I decided to begin the new year by reading the book of Joshua. And one verse has become a theme verse for this year.
Let me make a confession: I don't feel like I spent enough time in the Word of God this past year. Based on my conversations with other pastors, I think most of us feel like we don't pray enough or read the Bible enough. And as a pastor, Bible study can become a professional endeavor. It is so easy to study the Bible for the wrong reasons. I can study it looking for what God wants to say through me instead of what God wants to do in me.
Joshua 1:7-8 says:
Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. 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.
If I'm reading this right, the key to success is studying the Bible. I know that sounds simplistic. But that is where we draw the strength and courage to do the things that will make us successful. Scripture isn't just inspired. It inspires! It is the source of strength and courage. And success is the byproduct.
Now here is a thought. I don't think the Bible was meant to be read. I think it was meant to be meditated. Meditation is a thoughtful or prayer reading. I came up with this little mantra few years ago: reading without meditating is like eating without digesting. If you don't meditate you lose all of the nutrients.
I'd encourage you to meditate on this verse and the Holy Spirit will inspire you. The end result will be a more intentional and consistent consumption of Scripture. And if you study His word, God promises success.
Here's to a successful 2008.
Let me make a confession: I don't feel like I spent enough time in the Word of God this past year. Based on my conversations with other pastors, I think most of us feel like we don't pray enough or read the Bible enough. And as a pastor, Bible study can become a professional endeavor. It is so easy to study the Bible for the wrong reasons. I can study it looking for what God wants to say through me instead of what God wants to do in me.
Joshua 1:7-8 says:
Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. 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.
If I'm reading this right, the key to success is studying the Bible. I know that sounds simplistic. But that is where we draw the strength and courage to do the things that will make us successful. Scripture isn't just inspired. It inspires! It is the source of strength and courage. And success is the byproduct.
Now here is a thought. I don't think the Bible was meant to be read. I think it was meant to be meditated. Meditation is a thoughtful or prayer reading. I came up with this little mantra few years ago: reading without meditating is like eating without digesting. If you don't meditate you lose all of the nutrients.
I'd encourage you to meditate on this verse and the Holy Spirit will inspire you. The end result will be a more intentional and consistent consumption of Scripture. And if you study His word, God promises success.
Here's to a successful 2008.
17 Comments:
I think in addition to meditation, scripture memory is also more important that just reading. Scripture memory let's you constantly bring to mind what God is trying to tell you through his word.
When I'm starting to plan to much, I remember James 4:13-15; when I'm about to do something stupid, I call to mind Haggai 1:7; when I start to feel like I'm unworthy of Christ's love, I recall John 15:3.
Mark,
Thanks, as I prepare messages weakly, I am only digging into that what I am speaking on, but often I find myself looking through the bible to support a topic I felt lead to preach on. I really am wanting to change that this year, by letting God give me messages on what I reading, studying, and meditating on.
www.fasting21days.wordpress.com
hey Mark. Happy New Year.
respectfully i would submit that the verse tells us to obey the law - do not turn from it in any direction - so that you will be successful. it's not the reading of it, it's the obeying. i am sure that you know this and teach this but i think what you wrote is slightly off the mark.
also, i think we would all agree that it's not only obeying that determines a person's success. there is more to it. Job obeyed, right? It's up to our Lord. Faith plays a big part - but that, too, is a gift from God. We do our part and God does his, makes up the difference and goes far beyond what we are capable of on our own - even at our best.
BTW - I think I have starred more of your posts in my reader than any of the other 35 or so in there. I look forward to learning from your experience! thanks.
Thanks Mark. It's a powerful verse.
I think the key word in the verse is "obey". Obedience to God's Word is what makes us successful. Anything short of obedience is sin which separates us from God. Of course, to obey God's Word, we have to know it. To know it, we have to read it, study it, meditate on it, store it in our heart.....
Know that you are loved,
gaj
Thanks for sharing this, Mark. I like your thought about reading & meditating.
Lectio Divina has truly become a wonderful, albeit, sometimes difficult, habit to maintain - but always worth the return.
Happy New Year & God bless!
Justin
I deeply agree, the Word of God was never designed for mere knowledge or food for thought. The Word of God is at its prime when it is applied and lived out in the form of everyday life. It is this lifestyle that manifests God's Kingdom and His glory in a world absent of faith where seeing "is" believing. This rings true in the words of Jesus when He admonished us to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and [then they will] glorify or Father in heaven. How beautiful is the Word of the Lord seen in the lives of those who love Him most.
Joshua was a leader with a great purpose and task ahead of him. I'm sure like a lot of people he would experience fear, self-doubt, but God had the perfect remedy that He still prescribed for His people and leaders today. And it is hidden here in this verse. It serves as a parameter when he/we come to forks, dips or walls... in the road. And we all know they will come.
Great word, friend. God help us all to spend more time in prayer and the Word this year.
Before kiddos, every morning, I was meditating on a ton-o-bible. Now, a mama-bear of 2 little guys, I've wrestled with the fact that I'm giving God less. But u r onto something here: we need 2 meditate in quaLity not quaNtity. Thanks!
Wow! I can't tell you how powerful that is. Thanks for your constant encouragement. I really appreciate the blog.
One wise pastor once said, "Stay close to the Word of God, and the God of the Word will stay close to you."
Isn't it amazing that we neglect the very thing that will make us successful? May God strengthen us to be Mighty Warriors of Him!
Thanks for this reminder, Mark.
To those who argued that the verse is about obedience and not just reading/meditating, I would argue that obedience and application are implicit in Mark's post. I think that's part of his point on reading vs. meditation. Application is a vital part of true meditation and necessary for total digestion of God's word.
Thanks for good insight and inspiration.
Man, I have to read the Bible more for ME, than just what to tell THEM.
Good stuff....thanks.
www.callmetravis.com
What an awesome read!
I especially love the statement; "reading without meditating is like eating without digesting."
You're awesome Mark!
I love this in "The Message" version: "Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going." I love the part about not getting off track....reminds me of a GPS for believers, huh? :)
Great thoughts one and all.
I find it interesting that in the Hebrew language there is no distinction between knowing and doing. Doing is knowing and knowing is doing. In other words, if you aren't doing it you don't know it.
That was a tongue twister :)
Mark
The same verse is also our youth ministry's team verse this year! I cannot even begin to count how many times this verse was given to our youth leaders when the pastoral team wrote out their Christmas cards!
Charissa
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