Be Very Careful - Some Good Advice

Yesterday I finished Joshua in my Bible reading plan.  Joshua and Deuteronomy before it have a few things in common, and I've been pondering that since I finished my reading yesterday.

At the end of each book the leader of the Israelites is at the end of his life, Moses in Deuteronomy, and Joshua in......well, in Joshua.  And as each of these men came to the end of their lives, they spent some time looking back over what God had done.  Several chapters of Deuteronomy list out all that God had done in bringing the Israelites from Egypt to the brink of the Promised Land.  This is followed by what is often called the Song of Moses, a doxology of praise for all God had done.

Joshua follows a similar pattern as he gives a final word of encouragement and instruction to the people, along with reminders of God's goodness.  This is one of the things he said to them:

"You know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you."  (Joshua 23:14 ESV, emphasis mine)

That's something that would be good for us to remember as well.  Especially in those times when we're feeling frustrated or discouraged.  And we all have those times, don't we?  So let's take some advice from Joshua and remember that not one word of God's promises has failed.

Joshua gave some other instructions to the Israelites on their way.   These are words we would do well to take to heart.  Some advice we would do well to heed.  Consider these words, some of the good advice that Joshua gave to the people of Israel.  Or maybe you just want to sit down and read the entire Book of Joshua.  If you do, I know you will be blessed and encouraged, just as I was.

"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."      (Joshua 1:8 ESV)

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."  (Joshua 1:9 ESV)

"Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed, all came to pass."  (Joshua 21:45 ESV)

"Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul."  (Joshua 22:5-6 ESV, emphasis mine)