WHAT DO WE VALUE?

Highlights from Pastor Jerry’s Aug 18 Message’

Here at Hope Centre family Church are preparing for our celebration of 20 years and a commitment to “Go forward,” trusting in many opportunities to minister in the  years to come.  And so, we must seek God and be prayerfully obedient to every direction He gives us. Here is what we are seeking – the fullness of all God has for us!

1.     Which way are your feet pointed? God is calling us to seek Him. There will be obstacles, but God will be with us. There is no turning back!

2.     We value TEAM – even if it’s only two. WE are better than ME!

3.     We value IMPACT! Whatever it takes is what we will do.

It is wise for us to review scriptural examples of times when the Lord directed His people to go forward in new challenges.  The Book of Joshua is an excellent guide. So, today, let’s look at Joshua 1:1-9 and see how it applies to us. As we look at Joshua 1:1-9, let the truth burn within you – let it saturate you, as it did to the disciples on the Emaus Road as Jesus opened the scriptures to them (Luke 24:32).     

In Numbers 13:1 God had spoken to Moses to send spies into the land of Canaan to see what the land was like.  Joshua and Caleb were the only two who gave a good report: “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it!”  The others brought back a negative report and discouraged the people: “It truly flows with milk and honey, BUT… the people are strong, like giants, and the cities fortified.” In other words, the giants are bigger than God! God, also, sovereignly led 2 spies who went to spy out Jericho to the house of a woman named Rahab, the one person who believed in Him.  She had heard of Israel’s God and the mighty things He had done in leading them out of Egypt! (Joshua 2).

God is calling us, as we prepare to celebrate our 20th year anniversary, to look at the promise, power and presence of God and not at what seems like impossible circumstances.  Holy Spirit filled people think about Jesus and all He has provided for us on the Cross and in His resurrection!   The Apostle Paul said, “I would not have you ignorant…” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

 In Joshua 1:1-9, Joshua is commissioned and instructed by God to lead His people into the Promised Land…And we must be prepared for God to bless us as we celebrate 20 years and go forward into new seasons.

“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be     your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall [a]divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may [b]prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[c] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

• “It came to pass” - Everything God wants will come to pass. He is building His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).

• Every place the soul of your feet will tread upon I have given you” – It’s already there! We already have it… healing, forgiveness, family salvations…

• “I will be with you…” Thank God … acknowledge His blessings daily!

• Be strong and of good courage – God will give us our inheritance as we observe His Word. Keep praying for everyone on the prayer wall.

• “that you may prosper wherever you go” as we meditate and observe the Word of the Lord! Always drop into your conversations what God is doing in your life.

LET’S PRAY IN UNITY AND PARTNER WITH GOD!