Program 160: Joshua’s Secret to Success

The story of Joshua teaches five important principles that can help in any situation.

Welcome to WLC Radio, a subsidiary of World’s Last Chance Ministries, an online ministry dedicated to learning how to live in constant readiness for the Savior's return.

For two thousand years, believers of every generation have longed to be the last generation. Contrary to popular belief, though, Christ did not give believers “signs of the times” to watch for. Instead, he repeatedly warned that his coming would take even the faithful by surprise. Yahushua urgently warned believers to be ready because, he said, “The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” [Matthew 24:44]

WLC Radio: Teaching minds and preparing hearts for Christ's sudden return.

* * *Part 1: (Miles & Dave)

Miles Robey: Do you have problems you’re grappling with right now? Are you, or a loved one, struggling with health issues? Family problems? Maybe there are problems at work that are creating stress and anxiety, or perhaps you’re dealing with the consequences of a poor choice you’ve made.

Hi. I’m Miles Robey. It doesn’t matter who we are, where we live, or what our income is—or isn’t—we all have problems that cause stress; problems we don’t always know how to resolve. The good news is that whatever problem you’re dealing with, Scripture has principles that will give you wisdom to know how to overcome. Today, Dave Wright is going to be showing us what these are and how we can apply them in a practical setting.

Dave?

Dave Wright: Thanks, Miles.

When I was an ignorant-of-how-life-really-works young adult, I had this idea that if I could just overcome THIS obstacle or THAT, life would smooth out and become easier. In university, it was passing my classes with a high enough score that I could find a good job afterward. After graduation, it was finding a job. Then it was dealing with the learning curve that comes with every new work environment, then it was . . . whatever. It was unending. But my stubborn belief continued that if I could just get past THIS or THAT obstacle then life would smooth out and get easier.

Miles: You mean it doesn’t??

Dave: Uh …

Miles laughs: Just kidding. I made that same assumption for the longest time. When did you realize that things weren’t going to get easier?

Dave: Well, I must be something of a slow learner because it wasn’t until I hit middle age that I realized life—or, at least, my life—wasn’t like that.

Miles: I don’t think anyone’s life is like that. Wasn’t it Job who said that “man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward”? [Job 5:7]

Dave: Actually, that was one of his so-called “comforters.”

Miles: Miserable comforters that they were!

Dave: Right? But he was correct about that. Even Yahushua said, “In the world you will have tribulation.”

We live in a world of sin. That’s a fact. And there’s nothing we can do about it. We must “abide till he comes.” But do you know what he said next?

Miles: Uhh …

Dave: Why don’t you read it for us? John 16:33. This is a promise for any and every situation. Life between now and Yahushua’s return is only going to get harder, so this is a precious promise to cling to. You have it? Go ahead and read it.

Miles: “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Dave: He has overcome the world. That’s past tense! He didn’t say, “I am overcoming the world.” No, he has. It’s a done deal.

This doesn’t mean that life is easy. But it does mean that we don’t have to collapse under the stress and burdens of life as time draws to a close.

Miles: There’s a statement in Lamentations that I find very reassuring. It’s a real revelation about the very character of Yahuwah. You know, it can be very easy, in the chaos of tragedy, to question Yah’s love. “Well, if He is a God of love, how come–?” Whatever. How come I lost my job? How come Mum got diagnosed with cancer? How come my child was killed in a car accident?

Dave: Yeah, it’s easy to question at such times.

Miles: That’s why I find this statement in Lamentations so reassuring. Listen to this. It’s Lamentations 3:33. It says: “For He does not afflict willingly,
nor grieve the children of men.”

Yahuwah isn’t responsible for the tragedies caused by sin, but this takes it one step further and suggests that He only allows tragedies that can be used for our good.

Dave: Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love [Yah], to those who are the called according to His purpose.” The reason problems are allowed is that they give us opportunities to develop our characters. A person’s character are the thoughts and feelings, the attributes that make up or distinguish him or her as an individual. Our characters are the only thing we take with us into eternity.

Now if everything were smooth sailing through life, we’d never develop characters fit to live in the company of holy angels and in the presence of Yah.

Miles: “If the mountain were smooth, you couldn’t climb it.”

Dave: Exactly! Author Robert Tew has quite a number of very astute observations and sayings. He once wrote, quote: “The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.”

Miles: That’s good. That’s good. But how do you respond to struggles? Because not everyone responds in a way that, uh … develops character? Inspires growth? You know what I mean?

Dave: Absolutely! Some people run away from their problems. They procrastinate.

