THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD GIVES US FREEDOM

PROCLAMATION

“Now The Lord is The Spirit, and where The Spirit of The Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Here Paul makes a bold statement and implies that The Holy Spirit is The Spirit of The Lord Jesus, The Christ.  This should not be so hard to accept since we are taught that God, The Father, and God, The Son, and God, The Holy Spirit are one. (1 John 5:7)  Jesus, The Christ, said, “I and My Father are one.” (John 10:30)  Therefore, The Holy Spirit of God is The Spirit of Christ.  Where The Spirit of The Lord is, there is freedom.

 

APPLICATION

The Bible says, “God is a Spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)  Wherever The Holy Spirit of The Lord God is, there is freedom.  This is not freedom in the physical sense, even though that can also happen.  This is freedom in the spiritual sense.  Since The Holy Spirit dwells within all believers, we all get to enjoy this “freedom”; the freedom from spiritual blindness and darkness; the freedom from the bondage of sin and the captivity of Satan; and the freedom from the fear of hell, God’s wrath, and eternal damnation.  The more time we spend in His Holy Word, and the more often we exhibit the fruit of The Spirit, the more like Him we become.  As we do His will and are ruled by our spiritual nature, we are slowly being transformed into His image. (2 Corinthians 3:18)  However, the transformation will not be complete until He returns, and we are changed from mortal to immortal. (1 Corinthians 15:50-53)

 

A DOUBLE PORTION OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD

A DOUBLE PORTION OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me, what can I do for your before I am taken from you?’  ‘Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,’ Elisha replied.”  2 Kings 2:9 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After the death of Ahaziah, Elijah knew that he was near the end of his life, so he walked with Elisha. (2 Kings 2:1)  Elijah told Elisha to stay there because The Lord had sent him to Bethel, but Elisha said that he would not leave him. (2 Kings 2:1-2)  The Lord also sent Elijah to Jericho, to the Jordan, and each time Elisha said that he would not leave him. (2 Kings 2:4-6)  At the Jordan, Elijah took his cloak and struck the Jordan, and The Lord God parted the waters and they crossed over on dry land. (2 Kings 2:8)  It was after they had crossed the Jordan that Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for him before The Lord took him away.  Elisha asked for a double portion of The Spirit of God that Elijah had, and Elijah if you see me when I am taken away, then your request will be granted. (2 Kings 2:10)  As they were walking, they were separated, and a chariot of fire with horses of fire took Elijah away in a whirlwind up to heaven, and Elisha saw the whole thing. (2 Kings 2:11-12)

APPLICATION

Elisha was a greater prophet than Elijah was because he had a double portion of The Spirit of God upon him.  If we want to do more for The Lord, we need to ask for His help to do it.  The Holy Spirit of The Lord God is within all believers, (Ezekiel 36:27) we just have to learn to yield control of our lives to Him.  We need to pray that God will renew His Holy Spirit within us (Psalm 51:10) so that we can all get more involved in kingdom building here on earth.

AS WE SOW SO SHALL WE ALSO REAP

PROCLAMATION

“Joab and his brother Abishal murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.”  2 Samuel 3:30 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

The war between the house of Saul in the northern kingdom and the house of David in the southern kingdom lasted a long time, and the house of David was slowly winning the war even though they were outnumbered. (2 Samuel 3:1)  Abner, the son of Ner, had been the commander of the army under Saul and he was primarily responsible for Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son, being made king over the northern kingdom. (2 Samuel 2:8)  Abner was in the battle at Gibeon between the northern and southern kingdoms, and he and the Israelites were defeated by David and his men. (2 Samuel 2:17)  As Abner fled the scene he was chased by Asahel, the brother of Joab.  Asahel continued to pursue him until Abner stopped running, faced him, fought him, and killed him by thrusting a spear into his stomach, through him, that came out of his back. (2 Samuel 2:23)  Joab and his brother Abishal continued to pursue Abner until the men of Benjamin rallied behind Abner. (2 Samuel 2:24-25)  Some time later, as this civil war continued, Abner fell out with Ish-Bosheth and he decided to help David unify the two kingdoms. (2 Samuel 3:8-10)  Abner met with the elders of Israel to discuss this and then later met with David. (2 Samuel 3:17-21)  When Joab, the commander of David’s army, learned of this meeting he was upset. (2 Samuel 3:23-25)  Then Joab sent for Abner, under the pretense of having another meeting with David, called him aside and killed him, to avenge his brother Asahel, by stabbing Abner in the stomach (2 Samuel 3:27) as he did to his brother.

