This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
—Joshua 1:8 (KJV)
Just as God reminded Joshua in today's verse, we need to be reminded that God gave his Law to be a blessing to his people. God gave Israel the Law to help his people live for him and display his will for them daily. He promised he would bless them if they would live God's way. God is their Creator who loves them. He knows the best way for people to live in harmony with the principles of his universe and the requirements of God's Law. This Law was not intended to hinder or interfere with their happiness. Instead, it was given to help them prosper and succeed. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul repeatedly reminded believers that we are no longer under law. But, as we live by the Spirit, the character that is produced reflects the character of Jesus, who fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17-20) and brought us the blessings God has intended for us all along. Bottom line: Following God's will and living his character is a blessing! So, with the Holy Spirit's help, let's follow Jesus' example, obey his words, and demonstrate his will in how we treat others! By so doing, we fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law, but we are motivated by God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit!
Loving Father, thank you for speaking your will in human words so I can better know how to live for you. I know obeying your will blesses me and those around me. Empower me with your Spirit so that your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love will be fully realized in my life and my impact on others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Joshua 1:8 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Just as God reminded Joshua in today's verse, we need to be reminded that God gave his Law to be a blessing to his people. God gave Israel the Law to help his people live for him and display his will for them daily. He promised he would bless them if they would live God's way. God is their Creator who loves them. He knows the best way for people to live in harmony with the principles of his universe and the requirements of God's Law. This Law was not intended to hinder or interfere with their happiness. Instead, it was given to help them prosper and succeed. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul repeatedly reminded believers that we are no longer under law. But, as we live by the Spirit, the character that is produced reflects the character of Jesus, who fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17-20) and brought us the blessings God has intended for us all along. Bottom line: Following God's will and living his character is a blessing! So, with the Holy Spirit's help, let's follow Jesus' example, obey his words, and demonstrate his will in how we treat others! By so doing, we fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law, but we are motivated by God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit!
My Prayer...
Loving Father, thank you for speaking your will in human words so I can better know how to live for you. I know obeying your will blesses me and those around me. Empower me with your Spirit so that your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love will be fully realized in my life and my impact on others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