Miles: Ooo! Procrastination. I used to really struggle with that until, one day when I was in Uni my grandfather said something that really stuck with me. He said, “Not acting is still a choice. Don’t make your decisions by default.”

Dave: Wise man, your grandfather. Some people self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. Others use escapism, like novels, movies, gaming. These are all ways people try to escape the stress of a bad situation.

Miles: I’ve known some people to actually deny anything is wrong.

Dave: That can happen when a person is so overwhelmed by a situation that they don’t know what to do to resolve it. But we need to know! The truth is, there’s no telling when a crisis will explode in your face or a problem will arise to bite you in the … ankle.

Problems, crises, stressors. They’re just a part of life. About the only part of life that’s to be expected. The only constant with problems is that everyone has them. This is why it’s important, as believers, to develop the spiritual tools to deal with whatever situation confronts.

Miles: Know your Bible promises!

Dave: Yes. But more than that, we need to know Biblical principles.

Miles: That’s true. If our morals and values are founded on Scripture, we’ll know what to do in any given situation.

Dave: Okay. I’m going to stop you right there. I didn’t say “morals and values.” I said principles.

Miles: What’s the difference?

Dave: Morals are shaped and influenced by our cultures. A principle, on the other hand, is like a foundational law or tenet that serves as a rule of action. The Bible teaches principles. Society shapes and colors our morals.

Miles: Can you give me an example?

Dave: Well … uh … sure. I’ve got one. Let’s compare the morals of first world countries and third world countries. Now, I am not saying that first world countries are free from crime or that their leaders are righteous. Far from it. A lot of suffering in third world countries has been the result of oppression from leaders of first world countries.

But I’m talking about personal morals. The way the personal ethics of first world countries compare with third world countries.

Miles: All right.

Dave: Third world countries are notorious for nepotism. A dictator or president get in office and what happens?

Miles: He gives jobs to all his cronies, whether they’re qualified or not.

Dave: Exactly. And this occurs at every level of society, from the presidential palace, on down to the poorest day laborer. It is part of their morals as a culture to put friends and family first.

Miles: That sounds good …

Dave: Sure. We should all want to help friends and family. But not when it’s at the expense of someone else.

Now, by contrast, the personal morals of first world countries declare nepotism to be wrong. Does it still happen? Sure. But not as often or as widespread. In fact, in many places, nepotism is actually illegal.

Now. What does this look like in practical situation? Say a group of friends are out. They may have had a few too many beers to drink. As they’re strolling along, laughing and having a good time, one of them stumbles and breaks the side view mirror off of a car that’s parked on the street. What happens next?

Miles: I’m sure you’re going to tell me this differs by country.

Dave: It differs by the morals that are valued in each country. In third world countries where you’re taught from the cradle that friends and family come first no matter what, the guy’s friends would help him cover it up, maybe even going so far as to lie for him. He would not be held accountable. Even if he were caught and taken to the courts, often he still won’t be held accountable if he knows the right people. That is part of their morals: putting friends and family first. And this is why those who get in high positions of power, line their pockets with money that belongs to the people. Everyone complains but nothing changes because their morals say to put their own friends and family first.

Miles: Yeah, I can see that.

Dave: By contrast, many first world countries have a Christian foundation for their culture. Their morals say that if a person does something wrong, he or she should be held accountable—even if it’s a family member!

Miles: Yeah, and they do, too! I remember reading about that domestic terrorist in the United States. Ted Kazynski. Before they caught him, he was known as the Unabomber. Caused the deaths of three people and injured many more. It’s said he was “the subject of the longest and most expensive investigation in the history of the Federal Bureau of Investigation up to that point.” The thing is, when he was finally caught? It came out that his own brother reported him to the FBI. His own brother!

Dave: There you go. It is part of their moral code that if someone is doing something wrong or illegal, it doesn’t matter who it is. They must be held accountable. Even if it’s a family member. That’s why there tends to be less stealing of public funds, less nepotism, less obvious corruption in cultures that have that particular moral code.

This is why we want to set aside morals and look at principles. Biblical principles apply regardless of what culture you’re living in.

Miles: I’ve noticed that in your answers to the questions sent to us, you always try to bring it down to principles.

Dave: That’s why. Promises are great. We need the promises for our strength, courage, comfort. But it is the principles from Scripture that teach us how to live and act in any given situation.

Turn to Deuteronomy 8 and read verses 1 to 3. This is a passage that was quoted by Christ in the wilderness of temptation. And I want you to notice that what Moses is talking about here are principles. He doesn’t use that word, but he’s describing foundational laws to live by. That’s a principle.

