Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 6, 2024
Joshua 1:7-9
7 “Be very brave and strong as you carefully obey all of the Instruction that Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t deviate even a bit from it, either to the right or left. Then you will have success wherever you go. 8 Never stop speaking about this Instruction scroll. Recite it day and night so you can carefully obey everything written in it. Then you will accomplish your objectives and you will succeed. 9 I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Good Morning! Jesus calls us over the tumult!
We are called to be brave and strong in our pursuit of God’s will. The Book of Joshua begins with Moses's death. Joshua has been anointed as the new leader to bring the Israelites into the promised land.
Imagine for a moment knowing that you are following Moses as the leader. Have you ever had a time when you needed to say something, but the person before you did a magnificent job? As a musician, I have had to perform after someone delivered a fabulous performance as I was waiting to play. What about following a very successful coach, as the new head coach?
Your predecessor has set an amazing benchmark, and now you are expected to begin at that level and excel to new heights. It is a very scary proposition. How can you improve “perfection?” The mistake that we sometimes make is trying to be the person who came before us.
Joshua couldn’t be Moses. He must develop his own authentic leadership through which new possibilities exist. The leader who follows greatness must forge a new way through the wilderness. By the grace of God, we have the Holy Spirit within us so that we may step out bravely and build our strength with each step we take.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We are weak, but teach us to be strong! We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When we rely on God, we receive God’s strength and wisdom.
Be True to Yourself! Pastor Liz