Tag: Joshua 1:8
Day 4–Called to Strength and Courage!
Scripture reading for January 29: Joshua 1:1-3, 8 “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised Moses.” . . .Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””
The Lord’s call and instructions to Joshua is a great word for all faith responders! We are called by God to arise and go into whatever situation or trouble we are facing. The Jordan River was the boundary of the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that belonged to them. Joshua, Moses’ assistant had walked for forty years with them through the wilderness as a consequence of the unbelief of the older generation of Israelites. As Moses lead God’s people out of Egypt through the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea, so Joshua was to face the flooding Jordan river as the first obstacle to lead God’s people through to inherit their land.
It is interesting to note that God promised Joshua that every place that the sole of his foot would tread, God would give to him. Joshua must do the walking out of God’s commands in trusting faith, no matter what the obstacle or enemy facing him. God promised His presence as they walked. In that presence of the Lord God was their strength, courage, and deliverance! How easy it would be to become frightened or deeply insecure when impossible situations confronted them. God knew their tendencies and with His Word and Presence would give them grace to overcome and possess their inheritance!
This is exactly what God calls us to do as first responders. As we walk into danger or trouble, we rely on God’s Word and presence with us through the Helper, the Holy Spirit. We choose to trust and obey and reject fear and dismay.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Word that brings faith and courage to face life’s trouble. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and guide me to respond as You to those who are in need. Amen.
Let God’s light shine!
Scripture reading for June 2nd: Philippians 2
Key Scriptures: Philippians 2:12-16 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God Who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the Word of life. . .”
Paul encouraged the believers, calling them “my beloved” and asking them to continue to obey the Lord no matter what situation or trial they were experiencing. Paul was himself in jail and awaiting his sentence, which could mean death. He knew that his salvation was secure in Jesus but must be worked out and walked out by faith. God by His Holy Spirit was working inside each believer to strengthen them and reveal God’s will and image. Believers are to cheerfully cooperate in obedience and faith, living a holy and blameless life, not grumbling and complaining. In doing so, they would shine with the light of Jesus Christ and draw others to lay hold of God’s promises through the Gospel of eternal life.
Philippians 2:17 “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, my delight is to live for You and please You. Forgive me for grumbling and fear and help me as I work out my salvation in holy fear and respect of Your great grace and powerful promises. Help me to walk by faith, cheerfully rejoicing and giving thanks to You, shining as a light in this world of grumbling and fear.
Joshua 1:8 “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 good success,”
“Fill us with boldness!”
Scripture reading for May 10th: Acts 4
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 4:29-31 ” “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
The disciples prayed to God after the arrest and release of Peter and John. They did not ask for relief or vengeance on their persecutors, as one might expect. Instead, they asked for more power and courage to preach the word of God! They entrusted themselves even more fully to God and asked Him for miracles and signs in the Name of Jesus. God was so pleased, that His answer came in a shaking of the place where they were gathered and a fresh infilling of the power of the Holy Spirit!
Observations for over-comers: God delights in those who ask Him for courage and boldness to speak His word! Always ask and expect a quick reply! God is with you on this assignment! “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. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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.” (Joshua 1:8-9)