Wisdom From Joshua
Joshua 1:8 is just one verse in the Bible, yet it is full of great wisdom. The wisdom stated here is repeated throughout the Bible many times, different wording, sometimes in part, sometimes in full, but always stating the importance of knowing the Bible. That is why this verse is such a great verse to begin a Devotional study.
Keep the Law Always on Your LipsJoshua 1:8 first states "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth," this reminds us of the importance of constantly reading and discussing the word. The Bible is one of the primary ways God speaks directly to us.
God wants us to search the bible ourselves, because it is the only way we can be assured that what we believe is truly based on biblical principles, not based on someone else's beliefs. Think back when you and your friend's used to play telephone. The further down the line, the words get confused, until the message does not even resemble what it started as. This can also happen, when our primary bible teaching is in devotions from other people, not God's inspired word. Learning from others is great; He wants us to go to church, bible study, retreats, but He also wants us to crack open our Bible and read it and not just once a week. |
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Meditate on It, Everyday and Night
If you are anything like me, all to often, Sunday morning rolls around, and you realize you have spent more time getting ready in the morning then one-on-one time with God. He will be part of our life whether we acknowledge Him or not, but He wants us to be an active participant in our daily walk with Him. He wants us to talk with Him, tell Him our problems, but even more than that praise Him for all that He has done for us. Thessalonians 5:17 repeats this when it says, "Pray without ceasing."
What does praying without ceasing look like? Think of how you are when you are hanging out with your best friend. Whether you are happy or sad, you share even the smallest detail with them. You get giddy when you see them, and thank them for putting up with you when you are grouchy or distant. Even when you are quiet, not speaking with one another, there is a comfort in just knowing that your friend is near. God wants to be that best friend. Whether we are actively speaking to Him, He wants us to feel content knowing He is right there.
Then of course, the more we meditate on His Word, the more we remember to follow it.
What does praying without ceasing look like? Think of how you are when you are hanging out with your best friend. Whether you are happy or sad, you share even the smallest detail with them. You get giddy when you see them, and thank them for putting up with you when you are grouchy or distant. Even when you are quiet, not speaking with one another, there is a comfort in just knowing that your friend is near. God wants to be that best friend. Whether we are actively speaking to Him, He wants us to feel content knowing He is right there.
Then of course, the more we meditate on His Word, the more we remember to follow it.
Be Careful to do Everything Written On It
1 Timothy 4:16 reminds us to "watch our life and doctrine closely." We need to constantly analyze our actions and thoughts to make sure they are pleasing to the Lord. Not because we have a fearful God, although we do, but because He is much wiser than us. He has seen many people fail and succeed. He knows what we need to know to have a successful life, because we are stubborn creatures by nature, He even has it spelled out for us in the form of the Bible. Open to Proverbs, there is tons of great wisdom in that one little book.
He wants our lives to be smooth, peaceful, successful, and prosperous, which is why he has listed how to do it, in his word.
He wants our lives to be smooth, peaceful, successful, and prosperous, which is why he has listed how to do it, in his word.
Then You Will be Prosperous and Successful
Does having a successful prosperous life mean there are no troubles to be had.Of course not? We live in a fallen world, where pain and suffering are part of everyday life, but life will go more smoothly, the closer to God's word we adhere. He wants us to be spiritually rich.
Colonel Sanders said, "There's no sense being the richest man in the cemetery." This profound statement, points out that worldly possessions will never truly make someone rich, we need to seek after spiritual riches.
Spiritual riches might include the salvation of others. We might not be able to bring our gold to heaven, but we sure can bring our friends. Others may include helping others, ministering to others, faithfulness to the Lord, and let's not forget our own salvation.
The Bible is God's very breath. We need to read it, analyze it, apply it, and take it to heart. The only true way we will ever be blessed is through God the Father, His Son, and His Holy Ghost.
Colonel Sanders said, "There's no sense being the richest man in the cemetery." This profound statement, points out that worldly possessions will never truly make someone rich, we need to seek after spiritual riches.
Spiritual riches might include the salvation of others. We might not be able to bring our gold to heaven, but we sure can bring our friends. Others may include helping others, ministering to others, faithfulness to the Lord, and let's not forget our own salvation.
The Bible is God's very breath. We need to read it, analyze it, apply it, and take it to heart. The only true way we will ever be blessed is through God the Father, His Son, and His Holy Ghost.
Copyright 2014 by Blessed Life with Children - please do not use without written permission.