APPLICATION

As Abner killed Asahel, so Joab killed Abner.  What Abner did was done to him.  As we sow, so shall we also reap. (Job 4:8 and Galatians 6:7)  We should treat all people like we would like to be treated.  As children, believers are taught to obey “the golden rule”.  We are to do unto others as we would have them to do unto us. (Luke 6:31)  At some point in our lives we lose track of this Biblical principal and the influence of the world seems to overtake us.  We need to let The Holy Spirit of God direct our behavior.  He that sows to the flesh shall reap corruption; but he that sows to The Spirit shall reap everlasting life. (Galatian 6:8)  He that sows sparingly will reap sparingly; but he that sows bountifully will reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)  As we sow, so shall we also reap.

PROTECTED BY THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD

PROCLAMATION

“Word came to Saul: ‘David is in Naioth at Ramah;’ so he sent men to capture him.  But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, The Spirit of God came on Saul’s men, and they also prophesied.”  1 Samuel 19:19-20 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

King Saul wanted to kill David (1 Samuel 19:1) but Saul’s son Jonathan intervened and saved David’s life. (1 Samuel 19:2-6)  During that time a war broke out with the Philistines, and David, who was now a high-ranking officer in the army, went off to war and slew the Philistines. (1 Samuel 19:8)  When he returned from the war, Saul sent messengers to his home to kill him. (1 Samuel 19:11)  David fled and took refuge with the prophet Samuel. (1 Samuel 19:18)  Twice more Saul sent messengers to kill David while he was with Samuel but The Spirit of The Lord God protected him. (1 Samuel 19:20-21)  Then King Saul went to Ramah to kill David himself but The Spirit of The Lord God again protected David. (1 Samuel 19:22-24)

APPLICATION

Three times King Saul sent men to kill David but The Spirit of The Lord God protected him.  Saul even went himself to kill David but again The Spirit of The Lord God protected him.  Just as The Spirit of The Lord God protected David from Saul and his men, He also protects believers today.  We may or may not know who or what is out to do us harm, but we know that The Spirit of The Lord God protects us from dangers seen and unseen. (Psalm 61:3 and 91:4)  We ought to be grateful and thank Him for blessing us and keeping us.

EVERY SPIRIT IS NOT FROM GOD

Proclamation:

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone into the world.  This is how you can recognize The Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God …”  1 John 4:1-2 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle John, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to all who believed in Jesus, The Christ.  He begins this fourth chapter by telling them not to believe every spirit that confronts them because not all spirits are from God.  The spirit of the antichrist is also in the world. (1 John 4:3)  Those who know God will listen to them, but those who are not of God will not listen to them. (1 John 4:6)  Then he reminds them to love one another and that God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)  He also reminds them that God loved them enough to send His only Son into the world as an atoning sacrifice for their sins. (1 John 4:9-10)

Application:

Those of us who are old enough to remember Saturday morning cartoons, can remember seeing a miniature evil character standing on the character’s shoulder whispering in one ear and a miniature good character standing on the other shoulder whispering in the other ear.  That was an over-simplification of what really occurs but it clearly conveyed the presence of both good and evil spirits attempting to influence us.  Generally, we know which is right and which is wrong, but if we are not sure we should test the spirit to make sure what they are telling us is consistent with The Word of God.  The Bible repeatedly warns us about false prophets.  Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is really one, and what they are teaching is not The Word of God.  That is why we need to read and study God’s Holy Word so that we can discern the truth.  Additionally, when we attempt to tell someone about Jesus, The Christ, and they refuse to listen to us, we need to understand that they are being influenced by the spirit of the antichrist. (1 John 4:6) 

LET US WALK THE WALK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Proclamation:

“So I say, walk by The Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the flesh desires what is contrary to The Spirit, and The Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.  They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.  But if you are led by The Spirit, you are not under the law.”  Galatians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Galatia.  In this chapter, Paul begins by stating that Christ has set them free from the law. (Galatians 5:1)  Then he tells them that circumcision is required under the law.  Men who let themselves be circumcised are trying to be justified by the law.  All they really have done is to alienate themselves from Christ and have fallen away from grace. (Galatians 5:2-7)  The Paul asked them who persuaded them to change and said that whoever confused them would pay the penalty. (Galatians 5:7-12)  Then he told them that they had been set free but they should not use their freedom to indulge in the desires of the flesh or to devour one another. (Galatians 5:13-15)  He encouraged them to walk in The Spirit.  He told them The Spirit desires that which is contrary to the desires of the flesh.

Application:

Believers should walk the walk of The Spirit.  If we stay in The Spirit, then we will not give in to the desires of the flesh.  For that which the flesh desires is contrary to the way of The Spirit.  Paul provided a list of the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) and then contrasted them to the fruit of The Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)  None of the sinful desires of the flesh should surprise us, in fact we are probably all too familiar with them.  So, since The Holy Spirit of God lives within us, and as believers we should live by The Spirit, let us try to keep in step with and walk in The Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)  That is the only way that we can produce the fruit of The Spirit.  The manifestation of the fruit of The Spirit is always for the benefit of others, whereas the desires of the flesh are always selfish.  

EACH AND EVERY BELIEVER IS GIVEN A SPIRITUAL GIFT

Proclamation:

“Now to each one the manifestation of The Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given through The Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines.”  1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  In this chapter Paul wrote to them concerning Spiritual Gifts so that they would not be uninformed. (1 Corinthians 12:1)  His point here was that there are different gifts but they all come from the same Holy Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 12:4)  He then proceeds to list the gifts of The Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.  He states that The Holy Spirit distributes these Spiritual gifts to believers as He chooses.

Application:

The Holy Spirit of God gives Spiritual gifts to each believer as He determines is appropriate.  Every believer has been blessed to get at least one, some get more than one of them, but no believer gets all of them.  The gifts allow the believer the capacity to perform a service for the glory of God to benefit the body of Christ.  These Spiritual gifts are different from natural physical gifts like singing or playing an instrument.  Natural gifts can be used for the glory of God but they can also be used for self glorification.  Spiritual gifts are to be used for the advantage, benefit, and salvation of others.  We all have Spiritual gifts, physical talents, and natural abilities which we could use for the glory of God, and all of us could do more than we are doing.  In fact, in all that we do, we should do it to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

SOME THINGS CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BY THE AID OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD

Proclamation:

“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived,’ the things God has prepared for those who love Him; these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.”  1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul began this chapter by telling the believers in Corinth that he only spoke to them about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.  He said that his message and his preaching were not full of enticing words or reflective of human wisdom but they were a demonstration of the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)  He declared God’s wisdom and power and said that no man has seen, or heard, or imagined what The Lord God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:6-9)  Here Paul quotes from the Old Testament scriptures. (Isaiah 64:4)  It is by The Spirit of God that he preaches and not by anything that he learned from man. (1 Corinthians 2:10-14)

Application:

It is possible to learn some things by what we see or by what we hear.  However, there are certain things which can only be learned and understood through the aid of The Holy Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10-13)  This is why we as believers should prayerfully read and study The Word of God.  There are some things which will never be understood by non-believers. (1 Corinthians 2:14)  Some things are only for those who love The Lord and who wait on Him.  “Wait, I say, on The Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)  “Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

SOME PEOPLE WILL NOT LIKE YOU IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION

Proclamation:

“Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, ‘My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees.  I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.’”  Acts 23:6 (NIV) 

