Where Do We Go From Here?

Subtitle: God's Prescription for Power in 2006

As I was selecting a text for the message this past week, I began to think about victory and success from God's perspective. The book of Joshua is all about victorious Christian living. (Actually, like all of the Bible, it is about God and His glorification first!) Think about the backdrop of Joshua 1:1-2:

• A major change in leadership is going on through death
• The people are heading into a new phase of their corporate life, out of their comfort zone
• The goals and strategy of a new leader have not been communicated yet (may have not even been formed yet -- Josh sends spies into the land in ch. 2)
• There are reduced numbers (2.5 tribes are leaving some people behind on the far side of the Jordan)
• There is increased workload (now instead of wandering/surviving they will fighting/conquering)
• There has been a recent history of "failure" (40 years of wandering)

Not exactly the stuff that Stephen Covey would write a book about! In fact, this group of rag tag migrants were about the most unlikely bunch of victorious conquerors that ever existed. Their power for living did not come from past work experience, great proven technique or leadership skill sets, or even from weapons of mass destruction (wealth, chariots, horses, swords, etc.).

Invigorating power for living comes from realizing God's promises.

By realizing I mean knowing the promises, believing or trusting in them, and acting on them. There is a progression to living a life of power before God and others. We must live by faith and not by sight! The Israelites had their work cut out for them. By all accounts Canaan possession was a hopeless cause. But consider these three invigorating challenges that God issued to Israel's leader, Joshua.

1. Begin seeing daily struggles as the process whereby God is giving you what he has already promised to you. (1:2-3)
2. Make progress in your spiritual life, leaving footprints of faith everywhere. (1:3)
3. Refuse to let anyone steal the blessing that God has intended for your life. (1:5)

Do you feel invigorated for the challenge of today? Read the great promise of 1:5 and be uplifted and rallied to follow God's cause for your life today!

"No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5, NIV

So power-up my friend fro the day at hand.
Be strong, be courageous, be obedient.
Mike