January 8th, 2026

Read Joshua 1:1-9 NIV

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand 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. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Key Verse Joshua 1:8

 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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.

This verse makes me think of the policies and procedures manual at my work. UGH! Who wants to study that? Well, as much as I may not WANT to, the policy and procedures manual is where I can find the answers to the ways my employer wants things done. If I do not adhere to these policies and procedures, I will not be successful in my job, and I could be terminated. If I do study the policies and procedures and obey what is written, I gain wisdom and insight and will be successful in the eyes of my employer.  And my job is likely to be secure.

 The Book of Law refers to the first 5 books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). These books were written by Moses with God’s instructions and commands for His people, Israel. As Joshua prepares to take over, God reminds him to follow the same instructions He gave to Moses to ensure success. God reminds Joshua to remain faithful in his relationship with Him and to trust in Him as his spiritual guide.

As you read Joshua 1:1-9, meditate on this portion of God’s Word. May you be reminded that God is always with you. Knowing, believing, and trusting in God’s promises that He is always with you, ask God to reveal to you how He desires for you to step out in courage.

Let’s pray:

Dear Lord, We are so grateful for Your promises, Your Word, and Your instructions. Help us to draw closer to You and follow Your commands. Help us to be good and faithful servants as we gain strength and courage from Your constant, unfailing presence. Let all that we do be focused on Your Will. Thank you for always being with us. Amen