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Joshua 1:8 - Continually Study and Meditate then Obey God's Word.Joshua 1:8 (NLT) Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.INTRODUCTION Many people think that prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts, and a relentless desire to get ahead. But the strategy for gaining prosperity that God taught Joshua goes against such criteria. He said that, in order to succeed, Joshua must (1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, (2) obey God's law, and (3) constantly read and study the Book of Instruction - God's Word. To be successful, follow God's words to Joshua. You may not succeed by the world's standards, but you will be a success in God's eyes - and his opinion and rewards are more important than anything the world can offer. How strange it sounds today to equate success with obedience. For many, success means controlling others; for Joshua, it meant being controlled by God. God told Joshua that to succeed he must obey the rules for living found in God's law. Often we can't see what the results or future benefits of following God will be. When we are not certain what to do, obedience to what God has revealed in the Scriptures is the only sure step we can take. Resolve to set aside time each day to read and think about God's Word. Remind yourself of God's words day and night. Act today on what you know God has said, and he will assure your success in carrying out his purposes. [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL The creative energy that called the worlds into existence is in the word of God. This word imparts power; it begets life. Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms the nature and re-creates the soul in the image of God. The life thus imparted is in like manner sustained. "By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4) shall man live. The mind, the soul, is built up by that upon which it feeds; and it rests with us to determine upon what it shall [127] be fed. It is within the power of everyone to choose the topics that shall occupy the thoughts and shape the character. Of every human being privileged with access to the Scriptures, God says, "I have written to him the great things of My law." "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Hosea 8:12; Jeremiah 33:3. ED 126-127 COMMENTARY Read the Manual If you're the type of person who likes to read product documentation, you're in the minority. Only about 25 percent of people take time to read such manuals - and men will read them more often than women. Actually, the majority of people prefer learning from their mistakes instead of reading how-to materials. One reason is that most manuals are poorly written; another is that users are impatient. As a result, most people don't use all the features of a product. After Moses died, God called Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land. The Lord even promised, "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). That promise, along with today's verse, had a condition: Read the manual. God told this military leader to "meditate in it day and night." That doesn't sound like cursory reading. The Lord wanted him "to do according to all that is written in it." When these conditions are met, "then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Life is too short not to read God's manual, the Bible. In the warfare you experience on Earth, you will only be prepared to stand against the enemy by studying the Word. It's been called "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), provided for you as essential weaponry against Satan and his evil host. Dear Commander of the Lord's army, I fall on my knees before You, ready to follow Your every word. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] PRACTICAL APPLICATION Rooted In Scripture Have you ever considered all the verses that instruct you to place Scripture firmly in your mind? Reflect on these examples today: Psalm 119:11 tells you to store up God's Word in your heart, that you might not sin. Colossians 3:16 says to let God's Word dwell in you richly. Hebrews 4:12 describes God's Word as living and active. Deuteronomy 11:18-19 encourages you to put Scripture into your heart and mind, writing it on hands and foreheads, teaching it to your children, and talking about it at home. Psalm 119:32 encourages you to run in the pathways of God's commands - for He sets your heart free. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, how did He refute the Enemy? By quoting Scripture back to the Evil One. "It is written ... it is written ... it is written." What steps can you take today to plant Scripture deeper in your heart? Dear God, I want a life anchored in Your Word so that I can live the life You've called me to. Grant me the discipline and fortitude to pursue this holiest of tasks. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Joshua 1:8 - Meditate Continually on God's Word. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240814-1218.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230108-0930.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220729-0849.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190831-1326.html Hebrews 4:12 - Power Greater Than Nuclear. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240529-1122.html Romans 1:16, 17 - Power of the Gospel. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200924-1151.html John 17:17 - Holiness from God's Word. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201007-1438.html Psalm 119:11 - When Temptation Calls. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210714-1105.html Matthew 24:35 - God's Word is Eternal. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210927-0846.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |