Joshua 1 nine Ministries

Category: Uncategorized

  • How to Share Jesus

    How to Share Jesus: Simple Ways to Shine His Light in Everyday Life

    Let’s be real—talking about Jesus can feel intimidating. What if they reject you? What if you don’t say the right thing? What if you don’t have all the answers?

    Here’s the good news: sharing Jesus doesn’t have to be complicated or scary. In fact, it’s often the small moments, the genuine love, and the simple words that speak the loudest.

    1. Start With Your Story

    You don’t need a theology degree to talk about Jesus. Start with your story. Share how Jesus changed your life, gave you hope, or brought peace in a dark time. People might argue with facts, but they can’t argue with your real experience.

    Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

    Your testimony is powerful. It makes the gospel real and relatable.

    2. Let Your Life Speak

    Sometimes the best way to preach the gospel is without words. It’s how you treat the waitress who got your order wrong. It’s how you respond when someone’s gossiping. It’s your attitude at work, your honesty, your kindness, your joy.

    Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

    People notice when something is different about you. Let them see Jesus through how you live.

    3. Be Bold, But Gentle

    Yes, we’re called to be bold—but boldness doesn’t mean being pushy or rude. It means having the courage to speak when the moment is right, even if your voice shakes a little. It means sharing truth with love, not judgment.

    1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

    Don’t underestimate a simple, “Can I pray for you?” or “I’ve found peace in Jesus—have you ever experienced that?”

    4. Pray for Opportunities

    If you ask God to open doors, He will. Pray for courage. Pray for the right words. And pray for the hearts of those around you. The Holy Spirit does the real work—you’re just the vessel.

    Colossians 4:3 says, “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ.”

    Sometimes the opportunity comes through a crisis, a coffee conversation, or even a random stranger. Stay open and ready.

    5. Leave the Results to God

    It’s not your job to save people. That’s God’s job. Your job is simply to share—plant the seed, water it with love, and trust that God will bring the growth.

    1 Corinthians 3:6 says, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”

    Even if someone doesn’t respond right away, you may have just planted a seed that will grow later.

    Final Thoughts

    Sharing Jesus isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being available. God uses willing hearts—broken, shy, unsure ones too. If He can use fishermen, tax collectors, and former persecutors, He can absolutely use you.

    So next time you get the nudge to speak up or show love—go for it. Jesus isn’t just a message. He’s the hope the world is desperate for. And you carry that hope.

    Let’s be the ones who aren’t ashamed to say, “I know a Savior, and He changed everything for me.”

  • How Do You Know You’re Saved?

    How Do You Know You’re Saved? A Journey from Doubt to Assurance

    Have you ever laid awake at night wondering, “Am I really saved?” You’ve said the prayer, gone to church, maybe even served in ministry—but deep down, you still ask yourself, “What if I’m not truly saved?”

    If that’s you, you’re not alone. Many believers wrestle with this question at some point. And guess what? That’s not a sign of weak faith—it’s actually a sign that your heart truly cares about your relationship with God.

    The Struggle is Real

    There was a time in my life when I constantly feared I wasn’t saved. I kept replaying my past mistakes and doubting if my faith was “strong enough.” I thought salvation was something I had to feel all the time, like an emotional high. But feelings are fickle—and they come and go. What I learned through Scripture and time spent with God changed everything.

    What Does the Bible Say?

    Romans 10:9 makes it simple and clear:

    “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

    Notice it doesn’t say, “If you never doubt, you’re saved.” Or, “If you feel super holy every day, you’re saved.” No—it says believe and confess. Salvation is not based on performance, perfection, or emotions. It’s based on a person: Jesus Christ.

    Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us:

    “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

    The Evidence of Salvation

    So how can you know you’re saved? Here are a few signs—not to earn salvation, but as fruits of it:

    • You desire God: Even your longing to know Him more is a sign the Holy Spirit is at work in you.
    • You feel convicted of sin: Not condemned, but gently corrected.
    • You’re changing: Maybe slowly, but you’re not who you used to be.
    • You trust Jesus alone: Not your own good works, but His finished work on the cross.

