Category: Daily Devotionals

12. So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas.

People often ask two questions concerning God, “Did God create evil?” and “Why does God allow evil to happen?” In a single sentence, Psalm 81:12 answers both questions with a resounding “NO” and “He doesn’t!” God does not create evil, and He definitely does not condone it. However, He has given free will to believers and nonbelievers alike, and He will not force His will upon either.

To the contrary, at the risk of accepting responsibility for our own actions, we must acknowledge that we not only create more ways of doing evil, but we also accept, normalize, and condone the evil that is contrary to the righteousness of God. Whether in word, action, or deed, our current generation has become less inclined to the ideas of godly living, leaning instead on its own understanding and desires of the flesh.

God has always allowed mankind to follow its desires. For the individual child of God, His discipline becomes the method to bring the lost soul back into alignment with Him. But with the hardened heart, discipline is ignored and dismissed as merely bad luck. Prompting “Why me” moments, and self-inflicted wounds become reasons to question God. The proud heart may never even recognize God’s calls. Pride becomes a guard against pain, making them judgmental of others as a way to deflect from their own shortcomings and misfortunes — pacifying themselves instead of repenting. Godly discipline should not be shunned but embraced. Hebrews 12:10 reminds us that, “For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.”

God’s desire is for His children to walk in His ways. When we do, He can bless us with the desires of our hearts, protect us from the evil that lurks, and satisfy us with His peace. Yet sometimes things beyond our control will happen, leaving us without understanding. The righteous will suffer many afflictions in this fallen world, but God promises to deliver them from them all (Psalm 34:19). His blessings, promises, and protections are not blocked by earthly circumstances — only by hearts that are hardened against Him. Humble hearts hear and respond to God’s calls, but a proud heart is blind to discipline, resists correction, missing the protection God wants to give.

By letting us follow the desires of our flesh, God is showing us the consequences of our choices when they align with the world, and not His ways. Allow His discipline to lead to self-discipline. Fear not the shedding of relationships, habits, and misguided teachings handed down. Instead, dare to come boldly seeking new understandings that reveal you to be the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). Unblocking the blessings and rewards that God has for your life.

Father God in Heaven, my faith has stayed in you, although my heart has swayed far from You at times. The desires of my flesh scream louder than the groanings of Your Spirit when I am weak. Correct my path, gently cure my thirst with your living Word, that it may go well with me, and my worldly pain turns into spiritual pleasure. In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.

1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 
2. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in His Law does he meditate day and night.

Born Sinners Called to Live righteous

It is said that we are not sinners because we sin, but we sin because we are sinners. Paul explains in Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” So we understand by this passage that just as we are born dying, we are also born sinners. At first glance, these truths would seem to relegate Psalm 1:1 to nothing more than poetic ‘injustice’ — for if we are born into sin, how can we fulfill what Psalm 1:1 commands?

“Free will” isn’t explicitly stated in the Bible, yet we see throughout the Old and New Testaments, that God allows believers and nonbelievers alike to follow the path of righteousness, or the path of sin. The path of righteousness is not without sin, but to the contrary, the path of sin is without righteousness. Though we are born into a fallen world, and as such we will stumble, it is God’s desire that we don’t fall into a life led by sin — which is a life that excludes Him.

Turning From a Path of Sin to Walk with Jesus

For the vast majority of us, we begin life on the path led by sin. God, knowing this would be our condition, sacrificed His only begotten Son to bear our sins and pay our sin debt. When we turn from the path of sin to the walk with Jesus, Psalm 1:1 becomes poetic ‘justice’. God can now bless us because we are no longer walking in the counsel of the ungodly or standing in the path with sinners. We become meek with humility, no longer angry with a scornful tongue, that speaks the devils lies to weaken others.

Walking with Jesus means you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. In your heart — not with your tongue only — you believe the Gospel: that Jesus died, was buried, and rose three days later. When God sees this faith in your spiritual heart, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within you. This begins the transformation of your desires from being carnal to spiritual. You practice denying your flesh while growing a desire to be obedient to God. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.” This is the true definition of being “born again.” The words of scripture become clear where they used to be misunderstood or overly complex. Where you once saw a God of anger, you now see a God of love and discipline in the Old Testament — a Father that chastised His children to bring them back to Him — just as He does with us today.