Go ahead.

Miles:

Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land of which Yahuwah swore to your fathers. And you shall remember that Yahuwah your Elohim led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of Yahuwah.

Dave: Yah’s word contains principles that are to guide us in every situation of daily life.

Miles: l suppose that, ultimately, it doesn’t really matter what the crisis or problem is if you don’t have the wisdom, strength … energy, resources, or … fill in the blank … to deal with it.

Dave: That’s right. All these problems, these stressors and trials are for one purpose, and that is to teach us that we can rely on our heavenly Father in every situation.

That’s why He allowed the Children of Israel to be trapped at the Red Sea before letting them cross! It’s why He allowed them to get thirsty before supplying them with water.

Miles: He allowed them to get hungry before giving them manna.

Dave: It was to teach them the principle that when you don’t know what to do, you always call on Him.

Turn to 1 Corinthians 10. Here, Paul is reviewing some of the events that happened to the Children of Israel during their wilderness wandering. Then he sums up the purpose of it all in verse 11. Go ahead and read that as soon as you have it.

Miles: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

Dave: Most modern versions use the word “example” instead of “ensample,” but they’re two different words. An example serves as a representative pattern. The original definition of ensample, on the other hand, is a type. And if there is a type, there must also necessarily have to be an …?

Miles: Antitype.

Dave: Right! Just as all the sacrificial lambs were “types” pointing forward to the “Lamb of Yah that taketh away the sins of the world,” so the experiences of the Children of Israel were types pointing forward to experiences believers in later generations may be called to go through.

Believers today must learn from the mistakes of the past. We need to learn to trust Yahuwah in any and every situation. And that begins now, as we learn to apply Biblical principles to the problems that arise in our daily life.

When we return, we’ll take a look at how this works in a real-life situation. We’ll be right back.

* * *

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* * *Part 2: (Miles & Dave)

Miles: All right. I’m really interested to hear how this works when applied to a real life situation.

Dave: Okay! Turn to Joshua chapter 10. I like this story because it shows the step-by-step process of applying Biblical principles to triumph over overwhelming odds. Any of us can use the same process for the situations that confront us.

Now, let’s read what was happening so we’ve got context. Joshua 10 verses 1 through six.

Miles:

When King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them, he became greatly frightened, because Gibeon was a large city, like one of the royal cities, and was larger than Ai, and all its men were warriors.

So King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem sent a message to King Hoham of Hebron, to King Piram of Jarmuth, to King Japhia of Lachish, and to King Debir of Eglon, saying, “Come up and help me, and let us attack Gibeon; for it has made peace with Joshua and with the Israelites.” Then the five kings of the Amorites . . . gathered their forces, and went up with all their armies and camped against Gibeon, and made war against it.

And the Gibeonites sent to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, saying, “Do not abandon your servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us; for all the kings of the Amorites who live in the hill country are gathered against us.

Dave: This was an emergency situation that required prompt action. It was also a dangerous situation. Joshua was facing war against the combined might of five kings.

Miles: I think another element that added stress to this situation for Joshua was that the Gibeonites had just made a treaty with Israel. Should Israel fail to back them up and help them out, it would reflect poorly on, not only Israel, but Israel’s God. So reputations were on the line here.

Dave: That’s a good point. I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right. So, Joshua’s got this very stressful situation to deal with. And what does he do? Read the next verse. Verse 7.

Miles: “So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the fighting force with him, all the mighty warriors.”

Dave: Biblical principle #1 of what to do in any problematic situation: act promptly. He didn’t try to escape through … whatever means they used before they had books and computers. He didn’t drown his stress in a little too much wine. He responded immediately.

Miles: Okay but hold up. What if you don’t know what to do? How are you supposed to respond if you don’t know what the correct response even is?

Dave: That’s a terrific question and I’m glad you asked. I see a lot of Christians—too many—who find themselves in a situation just sitting there and wringing their hands, saying, “I just don’t know what to do! If Yah would just tell me what to do!”

Miles: Well, yeah. We’re not supposed to run ahead of Yah.

Dave: No, but we are still to act.

Turn to Isaiah 58 and read verse 11 for us. Yahuwah has promised to guide us, to lead us. Those are both action verbs. When He’s guiding, when He’s leading, we’re supposed to follow. That’s also an action verb. We’re not supposed to just sit on our bums, wringing our hands and waiting to be led. He can’t lead if we’re not even standing up moving forward yet!

