Joshua 1:17-18 “Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses! Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”

What is God saying to me?  The people of Israel tell Joshua they will follow him.  However, they have a request,  “Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses!”  We read earlier: “And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10 – emphasis added).  We need our spiritual leaders to be intimate with God.  We need to know that God is leading us through them.

And this leads to the other request: “Only be strong and courageous.”  Where do spiritual leaders get this strength and courage?  It is a direct result of their intimacy with God.  We read earlier: “Have I not commanded you? 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 – emphasis added).  Leaders can be strong and courageous because the Lord is with them.

What do we desire in our spiritual leaders? Intimacy with God, strength and courage.

How will I obey?  I will pray for my spiritual leaders to be with God wherever they go today.  As a man called to lead others spiritually, I will prioritize meeting with God “face to face.”

Who will I tell?  My ministry team

In response to Joshua 1:17-18, how can you grow as a spiritual leader today?

Our Bible Reading Challenge: The Bible is the Word of God and the power of God is released in our life when we apply it. Join us as we follow the One Year Bible plan. Links to read digitally can be found online at www.pcbc.org/bible.