The Lord issued a challenge to the youth group and I last night.  It was a challenge of adoration; a challenge of worship.  The Lord called us to add a deeper element of recognition and adoration for who God really is to our everyday prayer life.  We responded to the challenge by devoting ten minutes a day to simple prayers of adoration.  I spent my ten minutes meditating on the greatness of the Lord's delivery of Israel into the Promised Land.  As difficult as it is to wrap my mind around the miracle at the Red Sea, and the direct communication between God and Moses, the most impacting part of the Promised Land Delivery came upon Moses' death, when God spoke directly to Joshua, the man who was to lead Israel forward. 

I will close with the scripture, but as you read, realize the commitment the Lord asks of Joshua, and sit amazed at the promises He makes to his follower.

"Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.  I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.  Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west.  No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.  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.  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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 terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:2-9 (NIV)