"Success From God's Perspective" (Joshua 1:8)

Joshua 1:8 says, "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful 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." Notice that the Lord God equates success in life with being a doer of God's Word! Apostle James says, "But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:25). This is God's view of what success is! As Christ followers, God's viewpoint is the only one that matters! Also notice that meditating on the Word of God puts you in the position of being a doer of God's Word. The practice of meditation on the Word of God (simply thinking about it and its application to life) is a practice we develop through discipline. It's a habit that must have priority in our lives. The objective of our meditation is application or obedience to Scripture. In other words, the most important facet of meditation on the Word is the specific application of the Scripture to specific life situations! James told us that we deceive ourselves when we grow in knowledge of the truth without specifically responding to it (James 1:22). So as you read the Scriptures and think on them during the day, ask yourself these questions: a. What does this passage teach concerning the Lord's will for a holy life? b. How does my life measure up to that passage; specifically where and how do I fall short? c. What definite steps of action do I need to take to obey? This ensures that as you "climb the ladder of success," the ladder is not leaning against the WRONG wall! Your move. Be encouraged!