    Let Go of the Fear

    Friend, God isn’t dangling salvation in front of you like a carrot, waiting for you to jump high enough to grab it. If you have placed your faith in Jesus—truly believing He died for your sins and rose again—you are saved. That’s the promise of Scripture.

    1 John 5:13 gives us this assurance:

    “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

    So that you may know. Not guess. Not wonder. But know.

    A Prayer for You

    If you’re still unsure, take a moment to talk to God from your heart:

    “Lord, I believe that You are the Son of God who died and rose again for me. I trust in Your grace and not my works. Help me walk in the assurance of Your love and salvation. Thank You for saving me. Amen.”

    Final Thoughts

    Knowing you’re saved isn’t about how you feel—it’s about what Jesus did. Rest in that truth today. You don’t have to live in fear. You can live in freedom, knowing that you belong to Him. Forever.

    Would you like a version of this formatted for social media or email devotionals too?

  • A Call to Coruage and Faith

    In the book of Joshua, we encounter a powerful moment of transition and challenge. After the death of Moses, Joshua, his assistant, is called by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. It is a monumental task filled with uncertainty and fear. But in the midst of these overwhelming challenges, God gives Joshua a command and a promise that resonates deeply with us today. Joshua 1:9 says:

    “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)

    This verse is more than just a motivational quote; it’s a divine invitation to step forward in faith, no matter the circumstances. Let’s explore the meaning of this verse and how it applies to our lives today.

    1. A Command, Not Just a Suggestion

    The verse begins with God’s direct command to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous.” These aren’t just comforting words; they are a directive. God isn’t merely offering advice; He is instructing Joshua on how to face the unknown. Life is filled with moments that challenge our faith, our courage, and our strength. Whether we are stepping into a new job, facing health challenges, or navigating personal struggles, the call to be strong and courageous remains relevant.

    God’s command is clear: when fear rises, when doubt creeps in, we are to take action and stand firm. But it’s not about relying on our own strength. We are invited to tap into the divine strength that comes from God.

    2. Courage Over Fear

    Fear is one of the most powerful emotions we experience as humans. It can paralyze us, prevent us from taking risks, and cause us to shy away from opportunities God is calling us into. Joshua was about to lead a nation into a land filled with unknowns, and he could have easily been overwhelmed by fear.

    Yet God urges him not to be afraid. Why? Because fear doesn’t have to dictate our decisions. In the face of fear, God provides a foundation for courage—His presence. True courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the willingness to move forward despite it, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

    3. A Promise of God’s Presence

    The latter part of Joshua 1:9 offers a powerful assurance: “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This promise is not just for Joshua; it is for all of us. When God calls us to step into new seasons or face difficult circumstances, He doesn’t leave us to do it alone. His presence goes with us, providing comfort, guidance, and strength.

    This promise should give us peace. We are never truly alone in our struggles, fears, or uncertainties. No matter how daunting the task ahead may seem, we can walk forward in the assurance that God’s presence surrounds us. This is the kind of strength that transcends our abilities and allows us to face challenges with unwavering faith.

    4. Application to Our Lives Today

    Joshua 1:9 is not just a historical verse; it’s a living, breathing call to action for each of us. Many of us, like Joshua, face daunting challenges. Whether it’s a new opportunity that seems too big or a personal trial that feels impossible, God’s call to be strong and courageous still stands.

    Here’s how we can apply it:

    • Lean on God’s strength: In moments when we feel weak, we can draw from God’s strength. We are not expected to be brave on our own; His power works in us and through us.
    • Trust in God’s presence: Knowing that God is with us can transform how we approach difficulties. We can face our challenges with confidence, not because of our abilities, but because of His faithful presence.
    • Take action in faith: Courage is not simply about feeling brave; it’s about moving forward even when the outcome is uncertain. God asks us to take the next step, trusting that He will provide what we need along the way.

    Joshua 1:9 reminds us that courage is not something we muster up on our own, but it’s rooted in the truth that God is with us. Just as He was with Joshua as he faced the unknown, He is with us in every season of life. So, when fear and doubt try to hold us back, we can respond by remembering God’s command to be strong and courageous, anchored in the certainty of His presence and promise.

    As you face the challenges before you, remember this verse. Be strong, be courageous, and trust that God will walk with you wherever you go.