GPS 1/27/2014

"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; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Josh 1:8-9

One of the greatest pieces of technology to come along in a great while is the GPS (Global Positioning System)  By acquiring a device that connects with satellites orbiting the earth, anyone can determine where they are just about anywhere on the planet within about 3 feet.  More importantly, if a person needs to get from where they are to where they want to be but do not know the way, simply type in the destination and the GPS system will trace out a path to get them there by the shortest route possible, as long as the directions are followed.

Technology that precedes the GPS that we know today is the GPS (God's Positioning System) that has always existed.  It was the system that Abraham used when he left Macedonia to get to the land promised to his descendants.  It was the system that the Hebrews used to escape both Egypt and the slavery they endured there.  Unfortunately, they decided to stop using their GPS just as they approached the land promised to them.  This resulted in them becoming "lost" and wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.

Beloved, GPS is still available to us today.  It is known as the word of God.  We are encouraged to read it and study it every day.  In it we find truths such as, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) and "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding but acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight," (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Further, we are told that it is strong enough to be able to be relied upon and firm enough for us to draw strength from it.  The added benefits are that we will be successful in our godly endeavors and prosperous in our lives.

Joshua, one of the two Hebrews to advocate for staying the course according to their GPS 40 years earlier during their original trip to the promised land was ultimately given leadership of the people and commanded by God to always adhere to its directions upon their second approach. Joshua did just that. It turns out that he was strong, courageous, successful and prosperous in leading the people into their new land.  We likewise have a heavenly promised land.  Let us be sure to follow our GPS all the way there.

One,

Lee