Honoring God with Carolyn T. Edward & I Shall Live & Not Die

 

Week #1, The Lord Your God is With You Wherever You Go

Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left...” This Word from God was given to Joshua at a time when he was being commanded by God to lead the children of Israel into the promised land. Moses had transitioned on to life eternal and the mantle for leading the people of Israel into the inheritance of God’s promise was given to Joshua by God, himself. Joshua served Moses and had followed his lead for many years. Now Joshua has been appointed by God to lead the people of Israel into the promised land. And, this land that was promised to God’s people…don’t think it wasn’t already occupied. They had to go in there and possess the land. They had to take it by force from those who had already inhabited it. So, I’m sure Joshua was feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point. Here, God is reassuring Joshua that he was not alone and that in the end, Joshua and all of his people would see their victory. God had already given his promise. Now, what Joshua had to do was believe God, walk in courage…walk in faith…walk in obedience to God’s Word and everything would be okay.

From Joshua 1:7-9 Be Strong and Courageous

In verse 7 God is saying to Joshua, “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.” Verse 9 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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. Finally, in verse 10, God is saying to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

From 1Samuel 17:34 The Lord Will Rescue Me

Do you remember David, the shepherd boy? He immediately comes to my mind when I read this scripture. He is the shepherd boy who became king of Israel. I find him to be one of the most courageous men in the Bible. I can almost imagine him as a teenager killing that lion and bear that tried to take one of his father’s sheep. He said he killed the lion and the bear with his hands. I believe David had a revelation of this Word. I believe without a doubt that he knew the Lord God was with him! In verse 34 David says to King Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. And finally David said this, “ The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” David had revelation of what is being communicated in Joshua, chapter 1. He knew that God was with him. 

Do you know that for yourself? Do you know without a shadow of doubt that God is with you? What giant situation are you facing today that seems impossible? Please remember, it is NOT impossible for the LORD, your God. However things may appear today, know this, God is with you! Focus on what God has said to you. Keep moving forward in faith, as God commands. You know, winners many times struggle with seemingly formidable foes. You won’t hear winners tell stories about how they gave up. Theirs are the testimonies of perseverance, grit, faith, and victory over the most difficult of situations! My friend, God is saying today that you are a winner because victory is already yours! Continue to move forward as God commands.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the harvest of truth we have found in your Word today. We are encouraged by Joshua’s life to stay focused on what you have called us to do despite all challenge and fear. Father, you have reminded us today that you are with us and there is no need for us to be afraid. We desire your closeness, God. We desire to abide under the shadow of your wings. We commit to do all that is spoken in your Word. Jesus, lead us into the Holy of Holies. It is only through you, our high priest, that we enter in. You are the way, the truth, and the life. Holy Spirit, continue to teach us how to live as kingdom citizens here on earth. Help us with our understanding of the Word of God so that we can do all that God commands. Empower us with the courage and boldness of Joshua, and David. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. God has commanded you, my friend to be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. Your father is standing with you.

Carolyn Thomas, I Shall Live & Not Die, www.clubhouse.com