This was forwarded to me and I loved it (Joshua 1:8 just happens to be my favorite verse) and wanted to share it. It is an excerpt from Get A Grip Devotionals written by Beth Jones.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8, NKJV
Need a stimulus plan for your finances?
Want to prosper in this economy? Prosperity isn’t such a bad word; in fact, it’s especially needed in the Body of Christ these days!
Perhaps the reason the Lord has had so many preachers talking about the laws of prosperity over the past decade (and yes, some went to extremes) is because He knew that this day of recession, bailouts and failed banks would come. Perhaps the Lord has been trying to get His people to operate in His economy and by His “stimulus plan” rather than being dependent on the world’s system. He has certainly given us plenty of time to hear, believe and follow His system! Thankfully, many Christians have had ears to hear. Hopefully, you’ve had ears to hear and you’ve been enjoying the blessings of God’s economic laws for some time.
In the event this subject is new to you, or you need a primer, let’s take a look at some of the basics in God’s stimulus plan (from Joshua 1:8)
This Book of the Law…
God’s spiritual law of prosperity starts with His Word! The only way we can know God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God’s plan is through God’s Word. The Bible is living and active and through faith in God’s Word we progress, increase, overcome, succeed and prosper! 3 John 2 tells us that our prosperity in life is directly connected to the prosperity of our soul – this starts with the Word!
Bottom Line: Get into the Word to know God and His will, wisdom, plans and purposes. Let’s make the Word of God our Operating Manual for operating in God’s power to succeed.
…shall not depart from your mouth…
The power in God’s Word is set into motion with our mouths! We must get serious about believing and speaking God’s Word. When the Word of God fills our hearts, it will come out of our mouths – for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. In the same way that a bit in a horse’s mouth directs a horse; in the same way that a rudder on a ship turns a big boat and in the same way that a small spark lights a forest fire – so too, the tongue is a tiny member capable of setting big spiritual laws into motion.
Bottom Line: Only say what the Word says about our finances, success and prosperity. We can’t talk about lack, decrease, failure, doom and gloom and expect to prosper God’s way.
…but you shall meditate in it day and night…
God’s Word is so important to every area of our lives – especially our success and prosperity – that we are exhorted to read and meditate on it day and night. The Lord didn’t tell us to have 15 minute devotions each day; He said soak and saturate your heart and mind in His Word 24/7. That way His Word and wisdom will fill our being and we will always know what to do and when to do it.
Bottom Line: Get so immersed in the Word that it becomes a very integral part of your heart.
…that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it…
It’s not enough to read and meditate in the Word – that’s just a start. By faith, we need to see the Word fulfilled in our lives. Then, we must do the Word. We can’t be idle, passive or apathetic! We need to act on what we read and know. If the Lord says, “Rejoice” – Rejoice! If the Lord says, “Love” – Love! If the Lord says, “Tithe” – Tithe! If the Lord says, “Study” – Study!
Bottom Line: See it and do it! By faith, we must see ourselves successful and prosperous and then, we must choose to do everything the Lord tells us to do!
…For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
The Bible never condones passivity; it always encourages us to be proactive in pursuing God and His plans, ways, purposes, prosperity and success. Notice it says – that when we put God’s Word first and foremost in our lives, we will be filled with His thoughts and we will know what steps to take toward success. God won’t do everything for us. He won’t drop dollar bills out of the sky or fill our bank account with money, but, He will enable us to make our way prosperous and successful and that will change our financial status!
Bottom Line: We need to get busy doing the things God has told us to do regarding our finances, business endeavors and entrepreneurial pursuits; we need to follow His leadings and make our way prosperous!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Your favorites seem to be right in line with my favorites!
Read Psalm 1 (one of my favorite chapters in the bible) and reference the similarities with Joshua 1:8
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1
The more we submit our financial lives over to the Lord, the more He will bless!
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malichi 3:10
DebtFREEk!
Excellent article. Jesus is the only answer to this world.
Bob:
Great Post! I couldn’t have said it better myself. So much wisdom in so few words!
Following these simple principles will not only improve your finances but EVERY other area of your life as well.
CoolHappyGuy
Thank you so much for your post! You really hit the nail on the head with this one. With the economy the way it is right now with all the layoffs and more to come; government spending and deficit out of control; the continued housing slump; one wonders where to turn for help. It sure is nice to know that there are debt management companies out there that can help folks avoid bankruptcy and still keep their heads above water. Thanks so much for the taking the time to post this information
Definitely agree get into the Word.
This was right on Time. Thank You Jesus!
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