Joshua's secret weapon 

 
Joshua 1:7-9

The secret of Joshua’s success in conquering the promised land was not military strategy or advanced weaponry. It was Bible study! God commanded Joshua to obey and consistently meditate on his law. “Then you will be prosperous and successful,” he declared (Joshua 1:8)

In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul urges us to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. That’s the same thing God was asking Joshua to do---to make his mind captive to God’s Word.

The strength and wisdom that Joshua gained from consistently meditating on the Word were the keys to his victorious life. Against all odds, he led his people across the Jordan River and conquered the fortified cities of Jericho, Ai and Bethel. In all, he and his company defeated 31 kings. He even saw God stop the sun in mid-heaven at his request. The Lord fulfilled every one of his promises to Israel as Joshua was faithful to study and obey his law (Joshua 21:43-45).

Is Bible meditation part of your strategy for overcoming the challenges you face? If not, start today!

Further Reflection: Psalm 1:1-3; 119:9-16; 97-104; Prov. 7:1-3.

Trusting God 
Many of us question whether we are fit to serve or to do things for God whether it is in Business, Education, Government, Missions or whatever.

Maybe God gave us a dream of something and for whatever reason, it has not come to pass. We are not really sure if we are good or smart enough, or if we have the right background, heritage, or culture.

Really, it mostly comes down to our identity. What is my picture of God or how do I think about God? Is it easy or difficult to trust him? Have my mistakes prevented me from seeing my dreams come to pass or from serving God in some way?

Remember the parable of the talents. We had a discussion recently with some friends about the guy who buried his talent because he had some
inaccurate ideas about his Master.

I want to share with you the following letter sent to me, to encourage you in your thoughts about yourself and about God.

Steve Goode, Director of Mercy Ministries, member of YWAM's Global Leadership Team

WHAT IF GOD DIDN'T WANT YOU?
There are many reasons why God would not want you,but, don't worry---you're in good company.

Moses stuttered.
David's armor didn't fit.
John Mark was rejected by Paul.
Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
Jacob was a liar.
David had an affair.
Solomon was too rich.
Abraham was too old.
David was too young.
Timothy had ulcers.
Peter was afraid of death.
Lazarus was dead.
John was self-righteous.
Jesus was too poor.
Naomi was a widow.
Paul was a murderer. So was Moses.
Jonah ran from God.
Miriam was a gossip.
Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out.
John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
Martha was a worrywart.
Mary was lazy.
Samson had long hair.
Noah got drunk.
Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
So did Peter, Paul--well, lots of folks did.

But God doesn't require a job interview. He doesn't hire and fire like most bosses, because He's more our dad than our boss. He doesn't look at financial gain or loss. He's not prejudiced nor partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, nor brassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need.

As much as we try, God's gifts are free.

We could do wonderful things for wonderful people and still not be...wonderful.

Satan says, "You're not worthy."

Jesus says, "So what? I AM."

Satan looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the Cross.

Sure. There are lots of reasons why God shouldn't want us. But if we are magically in love with Him, if we hunger for Him more than our next
breath, He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been or what we look like.

Step out of your limitations into the illimitable nature of who God is.

--Author unknown