Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 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 1:2, 7-8 (NASB)
Chapel on the Hill arises to a new beginning in 2021. The first Sunday service of the year (January 3rd) commemorates the life and home-going of Rev. Dr. Genius Wells J.P., a faithful servant of God. Pastor Wells was one of the founding members of Chapel on the Hill in 1971, and served as Interim Pastor (2002-2004) and Senior Pastor from 2004 until God called him home.
He was instrumental in establishing a number of churches, leading many souls to Christ, praying for the sick, and helping the needy. Pastor Wells has fought a good fight and finished his race (2 Tim. 4:7). He has kept the faith and we are thankful for the godly legacy that he has left behind.
We, as believers, must continue to press on and walk humbly before God, bringing glory to Him in all that we say and do. Even though, our lives are like fleeting shadows (Ps. 144:4), the Word of God is ceaseless, continuing and eternal. It is the power of God within us that lives and abides forever (1 Pet. 1:25). In the first chapter of Joshua, the people of God are reminded of this after the death of Moses. The living Word of God was what they needed to embark on their new beginnings.
God positioned His people for strength and courage by revealing to them that new beginnings can lead to paths of prosperity and success. According to Joshua 1:8, this only happens when the immutable, infallible Word of God remains our mainstay. The verses above detail a prosperity plan for all to follow:
1. Declare The Word
We have to speak the Word of God over our lives – the Word must “always be on our lips”. In order to enjoy life and see good days, we have to refrain our lips from speaking evil and negativity (1 Pet. 3:10). The Word of God is true, pure, lovely and filled with good reports and praises.
When we declare what God says in His Word, we come into agreement with His good report for our lives. The Word of God roots out our wickedness, pulls down strongholds, heals our bodies and brokenness, overthrows principalities, and produces trees of righteousness within us that we may be called “the planting of the Lord” (Is. 61:3). The Word of God in our mouth is also our weapon of warfare. Jesus defeated the devil every time by saying “It is written…” (Matt. 4:4).
2. Meditate On The Word
Reading, studying, writing notes, remembering, and recalling the Word of God are all a part of Meditation. Meditating day and night signifies spending meaningful time in the Word. Meaningful time provides the means whereby the Word of God can dwell richly in us (Col. 3:16). Meditating is key in manifesting God’s mandates in our daily lives.
3. Do What The Word Says
We deceive ourselves when we don’t apply the Word to our lives and follow in obedience (Jas. 1:22). God calls us to be obedient as Jesus was. We demonstrate our love to God by following His commands. His commands are never burdensome (1 Jn. 5:3). We are called to be “doers of the Word and not hearers only” (Jas. 1:22). Whatever area of our lives is in the shadows, the light of God’s Word can direct and empower us to walk in obedience. Obedience pleases God.
When we talk, walk and obey the Word, prosperity, and success will overtake us on the path of new beginnings. Let us arise with the Word of God on our lips, in our hearts, and lighting our way on this new journey.