Stand in the Gap

God told Joshua beforehand that Jericho would fall to the Israelite army. In order to obtain this victory, God gave Joshua exact instructions: (continue reading…)

Moses has died and Joshua has just taken over the leadership of the Israelites. God gives Joshua a true formula for success in Joshua 1:8,9:

“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. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

God makes it very clear to Joshua that he: 1) must know and be obedient to all of God’s laws, 2) must make God the focal point of his life, and 3) must have total and complete faith in God.

If we will only take these same steps, we also will be on our way to success in God’s eyes.

Jeremiah was so filled with sorrow at the spiritual condition of the people of Judah that he is called the “Weeping Prophet”. He was not successful by the world’s standards, as he was poor and rejected by many. But by God’s standards he was a great success! He was obediant and faithful no matter what the personal cost!

After the terrible destruction of Jerusalem, he wrote these words of hope:

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23.

And again, in 31-33:

“For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.”