Don’t believe the voice of the evil one who tells you you’ve done too much wrong to be deserving of God’s grace. Instead, get to know God by reading His Word and seeing the many examples of those that were forgiven — and even chosen to serve Him. Paul was the chief persecutor of those that followed Jesus, not only imprisoning, but sending many Christians to their deaths. He lived with a devilish desire to eradicate all that followed Jesus, whether they were Jew or Gentile. Yet Jesus chose Him to be the apostle to the Gentiles, and to establish churches throughout the then known world. Paul is a testimony that God, in His infinite wisdom, will choose what we consider to be the “worst of the worst“, to bring the brightest glory to His name, gathering lost sheep back into His fold.

Father God in Heaven, being born into this world, I was born into a life of sin that separated me from you. Your calling to my heart proves you will never leave nor forsake me. Your sacrifice of Your only begotten Son proves that neither hell nor high water can keep your love from me, unless I choose to deny it. I pray for strength to walk the path lit by your light, that leads to life — with conviction to live godly in the way of the righteous, sitting among the humble. In Christ Jesus’ Name, Amen.

1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 
2. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in His Law does he meditate day and night.

Born Sinners Called to Live Righteous

It is said that we are not sinners because we sin, but we sin because we are sinners. Paul explains in Romans 5:12: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” So we understand by this passage that just as we are born dying, we are also born sinners. At first glance, these truths would seem to relegate Psalm 1:1 to nothing more than poetic ‘injustice’—for if we are born into sin, how can we fulfill what Psalm 1:1 commands?

Free will is not explicitly stated in the Bible, yet we see throughout the Old Testament and New Testament that God allows believers and nonbelievers alike to follow the path of righteousness, or the path of sin. The path of righteousness is not without sin, but to the contrary, the path of sin is without righteousness. A perfect example is King David, although he committed adultery and murder, God still considered David a man after His own heart. This is because his heart was not rooted in adultery and murder, rather it was rooted in following God’s commands, and leading His people righteously, although he did commit adultery and murder. Though we are born into a fallen world, and as such we will stumble, it is God’s desire that we do not live a life rooted in sin—which is a life that separates us from Him.

Turning From a Path of Sin to Walk With Jesus

For the vast majority of us, we begin life on the path led by sin. God knowing this would be our condition, sacrificed His only begotten Son to bear our sins and pay our sin debt. When we turn from the path of sin to the walk with Jesus, Psalm 1:1 becomes poetic ‘justice’. God can bless us when we no longer walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the path with sinners. We become meek with humility, no longer angry with a scornful tongue that speaks the devil’s lies to weaken others. Instead of seeking momentary pleasures of the flesh we become patient and practice self-control, and selfish motives are replaced with consideration for others.

Walking with Jesus means receiving Him as Lord and Savior, believing the Gospel in your heart, not merely professing it with your tongue: that Jesus died, was buried, and rose three days later. When God sees this faith in your spiritual heart, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within you. This begins the transformation of your desires from being carnal to spiritual. You practice denying your flesh while growing a desire to be obedient to God. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.” This is the true definition of being ‘born again.’ The words of scripture become clear where they used to be misunderstood or overly complex. Where you once saw a God of anger, you now see a God of love and discipline in the Old Testament—a Father that chastised His children to bring them back to Him—just as He does with us today.

Darkness Hidden Within Light

With our natural eyes, we do not recognize the evil that disguises itself as light (2 Corinthians 11:14). We often confuse the desires of our hearts with blessings from God when we receive them. The infatuation that yearns for a relationship with someone, if it ends painfully, feels like precious time was wasted—often resulting in a fear to love again. The obsession for a new home or car that leads to deeper debt, when patience may have revealed something far better from God. The frivolous spending on what we feel we ‘deserve’ that distracts us from responsibilities which should have taken precedence. The list of ways Satan deceives us through our selfish desires is endless.

Do not believe the voice of evil that says you have done too much wrong to be deserving of God’s grace. It is the enemy’s desire to separate you from God, and second only to sin itself is the attempt to make you feel unworthy of God’s love and redemption. Angels dwell in God’s immediate, unshielded glory, and this is why angelic free will does not come with redemption—judgment is swift and final. We see this when Lucifer and the angels who followed him were cast out of heaven when they became prideful and sinned against God. Human free will does come with redemption because of our earthly weakness and fallen nature. It is this grace through faith and salvation that stirred Satan and his fallen hosts to jealousy, and drives them to work nonstop to separate God’s children from their Father.

