There has been a stirring in my heart the past 7 or so weeks. It has been increasing almost daily. The LORD has used events to put me in the mix of our culture. At the town pool, at Target, at Barnes and Noble, an other places, my eyes are being opened.
I want you to join me on this journey! It is not coincidental that we are beginning the Book of Joshua, rather it is in God's perfect timing. This is God's time for us!
Like a mighty army moves the Church of God. It has become increasingly apparent to my soul how we are like Joshua and Israel.
Far too often today things are dismissed with great potential. So often this happens with the church. China and Africa are proof of this. Incorrect assessments are made. This has happened throughout history.
*Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper for "lacking imagination" and "having no original ideas."
*Albert Einstein was not able to speak until he was almost 4 years old and his teachers said he would "never amount to anything."
*Colonel Harland Sanders began KFC with his first Social Security check. Up to then he had a string of failures at various attempts to start a restaurant business.
Joshua was 80 years old when he began to lead the nation into conquest of the land the LORD God had promised them. Into the Promised Land, being right in the middle of God's work while in his 80's.
Joshua and Jonah are books of Destiny.
Joshua is focused on new beginnings, Jonah on judgement and endings (at first).
God's Word to Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land is for you and I this morning. For the LORD to bring us into new territory, we need to understand His heart revealed in Jonah 4.11
But Ninevah has more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right and from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?
We are called to be witnesses for Him.
1. Be Strong. v.6
Ephesians 6.10-13 our strength is from the LORD.
4.13 become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Jesus shows us how to share our faith. I love John 3&4!
Strength to take on the land. The landscape is ever changing today.
Our strength, our help is in Christ Jesus. He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit for power to be His witnesses.
2. Be Courageous. v.6
...we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us Romans 8.37
8.31 If God is for us, who can be against us?
Joshua 2.24 how we need to trust in the LORD for a demonstration of the Spirit's power
I Corinthians 2.1-5
Not a drive or push but being led by the Spirit.
3. Hold God's Word in High Esteem. vs.7-8
John 15.7 Abiding, remaining
The Presence of God daily by His Word dwelling within.
On your lips, in your heart, lighting your path
4. Don't be Terrified. v.9
Sharing our faith can be terrifying! These days we are shocked by what we see.
Remember the LORD is going before you.
5. Do not be Discouraged. v.9
Seven nations held the land of Canaan with strongholds of chariots of iron.
Sharing our faith today is a real spiritual battle.
Resist the temptation to retreat.
What a time to be a witness for Jesus Christ! Let's go!
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