Reflections from Joshua 1:8
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” — Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
At a pivotal moment in Israel’s story, Joshua is handed something no one else had ever received: the written Word of God. After decades at Moses’ side, he receives not only the responsibility of leadership but also the foundational tool to guide him—the Book of the Law. And with it comes a direct command from God: Study it. Meditate on it. Obey it.
In a moving sermon rooted in this passage, Pastor Hal Dag offers a heartfelt, Spirit-filled call to return to the Word of God with intentionality, hunger, and discipline.
1. The First Command Concerning the Bible
It’s striking that the first recorded instruction God gives about His written Word is not to revere it from a distance, but to study it. This wasn’t a passive call to glance at Scripture during hard times or simply to bring a Bible to worship—it was a call to continual engagement.
The call hasn’t changed. As Pastor Hal reminded us, “We have multiple copies of the Bible, we have it on our phones, on apps, even audio versions—but are we in it?”
2. Why People Don’t Read the Bible—and How to Overcome It
Pastor Hal shared the top three reasons people give for not studying the Bible:
- Lack of time: Yet we scroll for hours on social media and binge on distractions. We make time for what matters.
- Difficulty understanding it: But the Holy Spirit helps illuminate truth, and understanding grows with consistency.
- Negative experiences (conviction): Sometimes the Bible cuts deep—but that’s how healing and transformation begin.
If any of these excuses resonate, the remedy is simple and powerful: Start reading. Don’t wait until you feel ready. Just open the book.
3. SOAP: A Practical Tool for Lifelong Study
Pastor Hal introduced a simple, powerful method of Bible engagement called SOAP—Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. This method helps believers of all ages get into the Word, hear from God, and grow in community through accountability.
Forming a discipleship group—three to five people of the same gender—can be a game-changer. In Pastor Hal’s church, these groups meet weekly to share what God is saying through His Word. It’s not about being a Bible scholar; it’s about being a hungry disciple.
“SOAP will keep you clean in a dirty world.”
4. Why It Matters
God’s Word doesn’t just inform us—it transforms us. As you study Scripture, you’ll:
- Gain a clearer vision of who God is
- Experience deeper conviction that leads to repentance
- Grow in spiritual maturity and direction
- Discover God’s personal guidance for your life
The Word has the power to set us free, anchor our families, and sustain us in the darkest nights.
5. A Revival of Bible Hunger
In one of the most powerful moments of the sermon, Pastor Hal shared a story of a 13-year-old boy at youth camp struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Through gentle conversation, Pastor Hal pointed him not to a program, but to the Person of Jesus revealed in the Word. That young man began reading Scripture—and hope broke in.
Will You Return to the Word?
Joshua’s success didn’t depend on charisma or military strength—it hinged on his commitment to God’s Word. The same is true for us today.
So, what’s stopping you?
“Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” — Joshua 1:8
Take the Next Step
- Pick a book of the Bible (start with John or Genesis)
- Form a SOAP group with 2–3 friends
- Schedule a time each day to read, reflect, and pray
- Watch how God meets you in His Word
Let’s become students of the Book again—not just to know about God, but to know Him.
