Joshua 1:1-9
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
(JOHN 14:27)
Moses had died and Israel's new leader, Joshua, faced a challenge. It was natural for Joshua to fear the task. The Lord told him to take courage, for the fulfillment of His promise to His people required victory in war against the Canaanites. Israel had a major role to play before the inheritance would be theirs. The words God spoke to Joshua imparted strength and confidence. Israel would succeed if they obeyed God.
When Jesus knew He would soon be leaving His disciples, He encouraged them also with the promise of Another, like Himself, who would lead and counsel them. The Holy Spirit would give strength to the 12 to be victorious as they lived out Christ's commission.
Like the Israelites and the disciples, we too are led by One who speaks courage and wisdom. "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9b). As 2013 unfolds, we may encounter battles, new illnesses, disappointments. But our Savior and Lord goes with us each step of the way.
INSIGHT
"FOR GOD DID NOT GIVE US A SPIRIT OF TIMIDITY, BUT A SPIRIT OF POWER, OF LOVE AND OF SELF-DISCIPLINE."
(2 TIMOTHY 1:7)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Genesis 49-50
Psalm 25
Mark 5
Joshua 1:1-9
New International Version (NIV)
Joshua Installed as Leader
1 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 Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 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. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors 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 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. 9 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.”
DEALING WITH DEPRESSION [PART 5]
Where can we turn when we become stricken with shame or guilt? Some of us might turn to the world or even to ourselves - but Christ wants us to cry out to Him and experience grace.
No comments:
Post a Comment