Success God's Way

In Joshua chapter one, verses five through nine God visits Joshua as he is assuming the leadership of the children of Israel.  As we launch into a new year we can use God's instructions as a guide for our success in a new year.

God makes some awesome promises to Joshua as he assumes the leadership from Moses (image following Moses as a leader). I believe these promises apply to us today as we study and obey God's Word. 

First, God promises success. "No one will be able to stand against you" (v 5) and "you will be successful in everything you do" (v 7). 

Secondly, God promises support. "I will be with you as I was with Moses" (v 5) and "the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (v 9).

Thirdly, God promises a system for this to work--"Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do" (v 8).

If we follow God's system we can expect God's support and God's success.

When can you set a daily time to read, think, and prayer?

What is the Most Important Thing I Can Do for God?

That is a big question!  Some might say we should be out winning the lost.  Others would say that we should care for the widows and orphans.  Some might say the most important thing would be to build more churches or schools.

But when I read John 15 I hear Jesus say that our first priority is to “remain” or “abide” in the vine.  The Greek word means, “to remain, continue, stand firm.”

Much of what we attempt to do for Jesus fails to reach its full potential because we fail to get the first part right—we do not begin from a position of remaining in Christ.  There are a lot of good ideas that were not “God ideas.”  I believe that “God ideas” are birthed from our time standing in the presence of God.

In a western culture that values action and busyness it is hard to carve out the intentional time to “remain” in the presence of God.  But the most important thing I can do for God is “remain” in His presence.

When Gabriel introduced himself to Zacharias in Luke 1 he identified himself as “Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God.”  He was the same Gabriel who brought God’s word to Daniel in the Old Testament 600 years earlier.  He is also the angel who came to Mary to announce God’s plan for the birth of Jesus.  From scriptures we know that Gabriel was a warrior and messenger for Almighty God.  But when he introduced himself the focus was on one thing, “I stand in the presence of God.”

I challenge each of us to look at our daily schedule and see when we can carve out a few moments to “remain” or “stand” in the presence of God.  If you don’t have a regular pattern of time with God start with five minutes a day.  Read a passage of scripture and ask God what He wants you to get from that passage.

If you have been following God for some time, try 15 minutes a day.  Read some Scripture, ask for God to show you His truth, and then share with God your hurts and needs.  As you begin to make this a regular habit you will need more time—and you will discover some “God ideas” and directions.