When Joshua faced the daunting prospect of years of intense warfare in leading the children of Israel into the land of Canaan, God said to him:

Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:7-9).

God would be with Joshua through the entire process and would make him victorious if he would be willing to go with God.

Of key importance to Joshua’s faithfulness to God was the Book of the Law. Joshua was to meditate on it day and night so that his thoughts would be shaped by God’s thoughts. Psalm 1:2 says of the righteous man, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.” Instead of viewing Bible study as drudgery, the righteous person views it as a delight. As Joshua’s predecessor, Moses, reminded Israel, God gave the law for their good (Deut. 6:24; 10:13). Psalm 19:7-11 tells of the benefits of God’s law; it restores the soul, makes the simple wise, rejoices the heart, and enlightens the eyes. The law of Moses is still beneficial to us today; it produces comfort and hope (Rom. 15:4). When we realized how beneficial God’s word is to our souls, it will produce a desire to spend time with it; thus, we echo these sentiments: “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psa. 119:97).

The New Testament portion of God’s word benefits us as well. Jesus said His words are “spirit” and “life” to those that hear them (Jn. 6:63). Faith comes from hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17; cf. Jn. 20:30-31). If we are to grow as children of God, we must desire the pure milk of God’s word (1 Pet. 2:2). As Paul had his final meeting in Miletus with the elders of the congregation of Ephesus, he said, “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

Joshua was spiritually successful when he continued to meditate on God’s word, neither turning from it to the right or left. When faced with daunting prospects in our lives, we can be courageous and built up in faith knowing the Lord is always with us as we meditate daily upon His word: the Bible.

– Mark Day

How many times must God tell us something before we listen? When God states the same thing over and over again, it must be important information that we ought to focus our studies on! God, through His infinite wisdom and knowledge, knows that humans are forgetful. Most of us need reminded multiple times a day to take out the trash! As you study your Bibles, do you notice the reoccurring statements God has purposefully placed in His Book? They ought to stick out to us like a sore thumb, but the majority of us overlook them and fail to see the lessons God desires us to see.

God spoke through His prophets that the people of Israel during the time of Judges were doing evil in the sight of the Lord (Judg. 2:11; 3:7; 3:12; 4:1; 6:1). During the time of the kings, individual leaders were described as doing evil in the sight of the Lord as well (1 Kgs. 11:6; 15:26; 2 Kgs. 21:20; 23:32; 23:37). Notice first, God is aware of all things. Whether it is a nation, a small group of people, or individual persons; God knows what we do (Heb. 4:13). Though our deeds are not immediately punished on earth, they will be examined when we face the Judgment (2 Cor. 5:10). Make sure the evil you have committed is removed from your account by the blood of Christ! Secondly if there is an evil way of living, then there must be a right way. How can we know what is right in God’s sight? Read His word and obey it (Ps. 19:7-8)! Lastly, we must focus on teaching our youth about God. Once the generation who had served God with Joshua had died, a new generation arose who had no respect for the Lord (Judg. 2:10-11). If our children are to avoid doing what is evil in the sight of the Lord, then parents must educate them on what is right in God’s sight (Deut. 11:18-22).

How many times have you read in the Gospel of John, “His hour had not yet come”? It is written several times, but have you ever thought of what it is in reference to (John 7:6, 8, 30; 8:20)? Towards the end of Jesus’ life, His hour had come and it is made clear that this statement referred to His death and glorification on the cross. (John 12:23-33; 13:1; 17:1-5). Realize this; God had an ultimate plan and it was completed perfectly. God had set in motion the sacrifice of His Son for mankind before the world’s foundation (1 Pet. 1:18-20)! If God took such meticulous care of humanity since the beginning of time, why do we not trust that He will continue to take care of us today? Secondly, timing is everything. Jesus knew it was not yet time for His death. Even though He knew He must die, there were still many things He needed to accomplish! We all must face death and the Judgment to come (Heb. 9:27), but that does not mean we should neglect our responsibilities to God while we live! Live fully while on this earth, but make sure you live Godly; for that is all that matters in the end (Eccl. 3:1-8; 12:13-14). While one lives their life, God expects them to be working in His kingdom bringing other souls to Jesus (John 4:36-38; Matt. 28:19-20). Are you making use of the time God has given? Timing is everything; and if time is wasted God is not pleased (Eph. 5:15-17).

While studying the Bible, recognize that we should be digging deep into the Word. Would a gold miner simply scratch the surface and be successful? God’s Word is more precious and important than any gem or stone this world has to offer (1 Pet. 1:18-25). Notice the reoccurring statements found in the Bible, examine things with a microscope, apply the lessons learned to yourself, then take it to others. God speaks to us through His Son; what His Son said is recorded for us in the Bible (Heb. 1:1-2; John 12:47-50). Are you listening to what God has to say?

-Brandon Foresha