Joshua 1:8 – “Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.” (NLT)
Today’s One Year Bible reading in the Old Testament ends the book of Deuteronomy and begins the book of Joshua. There is a transference of leadership and it is bluntly stated in the beginning of the book of Joshua in verse 2, “Now that My servant Moses is dead, you must lead My people across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them” (NLT). This can be a daunting task for a new leader. How does one fill the shoes of one of the greatest men who ever lived?
Joshua’s success depended on three disciplines related to God’s word:
1. Study it continually. This is essential to your spiritual health. Our nose needs to be in the bible continually. That’s why I think there is no greater devotional tool than the One Year bible. It gives you and me the discipline we need to be regularly in the Word of God.
2. Meditate on it daily. The Word of God is not meant to just be mentally grasped, but also spiritually absorbed. The Word of God must become a part of you. This is where it has its transformative power. Your digestion of it will change you completely.
3. Obey it fully. The Word of God must become flesh. This happens when we take what we’ve read and digested and we begin to live it out. Listen to what God told Joshua: “Only then will you succeed.”
May you reap the rewards of scripture reading that can be life changing!