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Day 10: Abiding in His Presence

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Joshua 1:8

Hebrews 1:1-3; 2:1-3; 6; 1 Corinthians 10; Psalm 1; 111

The Lord entrusts His word to Joshua. Joshua had already demonstrated to the Lord that he wasn't just attentive to hearing the word but that he internalized the word with a firm faith in his heart and then courageously pursued a course of complete obedience to God's commands. Even so, God gives clear instructions and sharpens Joshua's attention, saying, "The book of the law shall not depart from you," and "You shall fulfill this word directly, without going round to the right or left" (Joshua 1:8). God, rich in mercy, didn't provide instructions that allowed retreating one or two steps here or there in certain situations.

When John the Baptist came to the people, he aimed to straighten people's paths to the Lord. It was time for Israel to align their lives according to God's word and will. All of Israel and Judea acknowledged their sinful and wicked ways to turn their hearts to the Lord and be in His presence.

The Epistle to the Hebrews begins in a serious manner – God, who loves to speak to humans, has spoken His final word to mankind in Christ! Revelation is no longer in process; it is complete! That's why the author emphasizes, "You no longer have the option of walking away and drifting from the Word, which is Jesus Christ!" There may be many distractions around us, trying to pull us in another direction, but this is our chance to hold firmly and courageously to God's course.

"Therefore, we must be especially attentive to what we hear, lest we fall away"! How do we listen to Him? How often are we immersed in His presence? Do we walk firmly in His presence? He richly saturates us with His word, strengthening our faith and allowing spiritual growth from infancy to maturity. In God's presence, the heart chooses to walk by faith, not by human wisdom or what it sees and calculates. Those who choose to hear and obey the Lord reap the rewards of faith.

Revelation begins by saying, "Blessed is he who reads and hears the words of prophecy and keeps the things written therein!" (Revelation 1:3)

True hearing of God's word must lead to complete and unqualified obedience, or we will fail utterly. But often, the cares and experiences of this world turn our backs on God and His word! Israel, despite walking in God's daily favor, under the manifest presence of the pillar of cloud and fire, the manna, and more, still harbored unbelief, staying away from God's words, ways, and plans for forty difficult years!

In 1 Corinthians chapter 10, Paul wants us to know that all the forefathers who came out of Egypt and were in the wilderness had access to the same benefits. Still, some chose to hear and be obedient, while others had ears but couldn't hear. They all were under the same cloud, passed through the sea, ate the same spiritual food, and drank the same spiritual drink, yet faced disaster and perished. Free access to the same spiritual blessings and hearing the word of God doesn't guarantee spiritual success and victory.

Israel serves as a pattern for us. We can be participants in spiritual growth. But if we persist in lusting for evil, as Israel did, that lust will lead us continually to idolatry, and idolatry leads to fornication and immorality—desiring to eat, drink, be merry, and take the easy way out. Israel continuously tempted the Lord in the wilderness and paid with the deaths of thousands upon thousands of people.

That's why the New Testament warns, "Let us not tempt Christ as some of them were tempted." "Let us not murmur as some of them murmured and perished." We must be cautious, especially when we think that we are in no danger of falling! Then, when temptations and disappointments befall us in our wilderness of life, we must remember that these are ordinary human trials. God won't allow us to be "tempted beyond our strength." He is faithful to His promise, providing a way out of difficult situations and the strength to endure them.

Therefore, forsaking sin and avoiding idolatry, let us cling to God, abiding in His presence, partaking of the body of Christ, the Lord's meal, and not what the world feeds us. Let us not provoke the Lord by deviating to the right or the left.

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

1 Timothy 4:16

Reflection Questions:

1. What are you passing on from generation to generation? Faith or murmuring? Obedience to the Word or forgetfulness?

2. In making choices to build a relationship with the Lord, my decisions about "what is allowed" should serve (1 Corinthians 10:23):

- To strengthen my relationship with the Lord?

- To please myself?

- To prioritize doing good for others?

Prayer:

1. "Lord, bless me to dwell in Your presence, to remain close to Your heart. May Your word take root in my heart, enabling me to stand strong and courageous in the face of life's storms and temptations, ultimately bearing fruit in due time.
2. May leaders in the sports movement hear Your voice with clarity.
3. For strong and powerful “multiplying teams.”
4. Pray for GOFitness – may they continue to reach many in the world of fitness.