Daily Devotional – April 10-15
April 10 – Meditating on God’s Word
This week we begin a new devotional series that offers less content but more opportunity for you to reflect, contemplate, and pray through the short Scriptures we offer. It is a series where we do not hurriedly read the material and move on to the next activity of our day. It is an opportunity for us to slow down and enjoy time in the presence of God. It is an exercise in listening with the intent of hearing from God through His Word and by His Spirit. I pray that you will take advantage of this series by fully engaging in the process of thinking and praying through the portions of Scripture that are offered and that you will find yourselves refreshed and renewed as you learn to linger in God’s presence. Here is the passage for the week. We will break it down into smaller segments in the days ahead.
Joshua 1:7-9, “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.”
April 11 – Meditating on God’s Word
Joshua 1:7, “Be strong and very courageous…”
In order to help us think and pray upon these words, we will use the pattern of the W.O.R.D. I will offer my example, but you will want to do this exercise for yourself.
Write out the Scripture. (As it is or in your own words. To write it, slows you down and puts the word into your hand, head, and heart.)
“Be strong and very courageous.” or “Be strong. Be brave.”
Observe what it is saying. (Try to answer as many of the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions)
As we read the larger context, we discover God is speaking words of encouragement and instruction in preparation for Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land. Moses has died. So, Joshua has been given the reigns of leadership to do what seems to be an impossible task. It is understandable that Joshua may be fearful. God encouraged him by speaking courage into his life.
Relate it to your life. (Connect how this Scripture speaks into your life today.)
As I face the task of leading souls to Jesus, deeper in a relationship with Jesus, I feel the heavy weight of such responsibility. I need God’s courage spoken into my life to fulfill His great task.
Do something. (Pray it. Live it. Act on it.)
“Lord, I choose to receive Your word as my word today. ‘Doug, be strong. Be brave.’ Amen.”
April 12 – Meditating on God’s Word
Joshua 1:7, “…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.”
Write out the Scripture.
“Be careful to obey all of God’s law; stay on its path without taking any detours so that you can arrive safely at your final destination.”
Observe what it is saying.
God is giving Joshua instruction for how he is to lead and how he can have confidence to take on this huge task. It begins by fully and faithfully following God’s law as it came through Moses. Because this is God’s way, it is the path that will lead to Joshua’s success in his great calling.
Relate it to your life.
If I expect to be successful in the work that God has called me, then I must diligently read, reflect, and follow the truth of God’s word.
Do something.
“Father, by Your grace and Spirit, give me wisdom to understand Your will, and the courage to live it out today in all my decisions and interactions. Amen.”
April 13 – Meditating on God’s Word
Joshua 1:8, 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.
Write out the Scripture.
Speak God’s word. Think about it continually so that you do it. This is the path to God’s success and prosperity.
Observe what it is saying.
We are given more instruction on how to be obedient to God’s word. We are to speak it. To meditate is to read, reflect, and speak God’s word so that it becomes ingrained in us. This leads to obedience which is God’s definition of success.
Relate it to your life.
It is important to speak God’s word out loud so we become better immersed in it.
Do something.
I will more often speak the Scripture as I read and reflect on it.
April 14 – Meditating on God’s Word
Joshua 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged…
Write out the Scripture.
“Again, I command you to be confident and brave. Don’t let fear or discouragement take hold.”
Observe what it is saying.
This is such an important message that God repeats it. Notice that God doesn’t suggest that he be strong and courageous. He commands it. He expects it. God adds to the command: Don’t be afraid and discouraged. If these feelings continue unchecked, then faith has not been placed in God’s leadership.
Relate it to your life.
Ongoing fear and discouragement are indicators that I may not be trusting God to lead me through the challenges and opportunities of life.
Do something.
“Jesus, I surrender anew to you so that the Holy Spirit can fill me with your powerful presence so that fear and discouragement dissipate and strength and boldness take charge. Amen.”
April 15 – Meditating on God’s Word
Joshua 1:9, 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.”
Write out the Scripture.
“For the Lord God is always with you in whatever situation you find yourself.”
Observe what it is saying.
The command is based upon the promise of God’s presence and power at work with us and within us. This is the reason for being strong and courageous.
Relate it to your life.
I cannot be strong and courageous on my own. I need the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within me. That is all I need because the greatest power of all powers accompanies me into all situations and into all places.
Do something.
I choose to believe the power of God with me is greater than the circumstances of my life that bring fear and discouragement.