Friday: Further Thought – Recipe for Success
Daily Lesson for Friday 3rd of October 2025
Read Ellen G. White, “Crossing the Jordan,” Pages 481, 482, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “Entering the Promised Land,” p.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
175, in The Story of Redemption.
“In His promises and warnings, Jesus means me. God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that I by believing in Him, might not perish, but have everlasting life. The experiences related in God’s word are to be my experiences. Prayer and promise, precept and warning, are mine. . . . As faith thus receives and assimilates the principles of truth, they become a part of the being and the motive power of the life. The word of God, received into the soul, molds the thoughts, and enters into the development of character.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, Pages 390, 391.
“There is not a point that needs to be dwelt upon more earnestly, repeated more frequently, or established more firmly in the minds of all than the impossibility of fallen man meriting anything by his own best good works. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.”—Ellen G. White, Faith and Works, p. 19.
Discussion Questions
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This week's study, "Recipe for Success," highlights three key aspects.
Firstly, God sets Joshua and the Israelites in motion to occupy Canaan, assuring them of His presence and promise that no one will stand against them (Joshua 1:5, 9). As God leads Israel to inherit the land, He empowers them for success.
Secondly, by keeping and abiding within God's laws and statutes, their strength and courage will manifest, making them a witness to God's presence among them (Joshua 1:7-8). This obedience would be a testament to their faith and trust in God.
Thirdly, as a leader, Joshua is encouraged to internalize God's laws and statutes, purposefully walking in His commandments to prosper and gain wisdom (Joshua 1:8). This principle applies to us today as we serve God in various capacities.
We have a commission to serve God and others (Matthew 28:19-20), and these aspects may hold the key to our success.
God called and challenged Joshua to medidate on the law of God which meant more than reading, it meant dwelling on His Word until it shaped Joshua life (Joshua 1:8). The bible teaches that the one who delights in God’s law and meditates day and night is truly blessed (Psalm 1:2). Indeed it is through meditation that our minds are renewed and our steps guided in God’s wisdom (Romans 12:2). This is a call to daily walk with Him, letting His truth transform us from within.
Often, we want quick fixes, a solution to our problem, or a clear sign to move forward. However, God’s guidance goes beyond answers. He teaches us a whole new way of living. This truth is seen in Joshua’s story after Moses’ death, when he suddenly carried the heavy responsibility of leading Israel into the Promised Land. God did not simply hand Joshua an instant solution, but instead called him into a life of strength, courage, and obedience: “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7). The Lord instructed Joshua to meditate on His Word day and night (Joshua 1:8) and promised His continual presence (Joshua 1:9). In the same way, God’s guidance for us is not about shortcuts, but about learning to trust Him daily, grow in wisdom, and walk faithfully in His presence.
Romans 6:7 Says; "He that is dead is freed from sin!" Also Romans 7.1 says; "Know you not brethren how that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives."
6:14 says; "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law but under grace."
We need to daily offer our egos, pride, preconceived ideas, pet theories, love and worshsip at the alter of self; all of these; we must repent (as Jesus said in Mt 4) for the Kingdom of God is at hand.
We need to hold on to God's promises. The world offers a different meaning of success, while God offers us eternal life. There is no comparison. "If we love Him, we obey His teachings" (His Law) - it is simple!
For me success will have been received (not achieved) when I love The Lord with all of my heart, all of my soul, all of my strength and all of my mind, and my neighbor as myself.
I believe we need to be careful of how we judge success. Outward success can include spiritual failure and outward failure can include spiritual success.
The writer shares Ellen G. White’s words, revealing the deep, hidden truth about the true nature of the experience of the Word of God experienced in our life:
“The experiences related in God’s Word are to be my experiences. Prayer and promise, precept and warning, are mine . . . . As faith thus receives and assimilates the principles of Truth, they become a part of the being and the motive power of the life. The Word of God, received into the soul, molds the thoughts, and enters into the development of character.”
Sharing equally in the 'experience of the Word of God' can only be established by the Holy Spirit. The 'Word of God' comes alive through and by the Holy Spirit having made its home within us. This is man’s recipe for success – to be filled by/with the Holy Spirit and not lean on ones own understanding – Prov.3:5-6; Heb.4:12.
Imagine Moses walking with Israel up to the border of Canaan, but stopping there.
Joshua steps in, takes the people’s hand, and leads them across Jordan into the land of promise.
In the same way, the Law walks with us, shows us our sins, but stops at the border of salvation.
Jesus takes our hand, leads us across death and judgment, and brings us into the heavenly Canaan.