“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””
Joshua 1:8-9 NIV
Did it ever occur to us that we serve the same God as Joshua? The challenge to be strong and courageous, is God’s challenge to believer’s today. God’s presence, protection, are available to all believers in Christ. It is still God’s desire for every believer to read, obey, meditate, and do what the Bible says. We are commanded to tell others about our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. This is where our battle begins. We must go in the power of the Holy Spirit, with strength and courage. American culture is no longer centered on truth. It, instead, revolves around opinion, fake news, shaming, and division. There are at least two sides to every issue, and Christians on both sides tend to use be strong and courageous to fuel their desire to widen the chasm between themselves and their perceived enemies. The result, Christians who should be loving each other and taking care of the world as a unified force are demeaning each other based on their voting choices and touting infighting as courageous. The bottom line of this passage is that despite the repetitions of be strong and courageous, it’s not truly about Joshua’s strength or courage. It’s about Joshua being told, rather, commanded, to seek God first above all else and make sure Israel does the same. Why? Because Joshua can only be strong and courageous if his strength and courage come from the Lord and not his own power. Joshua is asked to model three behaviors, which apply directly to us today. 1. Remember God’s promises (v. 6) 2. Remember God’s principles (v. 7-8) 3. Remember God’s presence (v. 9). Joshua simply had to trust the Word of the Lord and act upon it. And we too are to know the truth of God’s Word and to meditate on the promises of God, to trust in the truth of God’s Word and to follow the instructions that have been laid out in Scripture!!!
Father thank You for this day and we praise You that You have shown Yourself faithful to Your people, throughout all generations. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow over my friend and family today. Lord help us to be strong in the You and to rely on You in all the problems of life that we may face, knowing that You are with us wherever we go. Lord who is and was and is to come, thank You for being there and staying there when all others forsake and leave. Lord You are the one constant in our lives so full of change. Lord use my friend to share the blessing of Your saving grace that someone needs today. Daddy we love you amen. Be a blessing. Love you !
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