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“Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth…” Joshua 1:8

A little context as I begin looking at a few texts in this book. Moses just died up on Mt Nebo, and Joshua is the new leader of God’s people as they prepare to end their 40 years in the wilderness and enter the land God had promised them. Such a daunting task for this faithful man of God. He’s one of only two adults who left Mt Sinai and got to enter the Canaan. Caleb was the other one and I wrote about him yesterday!

God apparently wanted him to succeed because I see so much direct encouragement and guidance. “If it’s important to God, it’s clear in His word,” can be complemented with this addition which I continually apply to my life—“If what I’m called to do is important to God He will make it clear by His leading.” Chapter 1 verse 5 starts out with encouragement: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” THAT’S God’s promise to Joshua and I believe it’s His promise to me as well. He’ll never leave me or forsake me because He has called me to do something great for Him as well. I think the same could apply to you too!

Then God gave Joshua some very specific directions with a very clear outcome:

1:8- “Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth.” God’s word contains the direction and guidance I need to accomplish God’s will in my life.

“Meditate on it day and night.” If it’s true, and I believe it is, that God’s word contains that direction and guidance, I can’t just approach it as an option among many, but rather THE option above many, if not all, of the influencers and directors of life. Meditating, as I see it, is focus, extended attention on whatever I’m meditating on. God’s word, because it contains the direction and guidance I need IS the source I go to with focused and extended attention BECAUSE it is God’s resource, given to me, for my success in this life and in the life to come.

“”Being careful to do all that is written in it.” My response appears to be directly correlated to my success or my failure. His word, recorded in the Bible, IS my direction, and my commitment to Him is that I will follow it as completely as I can as He makes it clear to me.

“THEN you will be prosperous and successful.” First application of this is to Joshua as he is preparing to enter the promised land. “Follow ME,” says God, “and I will make you successful.” The secondary application if for me (and for you if you want!) When I commit myself to following Him He will make me successful too- NOT ACCORDING TO MY DEFINITION OF SUCCESS, BUT HIS!

The promise was sure for Joshua; the promise, I believe, is sure for me too!

Have a great day discovering the relationship to commitment and success,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “Everything happens for a reason and sometimes that reason is because I made a bad decision.”

PS Christ on Demand- every Tuesday evening at 7:30 in the Rees Hall Chapel join Amber and friends for 30 minutes of devotional sharing. The theme for this year is “Trusting in God.” All are welcome.

PPS "Hello Union! Do you like running? Do you hate running but enjoy long walks? Do you love supporting local non-profits? Then this event is for you! The Union College Physician Assistant Program is hosting our annual 5K, Dash for Compassion, THIS Sunday! It is a fun run/walk this year and it will be benefiting a Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln! It is family/dog friendly with activities and treats. Costumes are highly encouraged as there is a costume contest and prizes! For more information and to register, please go to: www.ucollege.edu/dashforcompassion2019. We would love to see you there! "