A Word Of Encouragement - From The Lord

Joshua 1:1-9

The Word of God is spoken to Joshua for his encouragement. Before we can speak the Word of God to others, the Word of God must be spoken to us.

"Do not turn from it to the right or to the left" (Joshua 1:5). We are pulled this way and that way. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. "This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth ... carefully observe everything written in it" (Joshua 1:8).

In the strength of the Lord (Joshua 1:6,9) - We must never forget this. without His strength, we are nothing. With His strength, everything changes. Life becomes new. The Holy Spirit is leading us on into God's future. We don't stay where we are. We move on to where God wants us to be.

"Joshua" = "salvation" - This points us forward to Jesus.

The land was given and had to be claimed - a picture of salvation: by grace through faith for good works (Ephesians 2:8-10).