Bible Reading: James 1:21-25
Memory verse: Joshua 18:3, “Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: ‘How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?”
The Israelites had entered the Promised Land after conquering Jericho and even taken possession of a good portion of the land, yet Joshua reminded them that God had more for them and was encouraging them to go for it. He then sent out some men to go and check out what God had for them. This is like our studying the Bible to find out what our inheritance is. James 1:25 states, “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” We cannot stop at finding it out; we must go further in faith by taking possession of what we see in the word of God. Many have wondered why their lives haven’t made much progress though they “read the Bible”. We have to actively and daily take our stand on the word of God in faith. Speaking and meditating on what is in the word of God.
In addition to this, we must not get comfortable where we are, like the Israelites did. There is always an additional territory to be conquered. This is because, the enemies you allow to remain amongst you, will become a “thorn in your flesh”. According to Numbers 33:55, “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live.” There is no evil that God wants us to tolerate. Remember we can conquer and win because Christ is the one who gives us strength.