more.

Is your "inward man" renewed, refreshed, and strengthened, or are you experiencing a "spiritual deficit"? Each day God has a plan for the renewing of your inner man. Just as God fed Israel in the wilderness with daily "manna," He has everything your "inward man" needs for whatever is facing you today.