I prayed for weeks for God to show me what book of the Bible we should read to start our study together. Immediately, Joshua was on my heart. After looking at my calendar I felt like something shorter might be a better option, but I couldn't get the book of Joshua out of my mind. So, I finally obeyed the Lord and chose Joshua, not knowing what God had in store. Let me just take a moment and say, I am so glad that I listened to that stirring in my heart. Joshua is exactly what my heart needed and I hope it is a blessing to your heart too!
Let's look at Joshua, chapter 1, a little closer. Israel had come to the end of their 40 year wilderness journey, and oh what a journey they had been on! But things were just about to get good! :) God called Joshua to lead the Israelites into the "Promised Land". Within the first nine verses of this chapter, God not only calls Joshua to this huge task but He encourages him . "No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you." ~ Joshua 1:5 Joshua was not alone. God would not leave him. He called Joshua to this task and He would see him through it. He would not allow anyone or anything to stand between Him and Joshua. In the next few verses, God tells Joshua three times, to be "strong and courageous." What a picture of our christian lives! So many times, when God calls us to do something, fear quickly takes over. Fear that we can't do it, fear that we are not qualified, fear that we won't be taken seriously, fear that we don't have the resources or fear that we don't have the patience for it. God knows us. He knows our hearts. He knows our skepticism. Before Joshua could even question God's calling, God told him 3 times to be strong and courageous. Sweet Friend, whatever God is calling you to do in His name, do it. Be strong and courageous. God will be with you and He will not fail you. No one will stand against you if you are trusting God at His Word. I now know why God wanted us to start with Joshua. The answer is in the following verse: "Study this book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. " ~ Joshua 1:8 The purpose of this ministry is to encourage Christian women in their daily walk with Christ. Specifically by being intentional about reading the Word of God every day. I do not find it a coincidence, that God's call to Joshua included a command to study and meditate on Scripture daily. Now, in Joshua's time, the "Book of Instruction" was only Genesis through Deuteronomy. But we have the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation as our "Book of Instruction". We are to be in the Word daily. To study it and meditate on it. What does that mean for us? ~Read the Bible with thoughtfulness. ~ Linger over God's Word. Scripture is the main spiritual food for those who serve the Lord. If we don't feed ourselves, our Spirit will be weak. Don't forget the second part to this verse. Studying and meditating on God's Word comes with a promise: "Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do." In order to fulfill our callings, we must be in God's Word. Before Joshua could lead his people, he needed time alone with the Lord, to be fed, directed and strengthened for the task ahead. Following the Lord's instructions, Joshua directed the people to possess their land. Verses 13-15 tell us that God had already given the land east of the Jordan River to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manassah. Even so, they were instructed to help the other tribes claim the land God had promised them. They were told to go fully armed, help conquer the territory, and stay until the Lord gave the others rest and possession of their land. I believe this is an illustration of the Church. As believers, we are to stand beside each other and help carry each other's burdens. We should desire to encourage, love and support our fellow believers. The tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manassah did just that. They agreed to move forward with the rest of the Israelites and to fight side by side until the job was done. Not only did these men promise to be obedient, but they had strong words for Joshua. "So be strong and courageous!" Sweet Sisters, God loves you so much! He delights in you and He has made you for a purpose! He will strengthen you to complete every task He brings before you. He will not leave you nor fail you. He tells you to be strong and courageous, and when you won't listen to Him, He sends others to stand by you, encourage you and cheer you on! :) Be strong and courageous, Andrea
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For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. " AuthorHi! I'm Andrea, wife to my handsome hubby, homeschooling mama to my 7 amazing blessings, and daughter of the King of kings. I am so glad you have stopped by my little piece of the web. My prayer is that the Lord will use this blog to encourage you in your personal, daily walk with Christ. Archives
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