Okay. Isaiah 58:11. Go ahead.

Miles:

Yahuwah will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

Dave: What happens when your car gets stuck in the mud and you give it some petrol? Does your car pop right out?

Miles: No. The tires just spin in place.

Dave: And you sink even deeper into the rut. Not moving forward when there is a problem, procrastinating, escaping, is the equivalent of spinning your tires in place.

Miles: Okay, you keep saying “move forward.” But, practically speaking, how are you supposed to do that when you don’t know which direction to move? You don’t want to make a misstep. You truly don’t know what to do. You’re to take a step forward. Yes. But break down that first step into baby steps for us. What do you do?

Dave: You gather information. If you had sufficient information to know which way to go forward, you would already have made that step. So, if you don’t know enough to know which way to take that first step, gather information. And as you gather information, Yahuwah will impress on your mind the correct way for you to go. But even “gathering” is an action verb. You have to act, and He will guide.

Gather information and keep gathering information until a way forward is clearly fixed in your mind.

Okay. Next step. Joshua 10 verse 8.

Miles: “Yahuwah said to Joshua, ‘Do not fear them, for I have handed them over to you; not one of them shall stand before you.’”

Dave: Biblical principle #2: seek divine wisdom. Joshua did! We tend to leave seeking divine wisdom to the big matters in life, but we can seek divine wisdom for the smaller, daily crises that inevitably arise, too. You don’t have to wait until it’s a life-altering catastrophe.

Seeking divine wisdom is crucial to any victory. The Bible contains wisdom for us, but we have to seek it. Read James 1:5 and 6 for us. This is a promise for anyone who asks for divine guidance. Go ahead.

Miles: James … James … one of those tiny epistles that are so hard to find.

Okay. Here we go. It says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of [Yah], who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”

Dave: When Joshua sought divine help and guidance, he received a very gracious reply and we will, too, if we do what Joshua did.

All right. Principle number next. Joshua’s acted promptly, sought divine guidance (and received it) and now, step 3, he acted by faith upon the direction he’d been given. And Yahuwah blessed him. Read Joshua 10 from verse 9 to verse, uh … verse 11.

Miles:

So Joshua came upon them suddenly, having marched up all night from Gilgal. And Yahuwah threw them into a panic before Israel, who inflicted a great slaughter on them at Gibeon, chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. As they fled before Israel, while they were going down the slope of Beth-horon, Yahuwah threw down huge stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died; there were more who died because of the hailstones than the Israelites killed with the sword.

Dave: Yahuwah honored Joshua’s faith and worked mightily in his behalf. This underscores how crucial it is that we always seek Yahuwah’s assistance. It’s not only necessary, but effective. Read Psalm 50 verse 15 for us. If we want the same results Joshua got, we need to act on the same principles he acted upon. Go ahead. Psalm 50:15.

Miles: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”

Dave: There are so many, many Bible verses like this! I wish we had time to read more of them. Isaiah 40:11 says, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

Now, in the West, we tend to drive our flocks of sheep, but in the East, they lead them. Either way, baby animals who haven’t learned yet how things work, tend to have a mind of their own. But even here, Yahuwah is patient. If you make stumbles and missteps, He’s not going to give up on you. He will continue to lead you—even out of circumstances you’ve gotten yourself into.

Miles: That’s a good point. I think sometimes when we’re dealing with problems of our own making, we get embarrassed and feel like we have to get ourselves out of the trouble we created before we ask for more help. But we don’t! Yahuwah’s patient and is always ready and willing to help.

Dave: Very true. We must never let shame keep us away from Yahuwah. Let’s take a quick detour for a moment because I think too many of us fall into the line of thinking that if we created the situation through our own poor choices, we can’t ask Yah for any further help until, somehow, we rectify the situation for ourselves. That’s not what the Bible teaches. Turn to Luke 15 and read the parable of the lost sheep. There’s an important point here I wish to bring out.

Miles: All right, uh … Luke 15 and verses 3 to 6. It says:

And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

Dave: If a sheep gets caught in some brambles, is it the sheep’s fault or the shepherd’s fault?

Miles: The sheep’s.

Dave: The sheep’s fault. But that doesn’t stop the shepherd from helping the sheep. If the sheep stumbles into a ravine it can’t get out of, or if it wanders away and gets lost, again. Is that the sheep’s fault or the shepherd’s fault?

Miles: The sheep’s.

