Living Free - Jan. 21, 2014

"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." - (Joshua 1:8 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

As Joshua prepared to lead the Hebrew people into their Promised Land, God instructed him to study his Word. To meditate on it day and night and to obey. "Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do."

As they marched around Jericho those seven days, the Hebrew people were to carry the Ark. That left no doubt that it was the Lord who would make the conquest of Jericho possible.

And what a conquest it was. The Jericho wall was massive, and the collapse was nothing less than a miracle of God. There were two walls fifteen feet apart. The outer wall was six feet thick while the inner wall was twelve feet thick. Both were about thirty feet high. But no obstacle is too great for our God. The walls came tumbling down!

Consider this …

The best time to begin meditating on God's Word is now! Even if you are not facing a Jericho. As you soak in God's Word, you will grow to know him better. To love him more. To understand his promises. And as all that happens . . . your faith will grow. Then when the Jerichos come—and they will come—your focus will already be where it needs to be: on God.

The Israelites did not focus on the strength of Jericho's walls. They focused on God's Word. They were walking by faith in the promises of God . . . not by sight of the massive walls.

That's what we need to do too. Walk by faith in God's promises, not by what we see. And we can only trust in God's promises as we get better acquainted with him and his Word. As we learn what he has promised. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17 NKJV).

Prayer

Father, I commit to spending more time in the Bible. I want to know you more. I thank you that my faith will grow as I hear your Word. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Godly Heroes: A Small Group Study of Hebrews 11by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This guide presents a step-by-step study of Hebrews 11. It also features the profile of the characteristics of Godly heroes, written in language that relates to today's living. In this guide you will find definitions, characteristics and examples of the heroes' faith life. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.