The Book of Joshua

Post #890. Wow. God woke me up early this morning. It's 6:20am and I've been up for an hour and already had my first cup of coffee. Well, actually it's quite cold because it's been sitting there while I read the book of Joshua. Last night as I was trying to quickly get this week's reading done I was wrestling with God. I wished we were reading the New Testament instead. It just feels more "warm and fuzzy" and honestly it's easier for me to understand and seems more relevant to my life in today's time. But I have a certain niece and sister who are counting on me to follow through with my commitment so I better be a "wo-man of my word."

The book of Joshua. God handpicked him to take over after Moses. After reading this book what I really think God wanted me to hear (and fully understand) was that He wants me to be a leader; He is always with me and with Him I can be strong and courageous. Actually, He wants me to be very courageous. He also wants me to follow Joshua's example of obedience. Joshua did exactly what God asked of him and everything worked out as planned.

Joshua 1:5-9. Do you think it might be a good idea for you to look it up in your own Bible so you can see it for yourself?

"No one will be able to stand 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. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
“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. 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Just for fun I looked up the words "strong" and "courageous" in the dictionary.

Strong:

Having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks. Marked by great physical power--having, showing, or able to exert great bodily or muscular power; vigorous -Solid; tough; not easily broken or injured; able to withstand violence; able to sustain attacks; not easily subdued or taken; as, a strong beam; a strong rock;

Courageous:

The ability to do something that frightens one. Strength in the face of pain or grief. Synonyms: bravery - valour - valor - pluck - gallantry - nerve-the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution;

Turning 50 years old can play games with your mind. The grief process can also play a lot of games with your mind. But God wants me to step up to the plate and be a leader in the midst of it all. He promises to be with me and He will teach me what to do next. All I have to do is exactly what He asks of me and trust Him. But He knows it's going to be scary, so He has got to be my rock. He is the one thing that will never ever change. He gave me His Word. He wants you to be a leader too!

Lord, please keep me focused on you and your plan. Keep my eyes centered only on You. Do not let me get side-tracked by the little things that somehow seem more important than You. Help me to be the kind of leader You want me to be. In Jesus' mighty name.



I'm very glad I followed through with my readings this morning.
Have a great day!