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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:8,9 ESV)
Wow
The Bible is not simply a good book.
God tells Joshua, while the Bible was still very short, some of the things the Bible, as God’s Word, will do in us, for us, and through us.
The Bible is the only way to know God’s expectations. Without the Bible, we would be guessing what God wants from us. And the ultimate expectation is not amazing obedience, but is obeying God by trusting in Jesus. The only place to learn that is in Scripture.
The Bible is the only way to find prosperity and success. The University System will not lead to prosperity and success. A Trade School will not lead to prosperity and success. The School of Hard Knocks will not lead to prosperity and success. Those things might give temporary, earthly prosperity and success. But the only place to learn about eternal prosperity and eternal success is in Scripture.
The Bible is the only way to be courageous. Courage based on our abilities, our good friends, our national protections, or good wishes is a courage that is not reliable. Courage that comes from an understanding of Who God is comes from Scripture. Courage that comes from trusting Jesus’ love comes from Scripture. Courage that comes from seeing God’s path comes from Scripture.
Scripture alone.