Because It's a New Day We Live in the Word and Abide with God

Scripture: Joshua 1:7b-9

be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Insights: The last two truths I taught Sunday morning go hand in hand.  Verses seven-b and verse eight deal with spending time in God’s Word on a daily basis.  In fact, God commands Joshua to meditate on His book day and night.  This one truth is the clarion call in my ministry.  If we are going to grow in our relationship with the Lord our God, then we must spend time with Him every day and that means in His Word, the Bible.  If you are unwilling to spend time with the Lord every day in His Word, then you will be one who often times falls prey to being a “nah” say’er or an “It can’t be done” kind of person.  The reason is because you will be walking this Christian life out in your own power and in your own strength and you will fail.  The last point, as I stated, goes hand in hand with the first.  What I want you to notice in terms of emphasis from verse nine is that God was going to go everywhere Joshua went.  Because of God’s presence, Joshua did not have to tremble or be dismayed at the enemy.  Joshua was going to do his part of abiding with God by spending time with Him and living in His Word.  Joshua did not do this perfectly because he is a sinful human being, but God did do His part perfectly.  He did go wherever Joshua and the people of Israel went.  God’s promise still holds true to us.  Jesus said in His great commission that He would be with us always even to the end of the age.  Beloved, what a promise we can hold fast to!  May you strive this day to abide with the Lord God and allow Him to direct your path.  I promise you it will be worth whatever the cost!

Questions:

1. Have you been having a consistent daily quiet time alone with the Lord?
2. Do you think about the Lord throughout the day and maintain an abiding relationship with Him?

Prayer: Father, thank You that You desire a relationship with me.  Thank You that You sent Jesus to make it possible for us to have an ongoing and abiding relationship with the Lord. Amen.