oshua has always been one of my favorite Bible characters, ...

 

... so much so that we named our second son by that name. I believe that Joshua (the one in the Bible) can be such an inspiration to us by the things that God commanded him and how he walked those things out in his life. Can you imagine trying to fill the shoes of Moses? Over and over in Joshua 1 God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous...I believe He is saying those things to us. As a review here are the points God gave me to give to you comparing our lives to Joshua! Study these verses and let them be an encouragement to you. 

 1. God wants us to put our past into perspective!  Joshua 1:1-2(NIV)

2. God wants us to realize He has a place for us!  Joshua 1:2-4(NIV)

3. God wants us to know that His power and presence will go with us to defeat our enemies!  Joshua 1:5 (NIV)  

4. God wants us to know that He will keep His promises to us!  Joshua 1:6 (NIV)

5. God wants us to have true Biblical prosperity!  Joshua 1:7-8 (NIV) 

6. God wants us to take possession of what He has promised!  Joshua 1:11 (NIV)

7. God wants us to be passionate about being obedient to Him! Joshua 1:16-17 (NIV)

  A.W.Tozer said, “The true follower of Christ will not ask, "If I embrace this truth, what will it cost me?" Rather he will say, "This is truth. God help me to walk in it, let come what may!"  What I am saying about 2021 is that this is God’s truth, and with His help, we can and will walk victoriously in it!

Jim Cymbala says, “Prayer links us to the promises and power of the Almighty.

Calling out to God threatens Satan’s kingdom because it brings the blessings of heaven to earth and grants salvation to the ungodly.” 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NKJV) “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. The truth is that if we will go through that great door and even the double doors (Isa. 45) it will be accomplished by praying!

The early church devoted itself to prayer (Acts 2:42), it prayed the Apostle Peter out of prison the night before his scheduled execution (Acts 12), and they responded to persecution for the first time by prayer (Acts 4:42).  God responded by granting them a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit and a boldness to witness for Christ.  When Ananias was so fearful to go in obedience to Saul who became Paul God gave him this sign to let him know he had changed: Acts 9:11 (NKJV) “...behold, he is praying.”

We all in one accord say that we want to go through that great and effective door and we all acknowledge that there are many adversaries.  Listen to the exhortation of our Lord: Luke 18:1 (NIV) “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”  If you have not arrived at your destination yet...do not give up and do not stop praying.  The Scriptures we read about putting on God’s armor also tells us:  Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV)   “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”  Brothers and Sisters, keep praying and you will get through God’s door! 

All of us, if we are honest with ourselves, have weaknesses ...

     ... and even sins that easily harass us. As I am writing this I am watching a hawk try to dry it wings while sitting on a fence. A pesky mockingbird does not think the hawk should be resting or drying out so he feels it necessary to fly at him over and over. What is that thing in your life where the enemy is attacking you and constantly harassing you so you cannot rest in the Lord? 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NKJV) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

Maybe you have trouble loving someone...been there, done that and have the t-shirt. Has life sucked out your joy and you are having trouble coping with one day at a time? Peace is far from you because of trouble in the family or the events coming on our world. You have no self-control when it comes to saying “no” to the temptation of the enemy or “yes” in your obedience to Jesus. What are we to do?

In Galatians 5:22-23 the Apostle Paul says: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” As we seek God and are filled with the Holy Spirit, He will provide everything we need for life and godliness!  Again Paul says “I say then: Galatians 5:16 NKJV “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Be filled with the Spirit and walk in the Spirit and you will Live in Freedom Every Day!  

A couple of months ago God began to speak to me that 2021...

  ... would be a year of transition, and little did I know how much change would be coming. Let’s face it, most of us do not like transition but if you study God’s economy (His way of doing things), transition is inevitable. Today we witness Pastor Juan and Kacie Rodriguez being obedient to God and His call and we are here to bless them and send them out.

1. Obedience comes first, understanding comes later. 2 Corinthians 9:13 (NIV) “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ…” Pastor Juan and Kacie have shown us what this obedience looks like…how it is walked out. He offered their resignation, we announced it to the church. He did this in obedience to what God spoke to him. They did this not really knowing what their future looked like even though they knew God was their source. About four days after we announced it to the church, word came they were being put on staff at Nation’s Church. The obedience came first and the understanding followed. I hope we all get this. A beautiful faith step.

2. An Amazing Opportunity Today – Pastor Juan and Kacie. Today we get to actually put into practice everything we have been teaching. We get the awesome opportunity to bless two faithful servants of God in whom we know and love. Every week we give away money and food to people we barely know and we are always willing to bless those who need our help. It is a beautiful thing. How much more should we be willing to bless a spiritual son and daughter who are not leaving us, but are being sent out from among us. 1 Timothy 5:17 (TLB) “Pastors who do their work well should be paid well and should be highly appreciated, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.” I take that literally…we are giving twice as much as we normally give to opportunities like this. I challenge you to do the same. Maybe more, if God speaks to your heart. Pastor Juan and Kacie have exemplified what I have taught for years here at Life Church, Servant Leadership. It is one thing to teach it but even better when we live it. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. These guys have served God, served Life Church, me, our other pastors, La Vida, our youth, our young adults, our community, our mission’s endeavors, and even other churches. They are the greatest among us. Let’s truly bless them today as we send them out.