FAITH MEANS THAT WE ARE WILLING TO STEP OUT

(Read Joshua 3:5-8 NKJ)

“And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you. (6) Then Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the Ark of the Covenant and cross over before the people.” So they took up the “Ark of the Covenant” and went before the people. (7) And the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. (8) You shall command the priests who bear the “Ark of the Covenant”, saying, ‘When you have come to the edge of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand in the Jordan.’”

Sometimes we just have to step outside of our comfort zone to truly express our faith.  Complacency is not an act of faith.  Faith was first demanded of Joshua. Joshua’s faith is seen in the fact that he tells the people to prepare themselves because “tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” Joshua himself did not know specifically how God was going to get them across, but he believed that the Lord would make it possible for them to cross the river. The specifics had not yet been revealed, yet Joshua believed that God would give those instructions when they were needed. But the promise that God would work miraculously was contingent on the people’s willingness to consecrate or dedicate them selves.

Joshua’s faith was based not only on God’s direct statements to him personally but upon previous experience. Some people even Christian’s think that faith is a “leap into the darkness.” But that is not true. The Christian faith is based on a reliable and trustworthy message. There is more historical proof to trust the Bible and what it says than most other historical records. Joshua’s faith was based not only on God’s direct statement to him personally but upon previous experience of his having parted the Red Sea.

We must remember that most of the children of Israel who faced this present crisis represented a new generation. They had not witnessed the parting of the Red Sea or were too young to remember it clearly. Most of this new generation had only heard reports of what God had done. They had not experienced it personally. Tune your ear to those who are willing to share the blessings God has done in their lives and do not doubt that what He's done for others He's certainly willing and able to do the same for you. 

SOMETIMES GOD CHOOSES TO WORK IN NEW WAYS

 (Read Joshua 3: 2b-4 NKJ)

When it was time to go, God gave the Israelites some specific instructions,  “So it was, after three days, that the officers went through the camp; (3) and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it. (4) Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.”

Previously God had used “the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night” as symbols of His leading, His presence and protection. Now God has chosen to lead the people in a new way, by the “Ark of the Covenant.” Now the ark symbolized the presence and power of God with His people.

The presence of the Ark represented the person and promises of God. Having it lead the way, pointed to the fact that as the people of Israel set out to cross the Jordan, invade and possess the land, they must do so not in their own strength, but in God’s.  It was God Himself who was going before them as their source of victory.

When we face times of crisis or when we need direction in our lives, we need to learn to be sensitive to the leading of the Lord.  When God is at work among us and around us we cannot help but expect to hear the call to go forward. When God is at work, we are sometimes moved right out of our comfort zones into the path of new opportunities. Many times our raging Jordan appears to be un-crossable.  Have you ever noticed what is written on your rear view mirror?  It says, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.” Our blessing is sometimes closer than it appears.  Have faith, sometimes what looks like a barrier is our river of opportunity. God is waiting for you and I to step out and get our feet wet in faith, believing that His power will anoint us for the task and carry us through. 

Expect Delays

FAITH SOMETIMES REQUIRE US TO WAIT
(Read Joshua 3:1-2a NKJ)

“Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over. (2) So it was, after three days,

The spies had returned from Jericho and given a favorable report. Joshua orders the Israelites to move to the edge of the Jordan River and wait for further instructions. The Israelites were to wait when waiting was difficult. Those three days of waiting at the Jordan River were days of preparation for crossing it. The issue of waiting is seen in the first phrase of verse two, “So it was, after three days.”

As they waited they no doubt became increasingly aware that crossing the Jordan River was impossible. The Jordan River was about 100 ft. wide and 150 feet deep most of the year, but during the spring it was usually at flood stage, and as the Children of Israel stood at the rivers edge, they faced a river that was up to a mile wide. As they faced the difficulties, there had to be many conflicting suggestions being offered. Some of them no doubt were saying, “Let’s go back!” Some were saying, “Hey it looks pretty good on this side of the river to me.” Some no doubt examined the various ways of crossing the river. They could not swim across. They couldn’t build enough rafts or boats to transport over a million people. They did not have time to build a bridge. There was only one way around their problem and that was to go through the Jordan River.  The Israelites faced what might have seemed to some hopeless, but I have two words I want you to say with me “But God.”  

Although they faced tremendous difficulties they knew that God would show his power. It is never about what we can do, it is always about what the Lord is able to do. The apostle Paul says in Ephesians (3:20) ”Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.”

Have you ever seen those flashing electronic signs on the highway which say, “Expect Delays!” When we see them we become frustrated, holler out “Oh shoot” (or at least that’s what I hope you say), and maybe even hit our steering wheel.  As we walk out this journey I say to you “Expect Delays!” But always keep in mind delay is not a prerequisite for denial.   God is working things out for you.

Do You Really Believe?

In a courtroom, evidence is what can be proven.  The lawyer must provide the facts that are visible for the jury.  In other words, evidence only involves things that can be seen or demonstrated.  You may ask, “How then can faith involve evidence that is invisible --- that which is not seen?  The promises of God are evidence.  If God promised to do something, it is impossible for Him not to do it.  Hebrews 6:18 says, “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.  This verse tells us that God has two unchangeable realities:  God embodies truth, is truth, and therefore cannot lie. Because God is truth you don’t need to wonder.  We can be secure in any promise that He gives us.  You don’t even have to worry about whether He will change His plans.  This assurance gives us the courage and belief that if God said it, I believe it and I’m gonna take Him at his word.  It is with great confidence that I believe if God did it for me in time past, He’ll do it for me in my future.  Do you have that precious assurance that God will never leave nor forsake you?  Do you really believe God is working things out for your good even though it seems you’re being attacked on every hand?  Do you really have faith? 

