READING:
One-year plan: Joshua 1-5
Two-year plan: Job 38, Acts 27:1-12
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This is one of my favorite times during the year—when I get to read my favorite book of the Old Testament, the book of Joshua. No matter how many times I read it and study it, I learn something about God, about myself, about leadership, etc., each time I open it.
Today, I’m captured again by God’s command to Joshua not only to be strong and courageous, but also to obey His Word without exception: “observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go.This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do” (Josh 1:7-8). Obedience to the Word of the Lord was non-negotiable if Joshua desired success and victory.
Here’s why these words are important to me today. I’ve spent some time over the last week thinking about the spiritual heroes in my life, and what immediately comes to mind is their commitment to the Word. In fact, each of these men so knew/knows the Word that it seems as if it simply drips from their lips. They read it. They mediate on it. They memorize it. They recite it. They love it—seemingly more each time they read it. They speak it not only in the preaching event, but also in daily conversations. They do not turn to the right or the left; they focus on the Word like a laser beam locking on its target.
There’s a reason these heroes of mine have had significant ministries for decades: they observe carefully all that God has commanded. I pray I am following in, and will continue to follow in, their footsteps.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you following God’s Word in every area of your life?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, I don’t want to turn to the right or the left away from Your Word. Help me today.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Joshua 6-9
Two-year plan: Job 39-40, Acts 27:13-38
MEMORIZATION VERSE (March 1-15):
“He is your glory and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen.” (Deut 10:21)
