GOD'S FORMULA FOR SUCCESS--PART 2
Scripture Reading--Joshua 1:1-9
Give special attention to verses seven and eight,
noting what God said to Joshua about success.
Have you ever met someone who wanted to be a failure? I never have. We all want to succeed in what we do. Failure hurts; it's also part of being human. We all fail sometimes due to a lack of preparation, a bad decision we've made, the wrong influence of friends, or ignorance. Whatever the reason, we didn't want our efforts to turn out that way. That's why we need to know what God says about success.
As God prepared Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land, He told him four times to be strong and courageous ( Josh. 1:6, 7, 9, 18 ). His assignment was not going to be easy. Certainly Joshua wanted to be successful, and God shared his desire. God told Joshua what he needed to know so he wouldn't fail.
In Joshua 1:7-8, the Word of God central. Twice God says, "Observe to do." Knowing what God says isn't enough; the key to success is doing what He says. Obedience is the first step toward success.
God warned Joshua about the danger of distractions when He said, "Turn not from it [ the law ] to the right hand or to the left" ( v. 7 ). How easy it is for the things of the world to turn us away from God's Word. A biblical focus is essential for success.
God then commanded him to "meditate therein day and night" ( v. 8 ). Scriptural meditation is indispensable for success. God's Word must condition your thinking.
If you desire to be spiritually successful, you, too, must follow God's plan. Remember, people in the world have a different standard by which they measure success. They look at your bank account. But when God determines success, He looks at your heart. What does He see?
TALK ABOUT IT: As a family, discuss the three things God said to Joshua and determine whether you are following God's plan for success. If not, make whatever adjustments are necessary.
--Jack Palmer--
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