Book of the Law

It is funny many people do not favor having to follow or be guided by a book of laws. However, God had a purpose for giving his chosen people a Book of Law by which they should follow and be guided.

We have laws in this country that people are guided by, especially, laws about speeding on highways. There is a reason for a speed limit; your safety and protection and for others.

There is a reason for the Book of Law that was given to the chosen people by Moses from God. It was for their safety and protection and for the safety and protection of others.

I am reminded of the scripture in the book of Joshua that states, "Do not let this Book of 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." (Joshua 1:8)

It is amazing when you think that God chose Joshua to led 2 million people into a strange new land and conquer it. I can't think of leading 2 people around the block without getting lost. Joshua, Moses successor, was appointed by God; he was an eyewitness to the Egyptian plagues and the exodus from Egypt, he was Moses personal aide for 40 years of wandering in the desert, and he was one of two spies who searched out the land that God had promised the chosen people and came back with a good report.

Because Joshua had assisted Moses for many years, he was well prepared to take over the leadership of the nation. Every new job is a challenge and God must have felt that Joshua was up to that challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God it can be a great adventure. Just as God was with Joshua, He is also with us as we face our new challenges.

God promises to never leave or abandon us. By asking God to direct us we can conquer many of life's challenges. Let's look at what Joshua is asking the people of Israel. He is saying to not let the Book of Law depart from your mouth. Constantly read and study the Book of Law--God's Word. Meditate on it day and night. Be consistent, think about it all the time so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Obey God's law and by doing so, you will prosper and be successful.

Many people think that prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts, and a relentless desire to get ahead. But the strategy for gaining prosperity that God taught Joshua goes against such criteria. He said that for Joshua to be successful, Joshua would have to be strong and courageous because the task ahead of him was not easy; he would have to obey God's law and he would have to constantly read and study the Word of God.

To be successful, follow God's words to Joshua; you may not succeed by the world's standards, but you will be a success in God's eyes, and his opinion lasts forever.

Thought for Today: Success and prosperity are obtained by following the Word of God and being guided by the Holy Spirit.