Dave: And yet, when the sheep needs help, the shepherd doesn’t hesitate to step in and help. He doesn’t stand back and watch the sheep struggle just so it can learn it’s lesson. He immediately steps in and helps. This is Christ’s own parable, so we can know that Yahuwah is our divine shepherd that treats us as tenderly as any shepherd treats a wayward lamb.

All right. Principle #4, which is also step #4. Did you notice how each of these principles are steps in a process? We can apply them to any situation. Number 4: Joshua utilized the divine resources available to him. Read the next few verses. Joshua 10, verses 12 to 15.

Miles:

On the day when Yahuwah gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to Yahuwah; and he said in the sight of Israel,

“Sun, stand still at Gibeon,
and Moon, in the valley of Aijalon.”

And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped,
until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.

Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in midheaven, and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. There has been no day like it before or since, when Yahuwah heeded a human voice; for Yahuwah fought for Israel.

Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.

Dave: “Yahuwah heeded a human voice.” He’s willing to help us! There are the limitless resources of Heaven available to us if we’d just ask!

Miles: Problem is, we don’t ask.

Dave: I know! Why is that? Yah’s people should never hesitate to ask. We’ve been given so many assurances in Scripture!

All right. One last principle. Step #5. And this is an important step, one that people often overlook and that is, Joshua completed his victory.

Miles: What do you mean?

Dave: Well, you just read that the Israelites were victorious, but while they’d been fighting, these five kings had holed up in a cave. When Joshua received word of it, he was in the midst of battle. He couldn’t deal with it in that moment, so read what he did. Verses 18 and 19.

Miles:

Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to guard them; but do not stay there yourselves; pursue your enemies, and attack them from the rear. Do not let them enter their towns, for Yahuwah your Elohim has given them into your hand.”

Dave: Even here, Joshua is expressing his faith in Yahuwah’s involvement in enabling them to win.

So. They win the battle. Then what did Joshua do to complete that victory? Verses 22 through 27.

Miles:

Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave, and bring those five kings out to me from the cave.” They did so and brought the five kings out to him from the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon.

When they brought the kings out to Joshua, Joshua summoned all the Israelites, and said to the chiefs of the warriors who had gone with him, “Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.” Then they came near and put their feet on their necks. And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous; for thus Yahuwah will do to all the enemies against whom you fight.”

Afterward Joshua struck them down and put them to death, and he hung them on five trees. And they hung on the trees until evening. At sunset Joshua commanded, and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had hidden themselves; they set large stones against the mouth of the cave, which remain to this very day.

Dave: This was a complete victory. Yes, with Yah’s involvement and help, the Israelites had won the battle, but so long as those five kings lived, the root of the problem remained. Never again would the Amorites be a threat to Israel.

So this is what we need to do, too. We apply these five principles to our problem. We go through each step of the process and Yahuwah gives us the victory. Then, we need to take that final step and complete the victory. Don’t settle for just a partial resolution to your predicament. Take care of it in its entirety!

Miles: That’s really very good. I know we’re running out of time, but could you, really briefly, go over those five steps for us? Just one more time.

Dave: Principle #1 is also Step One. Act promptly. Joshua had a problem: he responded immediately. He didn’t try to evade or escape. He acted immediately. If you don’t know precisely what action to take, gather information. Once you have enough information, it will be clear what action is called for.

Step Two: Seek divine wisdom. This is crucial to any victory.

Miles: Yeah. Why wouldn’t you want to be guided in what to do by the One who knows everything?

Dave: Step Three: As soon as you understand Yah’s will for your situation, follow in that path. Joshua acted by faith upon the assurance given him and Yahuwah blessed his efforts.

Step Four: the unlimited resources of Heaven are available to you. So, make use of them! That’s what Joshua did. He saw Israel was winning the battle but in order to make it a decisive victory, they needed more daylight. So, he called on Yah to do that for them and he got it!

And finally, Step Five. Complete the victory. Hey! You’ve got Yahuwah fighting on your behalf! Why wouldn’t you want a complete and total victory?

Miles: Reminds me of the time Elisha told King Jehoahash to shoot an arrow out the window. He told the king it was the arrow of Yahuwah. Then he told him to take the rest of the arrows and hit them on the ground.

Dave laughs: Something no one into archery wants to do!

Miles: Jehoahash obviously agreed with you. He only hit them—probably very lightly—on the ground a few times, and it made Elisha upset. Listen to this. It’s 2 Kings 13 verse 19. It says: “The man of Eloah was angry with him. He said, ‘You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have won the war over Aram. You would have completely destroyed them. But now you will win only three battles over them.’”

