Scripture: Joshua 1 v 7 - 9: " Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
The promises God made to Joshua of success through obedience apply to us as well, and not only materially but spiritually as well. The closer we get to Jesus through obedience and submission will bring us into a very personal relationship with Him. Jesus will make us invincible, and continually victorious.
He exhorts us to be bold and courageous in our faith, to be steadfast and unwavering in our commitment and then we shall prosper in every way. Doing daily Bible study, heeding and applying the Word of God to our daily lives will bring good success. Jesus will be with us every step of the way.
The whole Bible is the Word of God, and so is Jesus Christ the Word of God. He is the Creator of all things. Colossians 1 v 14 - 18: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence."
Joshua was a powerful leader because he applied the Word of God to every aspect of his life and to the people he was leading. God chose him, and Aaron's son, Caleb, to bring the Jews into the Promised Land.
Much of that land has gone from Israel now but God's promises are binding forever and there will come a day when all the land stretching to the Euphrates River will be restored to her.
Proverbs 3 v 1 - 10: "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."
Of all the wonderful words in this passage in Proverbs 3 the ones that touch me the deepest are - lean not to your own understanding. Every baby born should have these words learnt by heart.
The biggest trap for man is trying to 'do it my way'. My will over God's will. What I think compared with what God knows. We have a free will. God forces no one to acknowledge Him unlike satan the 'gatecrasher-in-chief'. But those who surrender their will to Jesus know joy unspeakable and full of glory. Those who entangle themselves with satan have hell on Earth. And beyond.
So doing it 'my way' or 'doing your own thing' is really satan's way which leads to many troubles and afflictions. Leaning on your own understanding of the world leads you into rebellion against God. So learn God's wisdom which is a treasure without price. Trust Jesus with your life, He will not let you down.
Some prayers may be answered contrary to the mountains of faith to keep a loved one alive. Trust Jesus to know the best time to bring a soul home to Heaven. He knows what lies ahead that could undo all your prayers.
Prayer: Heavenly Father I want to be a humble person like Joshua acknowledging You and Your Word as divine wisdom. Be with me always and teach me Your ways. Today I know myself and see myself in Your eyes. I am but a fool whenever I choose my will over Yours because You only want the very best for me. Help me to know and do Your will moment by moment for that is true success. In Jesus' name. Amen.