I recently updated my personal page. I will be adding some clips, and all of my sermons here along with some other projects I have been working on. I hope you subscribe and stay connected. To get this started, I am posting an old one... it still defines what I believe. Share it with someone today!
___ Joshua 1:1-9 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. Joshua’s story is fascinating. It is the story of a man who endured the consequences of other people’s stubbornness, disobedience, and unfaithfulness. If we are not careful enough we can get caught up in his victories, his courage and strength, and the boldness in his confession at the end of the story where he tells the people that regardless of what they do with their faith, he and his house will serve the Lord, leaving out the fact that his faith was also tested. I like to think that I am as bold as Joshua and that I have the courage to overcome whatever comes my way. But the truth is that too often I find myself on the opposite side. I tend to be weak, fearful, and unwilling to overcome some of the difficulties of life. Many times I find my comfort spot; unwilling to move forward. By moving forward I mean living as God is calling me to live. Connected to him, loving him, and loving people unconditionally. At this point, Joshua saw a whole generation die in front of his eyes because of disobedience. There is no record that he questioned his faith and God about this, but maybe he sometimes thought about it. Think about it, if you are living for God but everyone else, except a few, are living in total disobedience to God and then you have to endure the consequences of the unfaithful would you be as eager to continue to live in faith as Joshua did? However, Joshua remained faithful. Even if he thought about doubting, he seemed to seek the right answers in the right places. Scripture says that Joshua was full of wisdom, Godly wisdom. And this is something he had to look for. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. In Hebrew the meaning of the name Joshua is: Jehovah is generous. Jehovah saves. Joshua presents us a picture of Jesus Christ who would come and save the world. Unlike Joshua, Jesus took the pain and suffering we deserved because of our disobedience and sin. Joshua led the people into the promised land. He had the courage to believe in God’s promises. Jesus is also leading us into an ultimate glory. Instead of trying to become like Joshua, today I want to fix my eyes in the ultimate true Joshua who endured the cross for my sake. He is the one leading us, and His promises won’t fail. And when I feel weak or discouraged, I can look up to heaven and find strength in Him. I have nothing to prove, I don't have what it takes, but the one who lives inside my heart can give me everything I need to endure, overcome, and conquer my next enemy. Don’t try to be like Joshua, instead follow the ultimate savior Jesus Christ and see your soul be strengthened in a supernatural way. ^PJ |