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke recorded that when Paul addressed the Sanhedrin council he knew that some of them were Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, angels, or spirits, and some of them were Pharisees, who believed in all these things. (Acts 23:7-8)  This created a great disturbance among the Sanhedrin which spilled over into the city.  Some of the Jews took an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. (Acts 23:9-15)  But the commander of the Roman army found out about the plot and had Paul taken out of town at night under heavy guard. (Acts 23:16-24)

Application:

The Christian faith is based upon belief in the birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.  There are many people in this world who hate believers.  Some of those people even want to kill all Christian believers because of their religious beliefs.  Jesus said that the world would hate believers because they hated Him. (John 15:18)  Not everybody believes that Jesus is The Christ and the promised Messiah.  However unpopular it may be, as believers we need to stand by our beliefs.  Jesus said if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before His Heavenly Father. (Matthew 10:33)  The Lord God is all powerful and all knowing.  He was raised from the dead with all power of heaven and earth in His hands. (Matthew 28:18)  To God be the glory!

YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER AND YOU WILL BE WITNESSES

Proclamation:

“But you will receive power when The Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After His resurrection, Jesus spoke these words to His disciples just before His ascension to heaven. (Acts 1:6-9)  Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem until they had been baptized by The Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4-5)  He said that they would receive power when The Holy Spirit came upon them and they would be witnesses for Him.

Application:

These 120 men and women (Acts 1:14-15) in the upper room did not receive The Holy Spirit until the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-4)  Today, we do not have to wait.  We receive The Holy Spirit of God the very moment that we believe and accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.  We also receive spiritual power to be witnesses for Christ because The Holy Spirit dwells within each of us. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)  Although we did not physically walk with Christ, or directly witness His death, burial, and resurrection, we have heard the account of those who did and we have believed. (John 20:29)  Unfortunately, our old human nature is still within us and we must choose to do the right thing and obey The Lord God. (Romans 7:19-23)   We have the power but we must choose to walk the walk with Christ.  We need to pray for Him to help us to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and give God glory. (Matthew 5:16)

THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD IS THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH

Proclamation:

“But when He, The Spirit of Truth, comes, He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.  He will glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you.”  John 16:13-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were spoken by Jesus, The Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the words which Jesus spoke to His disciples to explain why He was leaving them and what it would mean for them.  Jesus said that after He left them, The Holy Spirit would come and guide them into all truth, (John 16:13) teach them, and increase their understanding.  What The Spirit will reveal to them would not be anything new, He will help them recall and understand the things which Christ spoke to them. (John 14:26 and 16:14-15)  Jesus told them that He would soon leave and they would lament and be sorrowful for a while but their grief would soon turn to joy. (John 16:19-20 and 22)

Application:

Jesus, The Christ, had to leave.  His death was necessary to pay for our sins.  Additionally, while He was wrapped in flesh, He could only be in one place at a time, but His Holy Spirit could be everywhere all at the same time.  The Holy Spirit can guide us and teach us, each one of us as we need it, all at the same time.  We know that The Holy Spirit is working within us when we are glorifying God.  However, The Holy Spirit of God only dwells within those of us who believe in Jesus, The Christ, and have accepted Him as our personal savior. (John 14:17, Romans 8:11, 1 John 3:24 and 4:13)

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD

Proclamation:

“And when the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting ... All of them were filled with The Holy Spirit …”  Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent traveling companion of the apostle Paul.  Some people believe that only the eleven apostles received power after The Holy Spirit of God came upon them.  Luke records that in that upper room there were about 120 men and women (Acts 1:12-15) and they were all filled with The Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4) 

Application:

