Maintaining a spiritual focus has allowed my strength to endure and overcome trails and tribulations. I invite you to meditate on the thought of the month provided by:

Rev. Wayne and Andrea Purcell
The Word Made Truth Ministry
76 Livingston Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801

(828) 279-8562

Rev. Wayne and Andrea Purcell also have a prison ministry. Please feel free to ask questions pertaining to the thought of the month.

^{JANUARY 2007}

Because He Lives, We Can face tomorrow!

Joshua 1:8-9

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest 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.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

One of my favorite songs “Because He Lives” is often sung at challenging times, such as funerals. This song reminds us that although we face challenges ahead in the new year (sickness, death or separation from a loved one, financial struggles, family problems, and all the uncertainties that life presents), that because He lives we can face tomorrow!

In the verses above God reminds us how to face each day. First of all, never allow the word of God to depart from our mouths. However, before the word of God can come forth from our mouths it must be placed in our hearts. Therefore, we must take time (daily) to read and study God’s word. Secondly, mediate on God’s word day and night that we may be reminded how to respond as a child of God in the circumstances of life. Meditating is when we focus deeply and sincerely on the word of God allowing the word of God to penetrate our hearts, minds, thoughts, and actions.

From not allowing God’s words to depart from our mouths and mediating on God’s word day and night, we are promised that God will make our way prosperous and that we will have good success! We are not referring to success define by man (just possessions and material things that pass away), but the success that lead to eternal peace and happiness. Because God cannot lie, we can stand boldly on unapologetically on the promises of God.

In verse 9 we are told to be strong and of a good courage and to not be afraid or dismayed for the Lord is with us wherever we go. Although the enemy wants to come and take away the promises of God, he cannot touch us unless we given him permission. Permission is granted when we don’t know God’s word. What can we stand on if we have not planted God’s word deep within our hearts? Permission is granted when we congest our day with so much junk that we don’t have time to mediate on God’s word, the blood line of our souls. Let us become more vigilant than ever to get on task and stay on task so that we will be prosperous and have good success all the days of our lives! And let us remind ourselves often, of the declaration of 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Yes, because GOD lives, WE CAN face tomorrow!

Dear Lord,

Thank you for allowing us to see another day, another year! Thank You for Your divine word! We ask for forgiveness for not keeping your word in our mouths. We ask for forgiveness for not mediating on Your word day and night. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness and give us a renewed desire to know you (Your word)! Help us to live out our potential that You place inside of us from the foundation of the world so that You might be magnified and glorified. In the name of the Father, Son, and the Blessed Holy Ghost. Amen