“Then you will have good success” (Josh. 1:8 NKJ).
Success is a Bible word. As the power center of the universe, Jesus is a success with a capital S. He was a success in the dawn of time when an enemy tried to unseat Him from His throne of authority (Isa. 14:12-15). He was a success in the Garden of Eden when the messianic promise was given concerning the defeat of Satan’s realm (Gen. 3:15). He succeeded at the crucifixion and at the resurrection (1 John 3:8; Col. 2:14-15). He will succeed at the Second Coming, on the Day of Judgment (Phil. 2:10-11), and in eternity.
Serving the Lord lines a person up with the victorious cause – past, present, and future. Joshua 1:8 tells us that by following the Lord you and I will make our way prosperous and experience good success.
God’s standards for evaluating success are even higher than those established by man. The original Hebrew word translated success in this verse is sakal (saw-kal’). Besides indicating the ability to accomplish or achieve some goal, sakal includes the possession of discretion, intelligence, prudence, wisdom, and good understanding.
We attribute success to winning athletes, popularly elected politicians, self-made millionaires, and all kinds of achievers. The Biblical principles of success are built on faithfulness, trust, integrity, discipline, and obedience.
When you and I are promised success in Joshua 1:8, we are assured of arriving at our destination safe and sound. We are also assured of the expertise and ability to achieve our goals. We succeed not only in reaching our objectives, but also in the methods chosen to attain those high ideals.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.