Faith is Our Protection, God’s Word is Our Weapon

It is God’s desire—and our only protection from spiritual deception—that we cultivate a relationship with our Father in heaven. We know from Jesus’ temptation in the desert that Satan knows every word of Scripture. We also see how Jesus used God’s Word to make the devil flee for a season. Satan knows our tendency to be double-minded, which is how he was able to twist God’s instructions to Adam and use them to tempt Eve’s curiosity.

In Ephesians 6:10-18, we read about the “Whole Armor of God.” We learn that faith is our protection and the Word of God is our weapon against evil in the spiritual realm. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:16: “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked,” and in verse 17 he writes, “and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” When we are rooted in faith and know the Word of God, we not only know who God is, but also have the protection of God. Mental attacks by the enemy are thwarted when we use the Word of God as a weapon—which is exactly what Jesus demonstrated.

God’s Wisdom Reveals His Glory Through Us

God’s Word teaches us that every one of us is able to receive His love, mercy, and grace—despite the mistakes we make along the way or the sinful path we may begin on. Scripture is filled with people who were forgiven after choosing to serve Him. Peter denied Christ three times, yet Jesus restored and chose him to feed His flock. One of the thieves crucified beside Jesus was promised a place in Paradise the moment he acknowledged Jesus as the Christ.

Paul was the chief persecutor of those who followed Jesus—not only imprisoning believers but sending many to their deaths. He lived with a devilish zeal to eradicate all who followed Christ, whether they were Jew or Gentile. Yet Jesus chose him to be the apostle to the Gentiles and to establish churches throughout the then-known world. Paul stands as a testimony that God, in His infinite wisdom, often chooses those we consider the “worst of the worst” to bring the brightest glory to His name, gathering the lost sheep back into His fold.

The potential to bring glory to God’s name is within every one of us. Although we are made lower than the angels, we are blessed with the free offer of redemption through faith in Christ who died for us. Every day granted to us on earth is a fresh opportunity to defeat the devil and his fallen hosts, while drawing others out of darkness by the godly light that shines through His children.

Scriptures That Testify to Our Human Nature of Sin and Our Battle to Live Righteous

Romans 5:12
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned.”

1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

1 Peter 5:10
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

Romans 5:17
“For if by the offense of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”

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A Prayer for Strength and God’s Light to Lead You in Righteousness

Father God in Heaven, being born into this world, I was born into a life of sin that separated me from You. Your calling to my heart proves You will never leave nor forsake me. Your sacrifice of Your only begotten Son proves that neither hell nor high water can keep Your love from me, unless I choose to deny it. I pray for strength to walk the path lit by Your light—the path that leads to eternal life, with conviction to live godly life in the way of the righteous, sitting among the humble. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Trinitarian Benediction

May God’s grace and mercy always find a dwelling place in your heart.
Through the Lord Jesus Christ, may you never forget that you have been saved.
And may the Holy Spirit lead you away from the troubles of this world.

11. For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 

God’s Chastisement Leads to His Promise

The focus of Jeremiah 29 is the captivity of the Israelites in Babylon. As is common in the Old Testament, the Israelites were repeatedly chastised by God for their idolatry, adultery, and stiff-necked disobedience. Even though God provided prophets like Jeremiah to speak His truth, the Israelites chose false prophets that would tell them what they wanted to hear, despite living in direct contradiction to God’s law. Because of this, God’s judgment for His people was for them to be held captive in Babylon for seventy years before returning them to Jerusalem — where they would be free and hopefully mindful of His Commandments.

To keep them hopeful and content while in captivity, God sent a message through Jeremiah, instructing the Israelites to build homes, plant gardens, work, even to marry and have children to increase their numbers. God also commanded them to get rid of the false prophets He did not send. If they obeyed, their time in Babylon would not feel like captivity. And when they returned to Jerusalem in seventy years, they would be a stronger, wiser, and more faithful than they were when God first removed them.

This is where we see God’s true unconditional love for His children then, and even for us today. The sins of today are not unlike those of the Israelites. Idol worship is still practiced when love for a person is stronger than love for God. Material things are coveted more today. Adultery and fornication remain common practices. Yet and still, God’s love for His children today, is as strong as it was for Israel. Romans 5:8 speaks this truth when it says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God wants our lives to be filled with peace, not evil, so He can bring us into eternal life with Him — 2 Peter 3:9 “not willing that any should perish“.

God doesn’t expect perfection — He expects obedience. And obedience is not the absence of sin. As humans, we will stumble, but we are not to live sin-filled lives. “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). When we focus on that love, we live with more peace, reflecting the righteousness of God, while leaving less room for sin.