Dave: Yep. Excellent example. Always be thorough when fighting to overcome. Psalm 44 says:

“You are my King and my God.
You give victories to the people of Jacob.
With your help we push back our enemies.
By your power we walk all over them.”

And that’s a promise for all of us!

* * *

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* * *Daily Mailbag (Miles & Dave)

Miles: Today’s question from our Daily Mailbag is coming from Perugia, Italy.

Dave: Hm. I’ve seen photos of Perugia. It’s really beautiful there.

Did you know Italy has the world’s oldest university? The University of Bologna was founded in 1088.

Miles: No, I did not know that! However, one of my favorite modern luxuries was invented by an Italian.

Dave: Let me guess: an Alpha-Romeo sports car?

Miles laughs: Well, now that you mention that …

Dave: Ferrari? Lamborghini?

Miles laughs: No, no, no. I may have champagne taste on a beer budget, but you’re way off. It’s a … jacuzzi!

Dave: A jacuzzi? A hot tub?

Miles: Yeah! Candido Jacuzzi—okay, he was an immigrant to the US, but he was still Italian—invented the first portable Jacuzzi Whirlpool pump. His son, Kenny, had been born with rheumatoid arthritis, so he invented the whirlpool hot tub to help his little boy’s pain.

Dave: Well, all right, then. I’d agree. That’s a great invention.

So, what’s today’s question?

Miles: Tommaso Fellini writes: “As a Christian businessman, I want to honor Yahuwah. Are there any Biblical principles that can help me grow my business?”

Dave: I like this question! We’re in the world and though the end is near, we must “abide till He comes.” And what better use of our time here on earth than to glorify the Father through our daily lives so that when people view us, view our business practices, they know without hesitation that here is a man, a woman, who serves the God of Heaven.

Yes. There are a number of Biblical principles that can really help businesses, or any undertaking, flourish and thrive.

Turn to Matthew 5 and read verses 41 and 42. This is from the Saviour’s sermon on the mount and it’s a good place to start. Matthew 5:41 and 42. What does that say?

Miles: “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”

Dave: We call this “going the extra mile,” and it returns big dividends, whether the principle is applied in a business environment or in personal relationships. In business, you know you’re not the only business out there that offers your goods or services. You’ve got competition. The way to set yourself apart and be noticed is to make it a habit to go the extra mile; do more than is expected.

Miles: That’s a good point. We all want second-mile results, but not everyone puts in second-mile effort.

Dave: But that’s key to setting yourself apart as better than your competition. Plus, it reflects well on Yahuwah when a Christian business owner will employ this principle.

Secondly, don’t cut corners. Whatever your work is, take pride in doing a good job. Build to last. When what you produce is quality work, whether that’s products or services, you will gain a good reputation.

Miles: And a sterling reputation in business goes a long way.

How about “the Golden Rule”? You know, do unto others as you would have them do unto you?

Dave: That’s excellent. When you are considerate of your customers or clients and their needs, they’re going to remember and think of you and your business in a good light.

James Cash Penney was an American businessman who founded a huge chain of department stores. At its height, the company had over 2,000 stores. Penney was also a devout Christian. He once said, quote: “I cannot remember a time when the Golden Rule was not my motto and precept, the torch that guided my footsteps.”

Miles: It shows wisdom to treat others as we want to be treated, not only clients and customers, but employees as well. It’s just good business sense.

Dave: And it reflects well on Yahuwah when those who claim to serve Him live by the principles laid out in Scripture.

Another good thing to keep in mind is to practice good stewardship. Yahuwah really owns everything. We are just His stewards. When you bring that principle to bear in business, you will use resources wisely, you won’t carelessly harm the planet just to increase your profit margin. You’ll realize that you’re a steward of Yahuwah’s resources.

Miles: Huh. Yeah. That would really influence what decisions you made, wouldn’t it?

Dave: Absolutely. When Yahushua returns, we want the words spoken in Matthew 25:23 to be said to us: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”

Turn now to 2 Corinthians chapter 9 and read verse 6. This is another Biblical principle that is good to apply in business as well as in life in general. It will always reap a reward: 2 Corinthians 9 verse 6. What does that say?

Miles: “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”

Dave: What we put into any endeavor is usually what we get out of it. This holds true in personal relationships as well as building a business, building brand loyalty, and even with how we treat our employees. Our employees have wants and needs, too. When we’re mindful of those wants and needs—when we invest in our employees—what we reap is loyalty.

Miles: Treating employees well is really important if we wish to build a business on Biblical principles. We’re not honoring Yahuwah when we try to squeeze every last penny out of a deal or get rich off the backs of those working for us. “The workman is worthy of his hire.”