Jesus, The Christ, said “You will receive power when The Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses …” (Acts 1:8)  This power is not just for preachers but it is available to all believers.  After Peter preached his first sermon, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)  That day about 3000 people gladly received his word, believed it, and became disciples (students) of Christ. (Acts 2:41)  That number grew daily and became a multitude. (Acts 2:46-47)  Stephen, the first deacon, was full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, before the apostles laid their hands upon him and prayed for him. (Acts 6:3-8)  As believers in Jesus, The Christ, we have The Holy Spirit of God within us.  Our problem is we have a choice in what we do and say, and we do not let The Holy Spirit have control of our lives.  We want to be in charge.  My favorite example of this is to use a bus as an analogy.  On the bus which represents our life, we want The Holy Spirit to be a back seat passenger on the bus that we are driving, instead of us letting The Holy Spirit take charge and drive the bus.  We have the potential to do great things for The Lord.  We have the power of The Holy Spirit of God available to us, to help us to be a help to others.  We have the power within us, the question is: what are we doing with it and what are we going to do with it?  All believers are to be witnesses for Christ.  We are all to spread The Word and tell others about the good news and salvation through Jesus, The Christ.

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Proclamation:

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house … All of them were filled with The Holy Spirit …” Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician and frequent traveling companion of the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke recorded the events which transpired on the day that the disciples received The Holy Spirit of God.

Application:

Some people believe that only the eleven apostles received power after The Holy Ghost came upon them.  However, The Bible says that in that upper room there were about 120 people (Acts 1:10-15) and they were all filled with The Holy Spirit of God. (Acts 2:3-4)  This power is not just for preachers but it is available to all believers.  After Peter preached his first sermon he said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost ..." and about 3000 people gladly received his word and became disciples (students) of Christ. (Acts 2:38 and 41)  That number grew into a multitude.  Stephen, the first deacon, was full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, before the apostles laid their hands upon him and prayed for him. (Acts 6:3-8)  As Christians and believers in Jesus Christ, we have The Holy Ghost within us.  Our problem is we have a choice in what we do and say, and we do not let The Holy Spirit have control of our lives.  We want to be in charge.  My favorite example of this is to use a bus as an example. On the bus that is our life, we want The Holy Spirit to be a back seat passenger on the bus that we are driving, instead of us letting The Holy Spirit take charge and drive the bus.  We have the potential to do great things for The Lord.  We have the power of The Holy Spirit of God available to us, to help us to be a help to others.  We have the power within us, the question is what are we doing with it and what are we going to do with it?

THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL REMIND US OF GOD'S HOLY WORD

Proclamation:

"All this I have spoken while still with you.  But The Counselor, The Holy Spirit, whom The Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."  John 14:25-26 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by the Apostle John who wanted all believers to know that one function of The Holy Spirit is to bring to their remembrance all of the things that Jesus taught them while He was with them.

Application:

The Holy Spirit serves the same function for us today.  Even though today we have the Bible to read, in print and electronic forms, The Holy Spirit still reminds us of what Jesus said and taught.   By bringing to our mind the appropriate Bible verse for a particular situation, The Holy Spirit helps us to make better choices.  He only reminds us of what The Word of God says, He does not make us say or do the right thing.  We must choose what we say and do for ourselves.  However, if you have never read or heard The Word of God, then He cannot help you.  But He can enlighten you once you have been exposed to The Word.  So, read the Bible and study it, so that The Holy Spirit will have something to remind you of and He can help you live a better life.

The Holy Spirit Reminds Us Of God's Word

"But The Counselor, The Holy Spirit, whom The Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."  John 14:26 (NIV)

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, recorded by the Apostle John, as Jesus spoke with His disciples.  He told them that He would go away to prepare a place for them. (John 14:2)  Then He told them that He would ask His Father to send them another Comforter, The Holy Spirit, who would be with them forever. (John 14:16)  He promised them that The Holy Spirit would remind them of everything which He had said to them.

Today, The Lord God speaks to us through His Holy Word.  When we read or hear The Word of God, He is speaking to us.  The Holy Spirit can bring His words to our remembrance today.  However, we must first have heard or read The Word of God before The Holy Spirit can remind us of what He said.  So, in addition to hearing The Word preached on Sunday, we need to read His Holy Word every day of the week.  In fact, we should begin and end each day with prayer and then reading The Word of God. (Joshua 1:8)