Joshua 1:1-9 is Joshua’s charge from the Lord. Because of his faithfulness God was going to lift him up higher. He had to make a choice, based on scripture, and Joshua knew the scriptures! Joshua was full of the Spirit of God (Deuteronomy 34:9)! So, Joshua chose that day whom he would serve.” He recognized his calling and commitment (Joshua 24:14-24). He becomes one of the leaders under Moses.
Remember… God brought the slaves OUT of Egypt to bring them IN to the Promised Land and gave them blessings they could not have imagined. They had been slaves in Egypt; they did not know that there was a land flowing with milk and honey… with houses they didn’t build, wells they didn’t dig, vineyards etc. (Joshua 24:13).
God sent Moses before Pharoah, “My living God sent me to tell you, ’Let My people go so they can worship Me!’” Pharoah made their burden heavier; but, when God began to send plagues against the gods of Egypt, Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to offer sacrifices … but you must not go very far, and don’t take your children. (Exodus 8) And so the plagues kept happening and finally Pharoah let them go, but then changed his mind and the Egyptian army chased them. At the Red Seas Moses stood up and commanded, “Stand still and see the salvation of your God!” The Red Sea parted, and the Israelites walked over on dry land. The Egyptians followed and were drowned! God calls Moses up on Mt. Sinai and Joshua goes halfway up the mountain with him. While God is carving out the 10 Commandments on stone Joshua hears revelry going on below. Remember a mixed multitude had came out of Egypt with them (Exodus 12:38) …the Israelites are making a golden calf to worship from the wealth they brought out from Egypt. That action resulted in God extending their stay in the wilderness for another 40 years. The Israelites spend 40 years in the wilderness until all the first generation died off. (Joshua 5:6)
Pastor Jerry remarked how the US is being destroyed by the “mixed multitudes” coming in. “Is Canada far behind? But God is still on the throne!” He also pointed out that the 10 Commandments are being put back in schools, parks, government buildings, etc. These will be signs to our children who will ask, “What do these signs mean?”
As we complete our 20th year anniversary, ask yourself, “If you were to go into the new year 2025, what would you say was #1 of God’s promises in the Book of Joshua you would take with you?” Answer: Joshua 1:3… “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses!” God never takes you any place He has not already been! He created it for you.
CONSIDER THE POWER LESSONS IN JOSHUA…
1. God is a giver! It has to be a God calling! We are called to move ahead. He will give us all the necessary provision to do it!
2. God’s promises never fall away. They stand out to you and me!
3. Only God can raise up a leader. It takes intentionality to bring about good leadership.
4. God’s Word is the path of success. He’s been there! You’ve never walked this way before. The anointing will flow. God sets the course. Study to show yourself approved unto God.
Deuteronomy 34:9 says that Joshua was full of the Spirit of God. When God calls you to enjoy His water you start with your feet up to your ankles, then up to your knees, then up to waters to swim in (Ezekeil 47:3-6) … WATCH OUT FOR ADVERSE CURRENTS from mixed multitudes! I.e. Don’t be surprised when the church begins to grow that some may leave. When new people come in and trials come, ask, “Who is holding their umbrella?” Stay encouraged! Be in unity! Don’t let discontentment steal your joy! God is more than you could ever ask or think!
Consider Joshua! Joshua overcame by being very consistent and very courageous. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he!” (Proverbs 23:7) What is your thinking like? Consider your inheritance… the Gospel, your peace, your joy, your health, your strength – YOUR PROMISED LAND BLESSINGS!
What you think is how you see yourself. Good thinking will give us good actions. As I think in my heart, so I am! A doubleminded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). Jesus said to the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus who were depressed and sorrowful after Jesus was crucified: “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe…” (Luke 24:25-27). Jesus wants us to walk a road of stability of faith, hope and trust. When situations arise make sure you are not wrongly thinking. Make sure He is still holding your umbrella.
Our values come from God’s design in your life. In Philippians 4:4-9 the Apostle Paul exhorts us to meditate on this…
“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
In us is a treasure – the Lord Jesus Christ! We are rich! Blessings poured out could cause to give sway… “out of your inner most being will flow rivers of living water” (John 4:38).
Joshua said, “…Now therefore fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. … Choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' (Joshua 24:14-24)
Comentários