Not-so-secret Formula

"This book of law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful."

(Joshua 1:8)

I recently heard someone talk about our "vending machine God" mentality. That's when we expect something from God IF we do something for God that we think is appropriate. Often this involves bargaining ("God, if you do ____________, I promise to ____________!!"). But sometimes we think of scripture along these lines, too. If I read and follow the Bible, then God will bless my life.

Today I was reading Joshua 1. The Israelites are about to move into the Promised Land. God reminds the people of the power of Scripture. Keep reading & meditating on the law, says the LORD. Why? So you can follow the law... "for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful." It doesn't say, "God will make you prosperous and successful"... no, it says, "YOU shall make your way prosperous."

The power of Scripture is that it has wisdom and direction. It's not-so-secret a formula. God's grace, truth, inspiration. and life can be found within. If only we'll follow it... it will change how we live.