Take time throughout your day to ponder God’s love for you, and consider what a life looks like that reciprocates that love. Dare to express your love for God in your daily walk. Risk change in exchange for the rewards God has prepared for you. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Our God is a full-time God, that desires full-time love from His children.

Father God in Heaven, as the world around me becomes louder, I pray for your peace that surpasses all understanding. In your peace I seek your will for me, that you may loosen the bonds of earthly captivity that wage war against my mind. When I stumble, straighten my walk with obedience. When I fall, raise me in humility. In my darkest hours, let Your light shine through me, that You may receive the glory when I search for you. In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen

11. For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 

God’s Chastisement Leads to His Promise

The focus of Jeremiah 29 is the captivity of the Israelites in Babylon. As is common in the Old Testament, the Israelites were repeatedly chastised by God for their idolatry, adultery, and stiff-necked disobedience. Even though God provided prophets like Jeremiah to speak His truth, the Israelites chose false prophets that would tell them what they wanted to hear, despite living in direct contradiction to God’s law. Because of their persistence in sin, God permitted His people to be held captive in Babylon for seventy years before returning them to Jerusalem—where they would be free and hopefully mindful of His commandments.

To keep them hopeful and content while in captivity, God sent a message through Jeremiah, instructing the Israelites to build homes, plant gardens, work, even to marry and have children to increase their numbers. God also commanded them to get rid of the false prophets He did not send. If they obeyed, their time in Babylon would not feel like captivity. And when they returned to Jerusalem in seventy years, they would be stronger, wiser, and more faithful than they were when God first removed them. But as we have learned from both the Old Testament and New Testament, obedience among God’s people was often short-lived. And from the New Testament to our current generation, we see that the more things have changed, the more they have stayed the same.

The Unchanging Struggle of God’s People Across Generations

The last Old Testament prophet used by God was Malachi, whose ministry was between 450-400 BC. He prophesied after the Babylonian exile, when the Jews returned to Jerusalem and built the Second Temple. God chose him to confront the corrupt priesthood, not paying tithes and offerings, the rise of divorce and marriage to foreign women, and the growing doubt of God’s justice. Today, the Christian church still faces many of the same issues the Old Testament Jews faced.

The Christian church continues to wrestle with false teachers and corrupt members of clergy. Divorce is still an issue among born-again Christians. Tithes and offerings are often viewed as the church trying to fleece its members, rather than a command of God for the sustainability of the church and its people. And the question, “Why does God allow so much evil?” has replaced confidence in God’s justice.

The sins of today are not unlike those of the Israelites. Idol worship is still practiced when love for a person becomes stronger than love for God. Material things are coveted even more today. Adultery and fornication remain common practices. Yet God’s love for His children today is just as strong as it was for Israel. Romans 5:8 speaks this truth when it says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Knowing that the human race had always been—and would always be—rooted in sin, God still sacrificed His Son for our redemption. God desires our lives to be filled with peace, not evil, so He can bring us into eternal life with Him—for He is “not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9).

A Call to Reflect on God’s Love and Our Duty to Reciprocate

Scripture reveals God’s true unconditional love for His children throughout history and in our lives today. Just as God doesn’t change, neither have His people. The human condition will always be plagued with sin and issues that come from sin. Our all-knowing God has never been surprised by this, and from the beginning He had a plan for our redemption.

God does not expect perfection—He expects obedience, and obedience is not the absence of sin. As humans, we will stumble, but we are not to live sin-filled lives. “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). When we focus on that love, we live with more peace, reflecting the righteousness of God, while leaving less room for sin.

Take time throughout your day to ponder God’s love for you, and consider what a life looks like that reciprocates that love. Dare to express your love for God in your daily walk. Embrace divine change to receive the blessings and rewards God has prepared for you. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Our God is a full-time God who desires full-time love from His children.

Anchored in God’s Unchanging Love and Faithfulness Throughout Time

Isaiah 55:9
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Deuteronomy 31:8
“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”

Romans 8:38-39
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

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A Prayer for God’s Peace and Love to Guide You

Father God in Heaven, as the world around me becomes louder, I pray for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. In Your peace I seek your will for me, that you may loosen the bonds of earthly captivity that wage war against my mind. When I stumble, straighten my walk with obedience. When I fall, raise me in humility. In my darkest hours, let Your light shine through me, that You may receive the glory when I search for You. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Trinitarian Benediction

When the world causes you to doubt, may you find hope in the promises of God.
When the world grows ever louder, may you find peace in our Lord and Savior.
And may the voice of the Holy Spirit lead you out of darkness and into the light.

