Today’s Reading: Joshua 1, 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3
How great is today’s scripture reading! These selections have some rich truths. Make sure you complete all the reading today!
Note: I am doing today’s journaling a little differently. I am taking the first nine verses of Joshua chapter one and interrupting the text to share the impressions I received from the Lord.
Scripture/Observation/Application: Joshua 1:1-9
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, …
[Every one of us will die. My earthly life is not forever. I need to remember this so that I will pay attention to doing things that will make a difference. Also, look at what Moses went through. He had his ups and downs, his victories and defeats. But God did fantastic things through Moses. The world was different because of his life. “Will the world be different because I was here?” I want to make a difference in my world.]
the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: …
[Now that Moses is gone, the Lord turns to Joshua. (How would you like to follow that act?) God is always preparing the next generation. No one, not even Moses, is indispensable. I need to realize that I am not indispensable. And I want to be involved with God in raising up the ones who will replace me when I am gone. Find someone who will stick with you no matter what and cultivate that person.]
"Moses my servant is dead. …
[Now it is up to Joshua. God knows the score and He lets Joshua know that He knows. I also like the way the Lord describes Moses “my servant.” May the Lord say that of me.]
Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them — to the Israelites.…
[Here’s where the rubber meets the road. There is a time when you’ve got to step out and actually do what it is that you’ve been preparing to do.]
I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates — all the Hittite country — to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.…
[God renews the promises He made to Moses — He repeats them to Joshua. “Lord, may I receive the promises You gave to those who have gone before me.” Also here I see that God knows in advance the best boundaries for my life.]
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
[Oh, how these words must have been comfort and encouragement to Joshua. He saw how God was with Moses. It was remarkable over and over again and Joshua knew that he could count on God coming through for Moses. Now God tells him that He will do the same for him. How great of a word is this?]
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous.…
[Notice that God repeats Himself here. I think that Joshua needed the emphasis. So I can identify with Joshua. I often lack strength and courage. Here God tells Joshua, “You’re going to succeed in doing it! Be encouraged!” Awesome!]
Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.…
[“Be careful to obey!” I need to pay close attention to doing what God has told me to do. Sloppiness, a lack of discipline, distraction, and procrastination are so prevalent and must be overcome. But I have to take intentional action to overcome these tendencies. “Be careful!”]
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.…
[Of course, here is a key element in doing what I just wrote about. Stay in the Bible — live in it, and let it live in me. I’ve got to do more than just read it. I have to speak it, I have to meditate on it. That involves, reading, memorizing, and giving times of quiet solitude thinking on the word. This one key is perhaps the cardinal truth that will make the greatest difference.]
Then you will be prosperous and successful.…
[Here again is God clearly stating His personal guarantee of success. I really like the word prosperous. That speaks to me of a level of fruitfulness way beyond subsistence. God wants me to succeed spectacularly. He wants me to walk in abundance and not in scarcity. I have actually shunned richness because of a mistaken idea of the virtue of poverty. God doesn’t want us to trust in prosperity but He does want to give us prosperous and successful lives.]
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
[God says, “Hey, this is The Almighty commanding you to walk in a prosperous and successful life so take courage and just do it.” If God is the one doing the directing, then we can go forward with confidence. You have no reason for hesitation, don’t get stuck on fear or a lack of courage (that’s what “discouraged” means). Oh, how I desire to know the ever-detectable presence of God!]
Prayer: Lord, Amen. So be it in my life. May I hear these words You spoke to Your servant Joshua, and may I let them seep into my soul and may I live accordingly.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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