Joshua 1:8 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.
I am 56 years
old and just realized that I have spent nearly forty percent of my life in
school. Counting from kindergarten through high school, through college and
then five years of graduate school, I spent twenty two years in school. The
entire process was designed to get me educated in order to be a success in
life. Skills and abilities were strengthened by this education. In seminary,
too, time was spent on learning to speak well, prepare a 3-point sermon outline
and techniques for counseling. Life has been a process of preparing to be
successful in life and vocation.
The study of
courage was never on any course list in my twenty two years of schooling. Yet,
as God begins the story of Joshua we see this idea of courage being emphasized.
College and seminary never fully prepared me for the courage needed to live a
life of faith. Learning about life is important. Learning a vocation is
essential. Learning to be courageous is the basis for living in faith.
Success in
the eyes of God is found in obedience to the Book of the Law, our Bible.
Studying it gives us the information needed to live a life pleasing to God.
Memorizing passages enables us to keep it fresh in our minds. Sharing it with
others is a practice that enables our hearts to reach out to others.