7. Only be thou strong, and very courageous, that thou may observe to do all the Law, which my servant Moses commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand, or to the left, that thou mayest prosper wherever thou goest.
8. This book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then shall thou make thy way prosperous, and then thou shall have good success. 
9. Have not I commanded thee? be strong, and of a good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee, wherever thou goest. 

Joshua chapter 1 is a magnificent new beginning: Moses, God’s chosen leader of His people has died, and God chooses Joshua to succeed him in leading the people to the Promised Land. By verse 7, God is repeating His instructions to be strong and very courageous — going even further, commanding Joshua to not be afraid or dismayed. It’s understandable that Joshua would be overwhelmed at having to fill the shoes of Moses, but why so overcome with fear that God would have to repeat Himself three times?

Certainly, Joshua would have witnessed the rebellion of the Israelites towards Moses. He saw first-hand their disobedience to God, even idolatry in worshiping a golden calf. But he also would have had the privilege of experiencing the miraculous wonders God performed again and again, to gain the trust and obedience of the Hebrews — the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea then drowning of the Egyptian army in the same sea, manna for food, water from a rock for thirst, and the glory of God descending on Mount Sinai and the tabernacle. He would’ve been privy to hearing God’s voice first-hand, and without a doubt Moses would have shared with him divine instruction only those in the ministry were privy to. So why would God need to repeatedly instruct someone with intimate knowledge of His awesome power and authority, to be strong, courageous, and have no fear?

The journey of the Hebrews reveals profound truths about the human condition, we live with doubts and fears that have been with us since Adam and Eve’s fall from grace. Regardless of whether we view the journey from the perspective of the people, or the ministry, we see stumbling blocks, real and imagined, are a common theme. The Hebrews faced them being led, and Moses and Joshua faced them as leaders — and we face the same mental barriers today. Fear, doubt, insecurity, the weight of responsibility; struggles that aren’t new but are woven into the fabric of fallen humanity.

Today, we are not under the Law of Moses, but we are under God’s Commandments, which produce the same promises from God if we are obedient to Him. Not only did God repeat the instruction to be strong and very courageous, He also repeated the promise of prosperity and success. So why is it that the promises don’t stand out to us, but the instructions do?

Since the fall from grace, humanity has been conditioned to expect and see the worst, while not feeling worthy of God’s best. Jesus tells us in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.‘ The thief Jesus speaks of is the same devil who stole grace from Adam and Eve, brought death upon them, leading to the destruction of a perfect earth. His strategy remains the same today — his desire is to steal your confidence, kill your courage, and destroy your trust in God’s love for you.

No matter how often scripture reminds us that God has not only forgiven, but forgotten our sins, forgiving and forgetting is a struggle for many. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind. These are the attributes God originally gave His children before the fall, and through Jesus Christ, they remain available to us today.

Father God in Heaven, you have blessed me with a Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. I tend to lose sight of that blessing because the evil is so clear and present in this world. I come before you fallen and humbled, asking that your Spirit strengthens me spiritually, so that I am ever mindful of who I am in Christ Jesus. Keep my soul anchored to your truth, and my courage rooted to the sacrifice of Christ. Amen.

7. Only be thou strong, and very courageous, that thou may observe to do all the Law, which my servant Moses commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand, or to the left, that thou mayest prosper wherever thou goest.
8. This book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then shall thou make thy way prosperous, and then thou shall have good success. 
9. Have not I commanded thee? be strong, and of a good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee, wherever thou goest. 

A Fearful Witness

Joshua chapter 1 is a magnificent new beginning: Moses, God’s chosen leader of His people, has died and God chooses Joshua to succeed him in leading the people to the Promised Land. By verse 7, God is repeating His instructions to be strong and very courageous—going even further, commanding Joshua to not be afraid or dismayed. It’s understandable that Joshua would be overwhelmed at having to fill the shoes of Moses, but why so overcome with fear that God would have to repeat Himself three times?

Certainly Joshua would have witnessed the rebellion of the Israelites towards Moses. He saw first-hand their disobedience to God, even idolatry in worshiping the golden calf. But he also would have had the privilege of experiencing the miraculous wonders God performed again and again to gain the trust and obedience of the Israelites—the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea and the drowning of the Egyptian army in the same sea, manna for food, water from a rock for thirst, and the glory of God descending on Mount Sinai and the tabernacle. He would have been privy to hearing God’s voice first-hand, and without a doubt Moses would have shared with him divine instruction only those in the ministry were privy to. So why would God need to repeatedly instruct someone with intimate knowledge of His awesome power and authority, to be strong, courageous, and have no fear?

