Joshua 1:9 - Courage in Calamity: The Dynamics.
Joshua 1:9 - Courage in Calamity: The Dynamics.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God
will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (NLT) 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 made some extravagant promises to Joshua. He knew that
Joshua would face fierce enemies and overwhelming obstacles and
therefore would need to remember these assurances in tough times. We need
to be able to hang on to God's promises as well. Praying Scripture
back to God is a valuable tool to assist us in our spiritual growth -
"reminding" him of his promises, as it's sometimes called. Repeating the
assurances of God's Word in prayer elevates and guides our requests. By
praying God's words back to him, we have assurance that we are praying
effectively. [NIV Once A Day Bible re Jos. 1:1-9]
Have you ever read this verse and tried to be stronger and
more courageous? The key to deep and lasting change isn't trying
harder. Pastor Rick Warren says, "God specializes in miracle makeovers."
Try to imagine what good changes could happen in your life if you
depended on God's infinite power instead of your own willpower.
Effort is necessary, but it's effort fueled by the power of
God's Holy Spirit. The Bible says, "Be energetic in your life of
salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy,
an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what
will give him the most pleasure" (Philippians 2:12, 13 MSG).
God loves you so much that he freely puts his power to work
in your life. He wants to be the one who is shown to be victorious.
That's why he works so powerfully in the lives of weak and humble
people. For what do you need his power today? Bring all of your
weaknesses to God and receive from him the power to be strong and
courageous. [The Daniel Plan 365-Day Devotional re Jos. 1:6]
Be strong and courageous. Do not be discouraged, for I will
be with you wherever you go. You can choose to be strong and
courageous even when you are feeling very weak. However, the weaker you
feel, the more effort it takes to choose to be strong. It all depends
on where you look. If you gaze at yourself and your problems, your
courage will melt away. The choice to be bold rests on your confidence
that I am with you and for you. Through eyes of faith, see Me on the
path before you, beckoning you on, one step at a time. Looking to Me
consistently will increase your strength and valor.
When everything seems to be going wrong, refuse to get
discouraged. Remember that I am a God of surprises: I am not limited by the
way things are or by the paltry possibilities you can see. I am
infinitely creative and powerful. With Me all things are possible! The
longer you wait for your prayers to be answered, the closer you are to
a breakthrough. Meanwhile, waiting for Me - aware of My loving
Presence - is a blessed way to live. I am good to those who wait for Me.
(Jos. 1:9; Mat. 19:26; Lam. 3:25, 26) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young]
Come to Me, and rest in My loving Presence. You know that this
day will bring difficulties, and you are trying to think your way
through those trials. As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget
that I am with you - now and always. Rehearsing your troubles results
in experiencing them many times, whereas you are meant to go
through them only when they actually occur. Do not multiply your
suffering in this way! Instead, come to Me, and relax in My Peace. I will
strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear into
confident trust. (Mat. 11:28-30; Jos. 1:5, 9) [Jesus Calling by Sarah
Young]
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Hear Me saying Peace, be
still to your restless heart. No matter what happens, I will never
leave you or forsake you. Let this assurance soak into your mind and
heart, until you overflow with Joy. Though the earth give way and the
mountains fall into the heart of the sea, you need not fear!
The media relentlessly proclaim bad news: for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner. A steady diet of their fare will sicken you. Instead
of focusing on fickle, ever-changing news broadcasts, tune in to
the living Word - the One who is always the same. Let Scripture
saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily along the path
of Life. Even though you don't know what will happen tomorrow, you
can be absolutely sure of your ultimate destination. I hold you by
your right hand, and afterward I will take you into Glory. (Mark
4:39; Deu. 31:6; Psa. 46:2; 73:23, 24) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2012/20120410-1420.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Musical Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDY:
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
LINKS FOR PROPHECY SEMINARS:
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
http://www.lastdayofprophecy.com/
[March 21-26, 2016: Charlotte, NC in person with live streaming
and multiple outreach locations]
Revelation Today by Pastor John Bradshaw:
https://revelationtoday.com/other-streams/
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
