Bible study in Joshua

July 13, 2012
Yesterday I was looking for a Bible study to start and I found one on the book of Joshua, by Kay Arthur. So I read the first chapter of Joshua and I was so encouraged. Then later in the day someone gave me another book and the first thing it talked about was Joshua chapter one. So I think there is definitely a message here.

“Get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give you.” (v.2) I won’t be crossing the Jordan River, but I will be crossing the Mississippi River, or the “red river” as we called it growing up, when I return back to Texas into the “land” He’s giving me. I’m coming out of my land of bondage – through my wilderness of prison – and into the promise land of blessing!

“I will give you every place where you set your foot.” (v.4) When I was at Carswell, a woman of God gave me this verse. She said God told her to give it to me. I can picture that morning vividly in my mind. We were sitting at a picnic table drinking coffee on a Saturday morning. I didn’t know what it meant, but I do now. He’s saying that I am going to succeed at whatever I put my hands to!

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.” (v.5) Nothing that Satan tries will be able to stand up against me. My enemies will not be able to oppose me. Because “He will never leave me nor forsake me.” (v.5)

The Lord tells Joshua to “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 the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” (v.7) I don’t think it is a coincidence that immediately after God says to be strong and courageous, He says to obey all the laws and not to turn from them. It takes great courage to stand up for what is right sometimes. People will come against you. People will mock you and persecute you. And on top of that, sometimes it’s just easier to take the wide road. But He says if we don’t turn from the law, we will be successful wherever we go! What a great promise! I’m holding on to that one!

Then He repeats Himself and says “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so you will be careful to do all it says. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (v.8) When God repeats Himself, this is for real! And now, not only are we successful, but prosperous too! Oh yeah! This is good stuff!

Then He tells us again to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (V.9)

There are a lot of fears about leaving prison. But I refuse to speak them! Because I know that God will be with me so I need not be afraid. He’s making the way perfect. And He is my Source of courage.