Context: Joshua was given the role of leader to the Israelites after Moses' death. As he is still mourning the loss of Moses, God speaks directly to him about the upcoming task of crossing the Jordan into the Holy Land.
Text:
5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 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 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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 terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (NIV)
Taken from www.biblegateway.com
The Bible tells us that God's gifts are indescribable, good and perfect, irrevokable, and personal. But one of His most frequent gifts, his advice on life, is one we sometimes wish we'd never opened.
God has been giving his people advice since the beginning of creation. He's told us what to eat, what not to eat, how to worship, how to treat others, and how to grow into the person he created us to be. He's provided words that motivate, warn, and demonstrate his love. And, just so we don't forget, he's put a copy of his words right in our hands...in almost any language that is spoken.
Although we may not want his advice any more than a teenager wants the advice of a parent, we have to deal with the annoying fact that his advice is ALWAYS right! Once we have heard it, we are unable to return the gift and request one that is a 'better fit' -- despite the fact that we really don't want to follow, it we are now aware of the difference between right and wrong. His advice always pops up in our head at the most inconvenient times...just when we are about to give into a wonderful temptation.
Just think how wonderful next year would be if we all made a resolution to follow his advice no matter what! Ok, so maybe a year is pushing the envelope...how about if we just followed it for a day? God's advice can be a sharp, cutting sword and an all enveloping warm embrace. As you read you Bible this week, ask him what advice he is trying to give, and request his help in implementing it. You may be amazed at the results!
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