Joshua

I've read Joshua 1:1-9 probably over a hundred times and I'm still amazed at the promises God makes to Joshua as Joshua becomes the leader of three million Israelites. Just in case you don't have a bible handy...

"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 2 "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them, to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates, all the Hittite country, to the Great Sea on the west. 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 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. 9 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 1:1-9)

I taught from this passage a few nights ago at Frontline (http://www.frontline.to/). Even though I'm fresh from teaching on the subject of Joshua being a man of courage, I'm still taken back by God's promises! in a total of sseparateate powerful statements from God Joshua is told in a not shell, "There is no need for you to ever be discouraged or terrified at the things life throws at you. In fact, you can live a life of strength and courage because I, the Lord, with never leave you nor forsake you!" I know that God doesn't give me a spirit of fear, but "a spirit of "power, of love, and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7) I know as Paul also reminds the Hebrews (13:5) that God will always be with us and God will never abandon us. But, to read such amazing promises and words of encouragement in just nine short verses is truly inspiring.

My great desire for the past two weeks has been to remind myself of these truths, live in light of them, and teach these truths to others - my wife and three children, Frontliners, and fellow myspacers. Are you living a life today of courage in Christ? Are you reading and pondering the promises of God in the Bible daily to prepare your heart for the battles you face each day? If not, then use the passages in this blog, especially from the book of Joshua, to prepare you each day. Hopefully, you'll find that you're wanting more of god's Word than what you read here. Hopefully God will use this a catalyst for deeper study of His Word. Press on!

Carpe Deumseizeeze God!)
Todd Phillips