Dave: You’re absolutely right and Scripture actually talks about that. Why don’t you read Deuteronomy 24 verse 15 for us and while you’re looking that up, I’m going to read Leviticus 19:13. It says: “The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning.” So, see, Yahuwah understands the struggles of the poor and the working class. If we wish to honor Him, we will be understanding of their struggles, too, and not try to take advantage of them by paying them the lowest possible wage.

What does Deuteronomy 24:15 say?

Miles: Well, this passage actually starts in verse 14. It says:

You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether one of your brethren or one of the aliens who is in your land within your gates. Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to Yahuwah, and it be sin to you.

Dave: When you’re trying to build a business, profit is the measure by which we judge whether or not it’s a success. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But it should never be through taking advantage of those who depend on you.

A friend of mine was having a really difficult time finding work during the Covid lockdowns. He lives in a certain African country that does a lot of business with a far-eastern country. My friend is well-educated and, before the lockdowns, could earn a comfortable living as a translator working for these foreign-owned companies.

During the lockdowns, the companies took huge advantage. Not only were their workers working well-over 12 hours a day, but they dropped the workers’ wages to down to one-third to one-fourth of what it had been prior to the lockdowns.

Miles: One-third! That’s—that’s terrible! That’s robbery.

Dave: I was telling some colleagues about this and one, a citizen of this far-eastern country, defended it as simply good business practices. Capitalism.

Miles: I call it taking advantage.

Dave: That’s exactly what it is. Now, if you’re a Christian business owner, you might bump up your bottom line by taking advantage, but is that what Christ would do? Does that glorify Yahuwah?

Miles: Not at all. I read something once that said, “You are the only Christ some people will ever see.” The point being, of course, that the way we treat others reflects on the kind of person we are. And if we claim to be serving Yahuwah, but treat others poorly, taking advantage, that’s not going to reflect well on Him.

Dave: Speaking of profit margins, for Christians, if your profit has a purpose, a greater good, then you will actually work harder and find more satisfaction in your work.

For example, perhaps with the increased funds, you will help fund opportunities for less-advantaged people. I don’t know. But profit with a purpose is something to strive for. You remember what Yahushua said in Mark 8:36? “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and …”?

Miles: “Loses his own soul.”

Dave: “Loses his own soul.” And that brings me to my last point. Priorities.

Knowing how to prioritize is very important. A lot of first-time business owners never really succeed or make it big because, as the business grows, they micro-manage. They can’t be everywhere at once, so their business endeavors never really grow big. They need to learn to prioritize what they spend their time on. If an employee can do it, let him or her and you do something the employee can’t do.

Miles: Surround yourself with competent people who know what they’re doing, and you don’t have to do everything.

Dave: Right! Would you please read Matthew 6 verse 33. This verse teaches us just how we’re to prioritize and, as with all Biblical principles, it has multiple applications. Go ahead. Matthew 6:33.

Miles: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”

Dave: When Yahuwah is always our first priority, other things naturally fall into place, whether this is in interpersonal relationships, business or what have you. If we will put seeking Yahuwah and His righteousness as the most important of our priorities, then the other things will fall naturally into their proper places.

Miles: There is nothing wrong with being successful in business and earning a lot of money. Job was mind-bogglingly wealthy. But he used his wealth to bless others. We can, too. And when we keep Yah first in everything, then we glorify Him and lead others to notice and acknowledge the superiority of our beliefs if those beliefs bear fruits of righteousness, fairness to others, helping those in need, etc. All of these things honor Yah.

Dave: This is very true. To close, I’d like you to turn to Proverbs 3 and read the first four verses. This is what will happen when we apply Biblical principles in business.

Miles:

My son, do not forget my teaching,
But have your heart comply with my commandments;
For length of days and years of life
And peace they will add to you.
Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and a good reputation
In the sight of [Yah] and man.

Dave: Bringing Biblical principles into our daily lives honors Yahuwah. It has an added benefit of giving us a good reputation among our co-workers and peers. For anyone in business, this will have a positive effect on their business reputation. We’re always blessed when we live by Yahuwah’s standards.

Miles: This is true. I like having principles like this applied on a practical level. It’s practical godliness and, as you said, it honors Yahuwah.

Thanks for another great question from our listening audience. Keep sending us your questions, comments and prayer requests. Just go to WorldsLastChance.com and click on Contact Us. We look forward to hearing from you!

