Core Value of CMA Part 4 - God's Word

Knowing and obeying God’s Word is fundamental to all true success.

Read and Reread Joshua 1:1-9

As you read it, I hope you can really jump into Joshua's frame of mind. Moses, their leader out of Egypt, into the wildnerness, the one that brought the commandments from God to them, has just died. The people lost their leader so they felt like they lost their direct lifeline to God. God had been speaking through Moses to them. How would you feel? Words like scared don't do justice to their feelings. They were probably ANXIOUS, FREAKING OUT, SCARED OUT OF THEIR MINDS. Then God comes along side Moses' aide and now tells him that it is his turn now, go be strong and courageous and bring the people to the land I have prepared. SNAPS Joshua was again probably wondering how in the world he is going to do this. Is he the right person? How will people follow him and how could he ever be a leader like Moses was?

Then God gives Him the ultimate kicker - I will be with you like i was with Moses. Verse 5 - "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Amazing! God tells that to us today too. Jesus will be with us always as He calls us to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

Then God gives Joshua this challenge to give to the people - verse 8 - "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

Joshua can't just do whatever he wants, he can't lead however he wants, he has to do it God's way and know God himself. He and the people need to do this by knowing, meditating, speaking of God's Word - AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - LIVING IT OUT!!!!!

We love saying we know stuff in the Bible but we can't just let it be head knowledge. We have to let it be the very way we live our lives.

I know i have encouraged all of you to find God in everything that we do and see. So in our families, in our relationship with our friends, in media (the tv shows we watch, the songs we listen to, and the movies we see), in nature and that is important, but NEVER Neglect time with God's Word which is essential in knowing God and doing what He calls us. "Never let good books take the place of the Bible. Drink from the Well, not from the streams that flow from the Well."Amy Carmichael.

How have you done in this past year in reading God's Word and making that a priority in your life? Were you able to live it out in your life?

How is God challenging you to read His Word this upcoming year? Make goals (to finish the New Testament, finish the Old Testament, finish the Whole Bible)!

Thursday: Pray for the church (small c)
Pray for our building expansion project. We want to establish a place where people can be discipled and grow in their walks and invite people to come join us in building God's kingdom.