I’ve started reading the book of “Joshua”. I’m only on chapter 1, but reflecting on it and how this can be applied to my own life, the following has come to mind.

When God told Joshua that wherever he set his foot, he would be on land that God had given him. I feel that God says this to us as well. Wherever I set my foot, is where God has placed me for His purpose and not my own. To connect with who He wants me to, – to serve unwaveringly, wherever I am. Wherever I go, Jesus has already won the victory. He has already given me everything I need to possess what He has called me to do-the” land” that he has given me.

He told Joshua and us:”Be strong and courageous! Don’t turn to the right or the left. Meditate on the law day and night.

So That you may do all the law Moses commanded you.

So That you will prosper wherever you go

So That you may observe (Look closely, guard, inspect, recognize), all that is written.

This will cause

You to make your way prosperous and you will have great success.”

As He spoke to Joshua, he speaks to us:

“Be strong and courageous” –for in this life, there will be many battles.

So that you may do all the law Moses commanded you, (which can be summed up in Jesus’ words to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself.”

If you live in this way, you will prosper wherever you go. (Not necessarily as the world defines prosperity), but you will have peace with God. Ultimately, He is the only one that we have to be concerned with. Although, if you treat others as you want to be treated, you will have much success.

If I look closely at what is written, observe, inspect and do what is written rather than those things that please self, I will prosper.

Let’s look at just a few things that the Bible asks us to put off or rid ourselves of: anger, lust, impurity, slander, lying to each other. In contrast, just a few things to put on or clothe ourselves with: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience and over all, put on love and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

Recently, I had a situation that was similar to many instances before. I was planning on handling this in the way in which I always do…to talk to the Lord about it and pray for His strength to overcome and then bury it. Problem with this is that if you truly don’t overcome.If you truly don’t give it to the Lord and let Him handle it–a seed is planted- a seed of bitterness. Just as seeds of goodness and relying on the Lord can grow roots that are unwavering, bringing you peace in trying times. If we don’t pull up those seeds of bitterness, they too, will grow roots and stay firmly planted in our hearts. With each seed that is not uprooted, more roots upon more roots and they grow entangled in a web of unforgiveness even if we have felt that we were done with that.

This week, my boss asked me if I was okay. I stated that I was, and he asked me again. Even though for some reason, it made me teary eyed. I thought to myself, “that’s weird”.

The following morning, when I sat to do my reading, I couldn’t even pick up my Bible. I felt exhausted and just not myself. This was a day, that I was suppose to go to Bible study in Ellsworth. I got ready and went even though I felt just out of sorts. On the drive, I was talking to the Lord and the verse “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” came to mind. This is a verse that the Apostle Paul stated that the Lord told him when he prayed for a thorn in the flesh (a messenger of Satan to torment me)to be removed.

I believe that I also had a “thorn in the flesh” . A thorn of bitterness and unforgiveness, which I prayed that Jesus would remove. He reminded me that in my weakness (my inability to get beyond this issue in my own strength-my own wanting to, I couldn’t. I need Jesus. I need His grace. His gift that I don’t deserve, His gift of “It is finished”. That He has won this battle.

That afternoon, I went back to work and shared this with my boss. He listened, read between the lines and helped me pray for what was really the issue. I am thankful that he took the time to do this.

I love how God’s Word will take you from the Old Testament to the New Testament and back because His Words are true and unchanging.

When I allow unforgiveness, anger or anything else that we are instructed to “put off” to remain in my heart, I am not being courageous. I am turning to the right or left – wavering. ( The word hypocrite comes to mind). I am not loving the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind. for He has given me these commands to give me success and to prosper.

I do not prosper if I don’t treat others with the gifts that have been given me. the things we are instructed to “put on”. Tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, forgiving one another.

I continue to be blown away by the Lord’s grace that He gives me so that I do not remain the same. This! is cause to reflect on frequently- His grace.