Joshua 1 - 3

Does anyone want to be successful? I'm sure you're saying, "Well, duh!"
There isn't a single one of us that doesn't want God to bless us in everything we do! And, in Joshua 1:8, God gives us insight as to what it is He looks for in a person He wants to bless and make successful "in all you do."

Here they are:

1) Study God's Word - This is NOT just reading it, but studying it!
2) Meditate on God's Word - This allows God's truth to sink in so you can apply it!
3) Obey God's Word - This makes you a channel through which God can work in and through you!

Success is relative! It is NOT necessarily defined by wealth, achievement, position, or fame. It can be as simple as being a loving dad or a faithful friend. Either way, success means something different to all us, especially God! God sees success as something totally different than how we envision it. To Him, success is your faithful devotion and trust Him and His Word, and His enthusiasm about blessing the work of your hands.

The only thing you and I need to strive towards is simply pleasing God! When we focus our life on that one single goal of putting a smile on God's face, everything else will fall into place.

Here's another good admonishment for life..."Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (1:9) God's advice to Joshua before he went on a war campaign was two-fold:
- Don't be afraid! Remember what King David said in Psalms 23:4, "Even though I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me..." If you're afraid - of anything - that fear comes from Satan! The Bible teaches us in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind." There's an old hymn that I love to sing when I feel afraid which goes like this, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." It's so true! When we have our focus on God and we are armed with the arsenal of the promises we find in His Word, we can discount fear and charge ahead boldy trusting in Him and His power!
- Don't be discouraged! It's easy to get discouraged...isn't it? I remember Dr. Jerry Falwell making a remarkable statement one time. He said, "The greatness of a man is not determined by what he's achieved, but by what it takes to discourage him!" Over the years, I've given that statement a great deal of consideration, and I think he's exactly right!
- The Lord is with you wherever you go! That's why we don't have to be afraid or discouraged! His Presence is all we need!

God can use anyone for His work and glory! In Joshua 2, we read the remarkable story of how God used Rahab, the prostitute, to help hide the two Israelite spies and give them confirmation that everyone in the entire land knows about the power of their God! Of all people, God saves a prostitute and her family! Our God is RICH in mercy and grace, and we should be as well! God didn't approve of Rahab's lifestyle, but He didn't reject her from being saved or protected. God loved Rahab, even though He hated her sin. He granted grace to her for showing respect to His children. As we read the rest of the Bible, we find an absolutely mind-blowing fact - that Rahab becomes an ancestor of King David and of Jesus Christ! Isn't God amazing?

God splits the Red Sea as they left Egypt and splits the Jordan as they enter the Promised Land! It's interesting that the same miracle happens at the beginning and end of their time of testing in the wilderness for 40 long, dusty years! How long has it been since God has performed a miracle in your life? You may feel like you're in the desert and it's been a long time since you've heard God's voice or seen God move in your life. But, open your eyes, unlock your ears, and really analyze for a moment. God is not static in your life! He's active! He's willing to talk to you today and He's willing to move in a mighty way. The question is, "Are you looking and listening?"

It's often hard to hear God or see God at work when we're too busy or too active. My recommendation is to slow down, find some quiet place, and spend some time in God's Word or in prayer. Ask the Lord to open your eyes and ears. And, see what marvelous things He is doing in your life!

May the splendid countenance of His face shine on you and through you today!