Joshua 1:9

Scripture:

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NASB)

Observation:

It would have been easier if we didn't look down. During rookie school with the local fire department, we had to learn to repel down the side of a building. That meant tying ourselves in and lowering ourselves over the side of the building. Looking down from the top didn't make it any easier, but we knew we had to go. Today's verse speaks of God's command to Joshua - to be strong and courageous, not trembling or being dismayed for the Lord was with him. I wondered as I heard the command from our officer to begin my decent, if I really was strong and courageous. It may have looked like it, but there was a part of me that thought, "This is crazy!" In life, God may call us to do come crazy things like talk to a stranger, comfort someone we don't know, maybe even pray for someone right in the middle of the hardware store. It is during those times we need to be strong and courageous and stand on the promise that God is with us wherever we go and whatever we do. So wanna get crazy for God? Do something out of your comfort zone to bring someone a little help along their way.   

Application:

• Personal Application: Continue spending time with the Lord daily. Sow righteousness and reap the fruit of God's unfailing love. 
• Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that we must continue to spend time with the Lord and keep our hearts focused on His plans and purposes. Pray for them.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network. Tom lives with his wife, Carolyn, and children in New York. You can connect with Tom on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.