* * *Daily Promise

Hello! This is Elise O’Brien with today’s daily promise.

I really enjoy a website called Quora.com. That’s Q-U-O-R-A.com. People from around the world post questions for others to answer. The answers range from hilarious, to heart-breaking, to joyful and uplifting. I recently saw a post on there about a woman who does manicures for elderly residents at a care home.

A new resident had come in and, as the manicurist went over the different colors available, the old woman said she just wanted clear polish.

Clear! The manicurist thought. That’s no fun. She asked the old woman why she wanted clear. The old lady replied, “My hands are ugly. I don’t want to draw attention to them.”

The manicurist looked down at the woman’s hands. It was true, the knuckles were knobby, the skin wrinkled and covered in age spots, but she didn’t see ugliness. Gently cradling the time-worn hands, she said, "Your hands tell the story of your life. They tell the story of love, of care and adventure. These hands have touched and held things that most people can only wish to one day."

With those words of encouragement and understanding, the elderly woman decided she would like to try pink polish for her nails.

We all have things we dislike about ourselves or for which we feel guilty. The good news is that Yahuwah loves us anyway. Psalm 40 verse 17 says:

“I am poor and needy;
Yet Yahuwah thinks upon me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O my God.”

Yes, we make mistakes. Yes, our attitudes and behaviors can often be unlovely. Our bodies get old. But through it all, Yahuwah loves us anyway. You are a child of Yah. I don’t know who you are or where you are, but Yahuwah does. He loves you with a love that can never be lost. He knows all about you. Your greatest weakness, your most embarrassing failure, and He loves you just as you are, anyway. You’re His precious child!

Psalm 139 says:

O Yahuwah, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Yahuwah, You know it altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me. [Psalm 139:1-10]

We have been given great and precious promises. Go and start claiming!

* * *Part 3: (Miles & Dave)

Miles: I really like basing things on principles. If you don’t know what to do, you just look for a Biblical principle. That stays the same, regardless of individual cultural morals.

Dave: Acting on Biblical principles let’s you know what to do in any given situation. Now here’s the good news: Yahuwah has never been defeated! He can’t be defeated. Sure, His plans may arch over millennia, but ultimately He always triumphs and He has in the plan of salvation, too.

Turn to Romans 8, would you please? Paul was exuberant with the knowledge that when we’re on Yah’s side, we are conquerors. Read Romans 8 verses 31 and 32.

Miles: All right, it says:

What shall we then say to these things? If [Yah] be for us, who can be against us?

He that spared not His own son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall He not with him also freely give us all things?

Dave: If Yah be for us … who can be against us? After everything He’s done for us, everything He’s sacrificed, every costly gift He’s given, do you really think that He would now withhold help or … anything we need?

Miles: No. No. Not at all.

Dave: Drop down now and read verse 35, and 37 through 39.

Miles:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of [Yahuwah], which is in Christ Yahushua our Lord.

Dave: We serve an unconquered and unconquerable God.

Now, here’s the really exciting part. It is Yahuwah’s will for His children to be conquerors, too!

Miles: Reminds me of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Dave: How many things? Some things? Most things? Certain things that fit within a specific category?

Miles: No. All things.

Dave: All things. In conclusion, I’d like you to read 1 John chapter 5, verses 14 to 15. And as you read this, keep in mind what we just said: it is Yahuwah’s will that His children be conquerors, too.

Go ahead.

Miles: “And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will he hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him.”

Dave: Scripture is full of the most beautiful, powerful reassurances. Isaiah 41 verse 10 says: “Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

This is what Yahuwah’s willing to do for us! He’ll help us in every situation if we’ll just let Him. All we have to do is reach out the hand of faith.

Miles: And if you need more faith? You can always ask for more!

Dave: That’s right.

Miles: Thank you for joining us today. We hope you join us again tomorrow, and until then, remember: Yahuwah loves you . . . and He is safe to trust!

* * *

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This program and past episodes of WLC Radio are available for downloading on our website. They're great for sharing with friends and for use in Bible studies! They're also an excellent resource for those worshipping Yahuwah alone at home. To listen to previously aired programs, visit our website at WorldsLastChance.com. Click on the WLC Radio icon displayed on our homepage.

In his teachings and parables, the Savior gave no “signs of the times” to watch for. Instead, the thrust of his message was constant … vigilance. Join us again tomorrow for another truth-filled message as we explore various topics focused on the Savior's return and how to live in constant readiness to welcome him warmly when he comes.

WLC Radio: Teaching minds and preparing hearts for Christ's sudden return.