Transformation Series Episode 9

Transformation Series Episode 9

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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.

Hello, my walking friend! I’m glad you are able to get out and take a short brisk walk with your Savior! Take a few really deep breaths and try to let go of everything else going on in your life so you can focus on Jesus and his words to you and his love for you over the next few minutes.

Today is the 9^th episode in the transformation series and our verse to meditate on is Joshua 1:8:

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.

Do you want to be prosperous and successful? That’s not a trick question! I think some Jesus followers may think that wanting to be prosperous or successful is a bad thing. Maybe you’ve heard the saying, money is the root of all evil, and hey, you don’t want to be evil, right? So better to not be prosperous and successful! But 1 Timothy 6:10 actually says:

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

It is the love of money, prosperity and success that is evil. Anything you love more than God is evil. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. That is the first and most important commandment. It is about keeping our priorities straight.

I’m guessing that there must have been some people in the lives of Paul and Timothy that needed to be reminded of this truth! 

And our verse today sets it out: meditate on God’s word day and night, bury it deep in your heart, live according to his principles THEN you will be prosperous and successful. 

Maybe you want to live a more full life, the abundant life Jesus came for us to have. John 10:10 says: 

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Maybe this is an area where you are looking for transformation. The way to see that abundance, prosperity and success in your life is to immerse yourself in the Lord. Let Jesus guide you and let him define prosperity and success for you.  

So think about it again, do you want to be prosperous and successful? The way that God defines it? I do! I want to believe that God wants the best for me…because he does. And he wants the best for you, according to his will and purpose. 

Instead of striving for or coveting prosperity and success, let’s be transformed by the word of God from the inside out and see in what ways Jesus will prosper us. Prosperity and success may not always mean material wealth and comfort and worldly recognition. That is for God to decide. But if he does bless us that way, let’s commit to use it for his glory. Amen? 

So take a little time now to meditate on Joshua 1:8:

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.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection. 

Take some time to consider your perspective on prosperity and success. Do you feel that you have a Godly perspective on both? If not, in what way? Talk to Jesus about it and ask him to guide your perspective.

How do you think meditating on God’s word might transform your level of prosperity or success? Do you believe that following God’s principles will make you prosperous and successful as Joshua 1:8 says? If not, what keeps you from believing?

Part of transformation revolves around transforming our perspective. The apostle Paul said that he knew what it was like to be in need and he knew what it was like to have plenty, and he learned how to be content in either situation. Some people worry even when they have plenty. Do you feel content in either situation, or do you tend to worry about your financial situation, whether in need or when you have plenty? Take some time to consider your feelings about your own prosperity and ask Jesus to help you find contentment in him. 

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:

Joshua 1:8:

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.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

You are the source of life and you are the source of all true prosperity. Help us never to boast about our prosperity or our success, but to boast that we know you and that we understand you. Let your words sink deep into our minds and hearts as we meditate on them. Bless us with prosperity and success as you see fit for our lives. And help us to be generous with all that you have blessed us with. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, who came to give you an abundant life. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today. 

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue our process of transformation. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.