Advancing Encouragement By:
Bishop James Jr. Hairston

Joshua: 1:8: This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mays observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

What a mighty challenged Joshua was up against, he had to fill some mighty big shoes that were worn by Moses. Moses was a mighty man of valor, a great leader, a liberator, a law giver, and a prophet from God that accomplished what man cannot and will not ever accomplish again in this life time. Moses ushered in the Law of God called the Mosaic Law, the first five books of the Bible. Who can top that in the history of mankind (with the exception of Jesus Christ?) Joshua now becomes the man of valor, a great leader, a liberator and a judge (in light of Moses the Law giver.) While Joshua is up against fulfilling a mission that Moses could not, to cross over the Jordan into the land of giants. I can only imagine the apprehension, the fear and the anxiety he must have felt. Jehovah God told Joshua three times within 9 verses to be strong and courageous and twice He told him he would be prosperous. In addition God told Joshua in verse 5, there shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua was just confirmed that he did not have to worry about how hard it would be to fill Moses shoes, God said, just like I was with Moses I am with you so be your own man I will not fail you or forsake you! We have to learn how to stand on our own two feet without the help of our mentors, teachers, trainers or leaders especially when they are dead and gone. We have to be strong and courageous taking on the task God has for us stand firm with the power of God and go accomplish it. Moreover, when God tell you like He told Joshua in verse 3 that every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. Meaning, everywhere Joshua goes to accomplish what God has already ordained he will subdue, conquer and take dominion over it and so will you. However, there is a qualifying clause for all of this to take place in Joshua’s life and yours that is in verse 8 of the text. The first thing is that you have to speak the word into your life! When you speak Gods Word into your life it will take manifestation in all that you do. The second thing is you have to study to show yourself approved, thirdly to be obedient to the things God has commanded you to live based on what you have studied in the word of God. Then and only then will you; not your mother, father, brother, sister, Pastor, supervisor, or anyone else can make your way prosperous. Additionally, God said after you make your way prosperous you then will have good success. From the Hebrew good success means, intelligent: -- expert, prudent, skillful and wise success. You will be so knowledgeable an expert on how to be successful at what you do then you can turn around and teach someone else your success stories and train them to be successful as well. Today my friend this is your destiny to be successful at whatever God has called you to do and then teach someone else your success. Now go and make your way prosperous and have good success in Jesus Name…

James Jr. Hairston