The Israelites Reveal the Human Condition of Doubting God

The journey of the Israelites reveals profound truths about the human condition—we live with doubts and fears that have been with us since Adam and Eve’s fall from grace. Regardless of whether we view their journey from the perspective of the people, or the ministry, we see stumbling blocks, real and imagined, are common. The Israelites faced them as they were led out of Egypt, both Moses and Joshua faced them as leaders—and we face the same mental barriers in our time. Fear, doubt, insecurity, the weight of responsibility—struggles that aren’t new but are woven into the fabric of fallen humanity.

Although we are not under the ceremonial Law of Moses, God’s moral commandments are written on our hearts through the New Covenant—which carry the same promises when we are obedient to Him. Not only did God repeat the instruction to be strong and very courageous, He also repeated the promise of prosperity and success. So why is it that the promises don’t stand out to us as much as the instructions do? Even though we are reminded of God’s promises in the New Testament—stress, anxiety, and fear often play a bigger role in our lives than any of us would like to admit. Romans 8:28 assures us that, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” But when deadlines we are unprepared to meet start closing in, another relationship seems to fail, or we prematurely give up on something or someone, the rubber meets the road and our faith is tested.

The Fall From Grace and Our Continued Assistance

Since the fall from grace humanity has been conditioned to expect and see the worst, while not feeling worthy of God’s best. Jesus tells us in John 10:10: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The thief Jesus speaks of is the same adversary who stole grace from Adam and Eve, brought death upon mankind, and led to the destruction of a perfect earth. His strategy remains the same today—his desire is to steal your confidence, kill your courage, and destroy your trust in God’s love for you. Every time we stress over financial strain, feel unworthy of love when a relationship fails, or give up prematurely we actively assist the thief.

When we assist the thief, we are robbed of the peace only Jesus can give. John 14:27 reminds us: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” We also become less able to see the path that God desires for us, as we learned from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Assisting the thief also silences the voice of the Holy Spirit, and we are warned in 1 Thessalonians 5:19: “Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” When the voice of the Holy Spirit is stifled, the voice of the evil one becomes louder, leading us to assist him in his desire to separate us from God.

The Word of God: A Path to Power, Love, and a Sound Mind

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.” These are the attributes God originally gave His children before the fall, and they remain available to us today. The instructions for walking in these attributes could not be any clearer. They come directly from God, which means they span all generations and should eliminate all doubt. We find them in Joshua 1:8: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.“

The Fruit of Obedience: Prosperity, Christlike Character, and Abundant Life

Simply put, when we mediate on God’s Word, obey His instruction, and walk in His truth, we are not only guaranteed power to stand, love to endure, and a sound mind to remain steady and at peace—we will also prosper. And the beautiful thing is, this is how we make our own way prosperous. Scripture tells us, “For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” It does not depend on prayers to be answered. Good success follows the person who follows God in study, in obedience, and in faith. These habits create strength and courage as we bear the good fruit that leads to prosperity. And this good fruit is not limited to material things—it includes a positive attitude, integrity, a heart of charity that desires to see others succeed, all steeped in love and patience.

These are the very qualities that Jesus demonstrated throughout His earthly ministry. They are the epitome of what it means to follow Him—and He expects His followers to display these same values in their daily lives. He said: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The mere physical presence of Jesus here on earth did not automatically transform lives without active faith. When we put our hope and faith in Him, and follow the example He left for us, then we can enjoy an abundant life—and help to ensure that our brothers and sisters in Christ do as well.

The Word of God: It Instructs, It Strengthens, It Refines

2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”

Psalm 119:15-17
“I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word.”

Psalm 119:71
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.”

Hebrews 4:12
“For the Word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

1 Peter 5:10
“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

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A Prayer Rooted in Christ, Clarity of the Spirit, and Strength of the Father

Father God in Heaven, You have blessed me with a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. I tend to lose sight of that blessing because the evil is so clear and present in this world. I come before You fallen and humbled, asking that your Spirit strengthens my spirit, so that I am ever mindful of who I am in Christ Jesus. Keep my soul anchored to your truth, and my courage rooted to the sacrifice of Christ. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Trinitarian Benediction

May the Word of God straighten your path and direct your steps.
May the many examples of the Lord Jesus Christ mold your spirit and soul.
And may you always hear and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit.