The Courage to Obey

"Therefore, be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left." - Joshua 23:6

In his farewell message, Joshua commands obedience to God's Word without compromise. I see a principle in his words: it takes courage to obey God's Word. It takes courage to adhere to pure scriptural truth amidst the prevalence of false teachings. It takes courage to resist temptations and the devil's deceitful schemes. It takes courage not to compromise with the world and sin; it takes strength to persevere in the race of faith. 

From my diary,

April 24,  2024

The Fear of the LORD: Key to Abundant Blessings

 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways." - Psalm 128:1

"Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD." - Psalm 128:4

God's blessing is the result of fearing God. Those who fear God have hatred for sin, love for His Word, obedience to His commands, and a commitment to walking in His ways. In their reverence for God, they shun evil and pursue holiness, resulting in blessings upon their work and family.

From my diary,

April 23,  2024

Standing Against Evil

 "... you are not able to tolerate evil ones. And you have tested those claiming to be apostles and are not, and you have found them false." — Revelation 2:2

In the letter addressed to the church of Ephesus, in addition to rebukes, there were also words of praise, and here are two things worthy of praise: they cannot tolerate evil ones, and they exposed the false apostles. The true church does not tolerate evil and can expose the lies of self-proclaimed apostles. Those who do not teach what Christ's apostles taught and do not act like them are false and must be unmasked.

From my diary,

April 22,  2024

The Battle for Blessings: Driving Out Sin to Claim God's Promises

 "... for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong." Joshua 17:18

Because God's promise was there, it didn't matter how strong the Canaanites were; it didn't matter if they had chariots of iron. Although sins are strong, although they may seem insurmountable and easily besetting, God's children must drive them all out.

The house of Joseph had to drive out the Canaanites to have the mountain country. God's children also cannot enjoy their blessings as long as there is sin in their lives. It didn't matter how long the mighty Canaanites had dwelt on the mountain; they had to be driven out, and God's people could do it.

There is no sin that is impossible to overcome. By God's power, we can and must put to death all sins.

From my diary,

April 21,  2024

Kill the sin

 "... for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage." - 2 Peter 2:19

There is no more severe bondage than to be brought into captivity by sin.Sin takes captive those whom it overcomes. A person will not become a prisoner of sin unless they are defeated. The victor brings the vanquished into bondage. In order to avoid becoming a captive, one must achieve a lasting victory over sin. The Lord secured victory for us with His holy blood, equipped us with weapons, and taught us the principles of victory. In order not to be defeated by sin,we must kill the sin immediately. If we do not kill sin, it will overcome us and bring us into bondage.

From my diary,

April 20,  2024

Have courage to be in the minority: follow the Lord

 "Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the LORD my God." - Joshua 14:8

Caleb had the courage to be in the minority: they were two out of ten. The other eight men discouraged the people with their negative thoughts, but Caleb followed his Lord God completely with Joshua. He was brave because he believed in God's promise, God's power, and God's mercy. He did not follow the discouraging news of the eight people because he followed his Lord God with all his heart. If the Lord said He would give Canaan to them, then it doesn't matter how many giants are there.

True servants of God, like Caleb, will stand with the minority, if the minority stands with Jesus. They will say, "but I..." because they acted differently.

God’s children will say: "Many followed man-made teachings, but I believed the Word of my God." "While others walked the broad road, I chose the narrow road.

From my diary,

April 19, 2024

Peace of Christ

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27

Here lies the blessed inheritance for the disciples of Christ—not only for those of ancient times, but also for those of today: the peace of Jesus.

The world may offer imitations, but never the authentic peace of heaven. Only Jesus bestows true peace. His peace soothes the heart and the mind, enduring eternally. The peace provided by the world is fleeting, born of indifference and self-delusion. Yet, the peace bestowed by Jesus is grounded in the perfect work, faithfulness, mercy, power, and wisdom of God.

From my diary,

April 18, 2024

 

The Importance of Seeking God's Counsel

 "Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the LORD." - Joshua 9:14

When you believe what you see with your eyes and do not ask counsel of the Lord, there is a danger that you will turn the enemy into an ally. There is a danger of tolerating those whom you should oppose, of cooperating with those whom you should reject; there is a danger of mistaking evil for good, darkness for light.

The men of Israel looked at the false evidence brought by the Gibeonites: the moldy and dry bread, the torn wineskins, the worn and old clothes, and believing them, made a covenant with them without asking the Lord. After a few days, they found out that they were deceived. They should have asked the Lord, not been guided by what they saw.

I have often been guided by what I saw, what I understood, and felt, and I did not ask the Lord. When you do not ask the Lord, you are deceived by people.

I will always ask counsel of the Lord so that I don't give the "Gibeonites" a place in my life."

From my diary,

April 17, 2024

Right desire: eternal life Right place: In the presence of the One who has the words of eternal life

 "Then Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you also want to go away?'" - John 6:67

"But Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.'" - John 6:68

"Do you also want to go away?" The elect would not give a positive answer to this question from Jesus. It was unimaginable to them. Who else could they turn to? They had nowhere else to go because no one else possessed what they desired, what they were seeking: eternal life. Many may offer wise words for earthly life, but only Jesus offers words of eternal life. If earthly life was what the disciples sought, they would not have remained with Jesus. The right desire kept them in the right place: in the presence of Jesus. Those who seek God's Word will abide with Jesus.

From my diary,

April 16, 2024

Trust and obey

 "Now Joshua had commanded the people, saying, 'You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I say to you, "Shout!" Then you shall shout.'" - Joshua 6:10

"So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city." - Joshua 6:20

How simple is the pathway to victory: it lies in the trust of God exhibited by His people, leading to obedience to His Word, which in turn results in the victory bestowed by God. They did their part, followed God's instructions exactly; God did His part, fulfilled His promise, and gave them the city. Had they shouted prematurely, they would not have victory; similarly, had they hesitated and delayed their shout, victory would have remained out of reach— the walls would have remained standing. It's not just about doing what God says, but doing it when He says.

Obedience to God's Word is a clear indicator of the trust His people place in Him. In honoring that trust, God bestows victory upon His faithful.

From my diary,

April 15, 2024

Crossing the Jordan: A Sign of God's Deliverance

 

"And Joshua said, 'By this you will know that the living God is among you, and that He will assuredly drive out from you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite.'" - Joshua 3:10

The miracle of crossing the Jordan on dry land would serve as proof that God was with His people and would also remove other obstacles from their path, driving out the enemies—the seven nations of Canaan. This miracle would instill belief in new victories. Joshua commands God's people to listen to God's Word and be encouraged by the miracle. Although their fathers had crossed the Red Sea on dry land, they still doubted and asked, "Is the Lord among us?" (Exodus 17:7). However, they needed to be certain that the Lord was among them, present.

They were to be confident that the Lord would remove the seven enemy nations. As the Red Sea saw and fled, and the Jordan turned back (Psalm 114:3), so would the enemies flee and turn back. Surely they would flee, for the living God goes before His people.

God does not leave His work unfinished. He will complete the good work He started in us (Philippians 1:6).

If I have witnessed God's miracle at least once in my life, if I have seen how He removes obstacles from my path, then I should never doubt or ask, "Is the Lord with me?" I know that there will be more enemies on my way, but the Lord will drive them all out.

From my diary,

April 14, 2024

The Lord is with you

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

The Lord commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid, not to be dismayed, and enabled him to fulfill that commandment by giving the promise of His presence. We are also commanded to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid, and we are also promised the presence of God. If God's presence is there, so is courage and strength. Because He is present, we will not fear the enemy of our souls, the devil, and his servants, the wicked ones.

When daddy is present, little kids are not afraid of anything; they brag about how strong their daddy is. Our daddy, our heavenly Father, is present and He is the strongest; we His children have nothing to fear.

From my diary,

April 13, 2024

The beloved of the Lord are safe

 “The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by Him, Who shelters him all the day long; And he shall dwell between His shoulders.” - Deuteronomy 33:12

Although this verse is about Benjamin, I believe the promise is for all of God's beloved ones.

What a secure haven, a safe refuge for God's beloved. God protects them all day long. Under His watchful gaze, we find safety and solace, shielded from dangers, temptations, and the assaults of the enemy.

In His presence, fear loses its grip on our hearts, for we find shelter in Him. Why should worry or anxiety trouble us when the Lord Himself safeguards our every step?

Fear finds no foothold in our lives when we abide in the refuge of His love.

From my diary,

April 12, 2024

Journeying with God: Finding Comfort in His Promise

"And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." - Deuteronomy 31:8

These words that Moses spoke to Joshua are an encouragement to all of God's children. If they walk in the right way, the narrow way to heaven, then there is One who goes before them: God Himself, who is Almighty, Omniscient, and never mistaken. If the Almighty walks before us, then the way is safe for those who follow Him. There will be dangers on the way, and He will warn us about them; there will be enemies, and He will defeat them; we will get tired on the way, and He will strengthen us.

If He will not leave us, then fear and worry will leave us. If He is with us, our fears are groundless.

From my diary,

April 11, 2024

 

The heart: a place to write God's Word

 "And you shall write very plainly on the stones all the words of this law." - Deuteronomy 27:8

In the Old Testament, the people of God had to write the Word of God on stones in order to remember and obey it.

God’s people of the New Covenant also has a place to write the Word of God: the heart. If I want to fulfill God's commandments, obey His Word, and remember His Word, I must write it plainly on my heart.

Writing in a notebook is not enough if His Word is not inscribed in my heart.

The Word of God written in my heart keeps my life in holiness.

From my diary,

April 10, 2024

I praise God's Word

 "In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust." - Psalm 56:4

"In God will I praise His word: in the LORD will I praise His word." - Psalm 56:10

Every person who loves God's Word and has a thankful heart echoes the praise of David..

Lord, I praise your Word, from which I have been born again, whose sweetness I have tasted. I praise your Word, which renews my soul, sanctifies my life, makes my heart joyful, and comforts my soul. Lord, I praise Your Word, whose beauty, power, and holiness I admire, and in which I find new wonders every day. I praise Your Word, which is food for my soul, a lamp and light for my feet, a theme for my songs, honey, a treasure, a source of wisdom, and a source of peace.

I praise Your Word, which when I hear it, my heart burns within me, Your Word, which I keep in my heart. I praise Your Word, which is Life and Spirit, my textbook, and my guide for walking the narrow path. I praise Your Word, which is the object of my meditation and the subject of my prayer. I praise Your Word, which I want to obey, which I want to tell others, I praise Your Word, which I thirst for. I praise Your Word, which is my sword in spiritual warfare. I praise Your Word, which is eternal.

I praise You for giving me Your precious Word.

From my diary,

April 9, 2024

Remember and learn

 "Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the way when you came out of Egypt!" - Deuteronomy 24:9

Moses' reminder of Miriam's punishment did not mean that he had not forgiven her or was holding a grudge, but it was a warning to others. If the prophetess was punished for speaking against God's servant, everyone should be careful not to commit that sin. When we see the consequences of other people's sins, we should not rejoice, criticize, or be haughty but learn a lesson.

From my diary,

April 8, 2024

Meditations on Lest Verses: Lest He Find Us Sleeping

 "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning — lest, coming suddenly, He find you sleeping." - Mark 12:35, 36

Let no Christian waiting for the coming of Jesus be found sleeping at His coming. This is the most important reminder for those awaiting Jesus.

Lest Jesus find me asleep when He returns.

To ensure He does not find me sleeping, I must watch all the time. I must watch and stay awake to do the tasks assigned to me. I must stay awake to make preparations to go to my heavenly home. I must stay awake so that when my Lord comes, He will not find me sleeping but working for Him.

Those awaiting an important trip cannot sleep; they are eagerly anticipating the trip. And we, who are waiting for the most glorious journey, should stay awake even more diligently.

Topical meditation 2024

April 7

Meditations on Lest Verses: Lest We Boast

 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." - Ephesians 2:8, 9

No one is saved by any other means, and no one can claim to have earned their salvation or deserved to be saved.

Those who are saved understand what they truly deserved—hell, eternal damnation. They also recognize that they received what they did not deserve: eternal life, salvation.

In recognizing this truth, we are humbled, for we acknowledge that our salvation is not earned but freely given.

We are saved by grace, and salvation is the gift of God, lest anyone boast.

Topical meditation 2024

April 6

Meditations on Lest Verses: Lest We Become Weary and Discouraged

 "Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." - Hebrews 12:3

In the race of faith, weariness and discouragement often threaten to hinder our progress. Various trials, temptations, and obstacles confront us, testing our resolve. Yet amidst these challenges, there remains a singular remedy: consider Jesus.

I must resist the temptation to succumb to weariness and discouragement, for I have a race to run. Even in times of limited strength and numerous tribulations, when victories seem scarce and defeats abound, I must consider Jesus. I must recall His endurance in the face of hostility, remembering for whom and for what purpose He endured such suffering.

Topical meditation 2024

April 5

Meditations on Lest Verses: Lest We Fall from Our Own Steadfastness

 "You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked." - 2 Peter 3:17

We should be careful to avoid falling from our own steadfastness.

I desire steadfastness: I want to be steadfast in faith, not shaken by anything, and to reject doubt and unbelief in the Lord's promises. I aim to be steadfast in prayer, to learn to pray without ceasing. I strive to be steadfast in holiness, not allowing any manifestation of sin in my life through actions, words, or thoughts. I aspire to be steadfast in serving God, overcoming discouragement and laziness, and remaining steadfast in gratitude to the Lord, refusing to entertain complaints and grumbling in my heart.

I will always seek the presence of the Lord, and I will not fall from my steadfastness. I say with the psalmist, "I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." (Psalm 16:8)

Topical meditation 2024

April 4

Meditations on Lest Verses : Lest We Forget the Lord

"Beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage." - Deuteronomy 6:12

The Lord had promised His people that He would lead them to the land promised to their fathers, providing them with large and beautiful cities, houses full of good things, wells, and olive trees—none of which they had labored for. However, Moses warned of the danger in receiving blessings and favors without any effort; there was the risk of forgetting God, the giver of all those blessings.

The same principle applies to God's people in the New Testament. As we receive spiritual and physical blessings, we must not forget the God who bestows them. We must beware of the sin of ingratitude, remembering His love, His sacrifice, His commandments, and our dependence on Him. We must remember that we are a people separated from the world and that we owe everything to Him.

Forgetting God leads to a hardness of heart, a lack of prayer, ingratitude, and self-righteousness, from which all kinds of sins arise. Therefore, I will always pray, be thankful, and meditate on God's Word, His works, and His love.

Topical meditation 2024

April 3