Because It's a New Day We Live Strong and Courageously

Scripture: Joshua 1:5b-7a

Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. "Only be strong and very courageous;

Insights: Now that we know the time period in which we need to live, we must turn and look at how we actually live in that time period of the present with a hope for the future.  Today’s verses give us the first ingredient to such a life.  Notice that this verse is not a suggestion.  Two times in these verses and one time in verse nine God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous.  There is a task we have been called to accomplish and each and every day it will take strength and courage to walk obediently with the Lord.  On Sunday I warned the people that if they were “nah” say’ers or “It can’t be done” kind of people, then they need to go to the church up the road.  We at First Baptist Church Bowling Green are not going to be such people, but rather we are going to live by faith and in obedience to the Lord God as we live strong and courageous lives.  Notice also with me the first line of encouragement God gave to Joshua.  He told him that He was going to be with him just as He had been with Moses.  Now Joshua had seen God do amazing things through Moses’ ministry.  It is a fairly predictable assumption that Joshua was encouraged by these words of the Lord.  I think that part of the reason God gave this kind of encouragement was because we as a people, in our old sinful nature, are “nah” say’ers and  “It can’t be done” kind of people.  Joshua was scared to face these enemies and easily could have fallen prey to that old nature, but being told that God was going to be with him encouraged Joshua to take the next step.  Beloved, the Lord is doing the same thing with us.  If we will but pause and listen, God is telling us that we can courageously and with strength charge the new territory for His kingdom and He is going to be right there with us.  Are you willing to charge the enemies gate with us?

Questions:

1. Are you a “nah” say’er or an “It can’t be done” kind of person?
2. Are you a person who is living life full of strength and courage because of your faith in the Lord God?

Prayer: Father, You have commanded me to live a life of strength and courage.  Move in my heart and transform me into that kind of person.  I want my life to bring You glory.  May it come to pass quickly Lord. Amen.