Joshua 1:8, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Today's verse is a recipe for spiritual prosperity and success. It is a charge given to Joshua as he is replacing Moses who died. Notice the key elements of today's verse:

• God's Word isn't to depart out of our mouth. The Word is to always be a part of the believer's discussion. If there is anything we should be talking about it is the Word of God.

• God's Word is to be meditated upon all the day long. Our thoughts need to be centered upon the Word of God. Memorization should lead to meditation (Psalm 1:2)

• Meditation should lead us to obedience. If God says it, that should settle it. If God commands, we should obey. There is no wavering on this point. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments."

It is only after we have followed the above recipe that the result of prosperity and success is realized. "....then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." The Hebrew words translated "prosperous" and "success" are similar with a slight twist. The word translated "prosperous" means to make positive advances in life. While the word translated "success" means to have good comprehension with positive advancement. Success is the outgrowth of prosperity.

I pray we will always follow the recipe of Joshua 1:8. It will lead to prosperity and success as defined by the Lord.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1.  What do you speak about the most?  Do you talk to others about God and His Word?  If not, why not?

2. Considering the importance of meditation as it relates to God's Word, how might you make certain to center your thought upon the Word of God throughout the day?

3. Are you making positive advances in your life?  List at least three.

4.  Prosperity leads to success according to Joshua 1:8, define what success looks like to God.  Does your opinion of success agree with God's?