If we have faith that God answers prayer, His promises are our is our evidence.  If we have faith that God hears prayer it is because of the promises of 1^st John 5:14 “And this is the confidence we have in Him that if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.”  If we have faith that God answers prayer, we believe it because of God’s promise in James 5:16 “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”  Matthew 7:7-8 declares, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh recieveth and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”   If we have faith to be healed it is because of God’s promise in James 5:15 which says, “The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” If I believe God for my finances His promises tell me in Matthew 6:33 that if I seek Him first, and His righteousness, He would take care of my lack.  If I believe that I am saved it is because John 3:15 declares “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”  If I believe the Holy Spirit was sent to comfort me, it is because Jesus says in John 16:7 “but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.”  I believe that Jesus is coming back for His Church because He tells us in John 14:2-3, “I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also.”  I believe that right now Jesus is making intercession for me at the right hand side of His Father because Romans 8:27 says, “And He that searcheth the heart knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit; because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the Will of God.” 

Babes Have Trouble Staying Clean

Scripture: Ephesians 4: 14-15             

          Children simply cannot stay clean.  You can give them a bath and dress them all cute but before you know it they are all messed up.  They’ll spill juice, play in the toilet, find markers to write on themselves with, and even play in the flower pots.  Children just love to be in a mess. 

          Some saints find cleanliness to be difficult as well.  Do you walk a straight and clean path for the Lord or do you find yourself playing in the toilet of sin?  Let’s not pretend.  We know what sin is.  Jesus said, “Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3)  Most Christians don’t spend one tenth of their time reading their Bibles as they do watching television or listening to music that’s not labeled Christian or gospel music.  No wonder you can’t stay clean, you’re not using any cleanser!  Get saved for real.  Clean up with God’s Word.  The blood of Jesus will wash you whiter than snow. 

          The story is told of a little girl whose mom put her to bed one night.  She got in bed and her momma went about completing her chores for the evening.  About 30 minutes later momma heard a big thump on the floor.  She knew exactly what happened.  The girl had fallen out of the bed.  Momma quickly went to check on her child only to find her sitting in the middle of the floor with a confused look.  Momma did as momma’s so often do, grabbed her child and said, “Honey what happened?”  The girl replied, “I guess I stayed too close to where I got in.”  Spiritual babes often stay to close to where they got in! 

          You know you have become mature in Christ when you no longer are tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.  You are not easily deceived by those who speak with pretty words that hold no truth. Mature saints are able to love their brothers and sisters in spite of their shortcomings. 

          When we become mature in Christ we no longer need a bottle but we have cut some teeth and we can eat meat.  Mature saints grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Mature saints aren’t disillusioned by the things others do but rather they are focused on Christ.  Mature saints are patient.  They have learned to wait on the Lord.  Mature saints have sought out the gifts that God has blessed them with to edify mankind and to bring glory to the name of God.  Mature saints have learned to be satisfied no matter what their present condition. Mature saint do all things without murmuring and disputing. Mature saints walk in the spirit.  Mature saints are able to teach rather than needing to be taught.  Mature saints meditate on the Word day and night.  Mature saints pray without ceasing.  Mature saints are confident that He which hath begun a good work in them will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.  Saints we shouldn’t be wearing diapers and pull ups.  God has designed us to wear His armor. 

          Long ago Jesus Himself was born as a baby in Bethlehem to a young yet mature young virgin named Mary.  Although Mary had to endure persecution from the community, she was willing to grow up and be a servant of God.  Joseph as a good earthly father does, showed Jesus how to be a skilled carpenter.  But one day Jesus felt the pull of His true purpose tugging at Him and He had to grow up.  Why?  You and I needed a Savior.  We needed a bridge over the troubled waters of sin to connect us back to God and Jesus is that bridge.  At the age of 12 years old he announced to Joseph and Mary, “I must be about my Father’s business.” When are you going to make that announcement?  Joseph might have thought Jesus meant the business of carpentry but His mission was not limited to wood and nails although His final destiny included wood and nails.  Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, taught about His Father, saved sinners, raised the dead and headed towards Golgotha’s hill.  He was persecuted, beaten, and scraficed His very own life so we could remain immature children?  No!  So we could have a mature role model to pattern our lives after.  It was Jesus who showed us how to live and the rewards that are awaiting us.  Jesus, my Savior hung, bled, and died for you and me, that’s maturity.  Not only did he die but he was buried.  On the third day He got up with all power in His hands.  It is that same power that will give you the strength to say no more baba, no more diapers I’m gonna grow up and be mature in Christ. 

               

Are You Easily Offended & Never Satified?

Scripture: Ephesians 4: 14-15             

Children enjoy being the center of attention and are easily offended.

          Children find delight in being the center of attention.  If someone else is receiving the attention, a baby will do, say, or scream at the top of his or her lungs to put him or herself in the spotlight.  Children are very sensitive and easily hurt.  They wear their feelings on their sleeves.  When things don’t go their way they whine, cry, pout, and sulk.  They haven’t learned to endure afflictions.  So they only know to get offended when trouble comes.  Do you get offended when someone sits in your spot, sings your song, turn down your suggestion, doesn’t praise you enough?  If so your might be spiritually immature. 

          Many spiritual babes are like this.  Rather than waiting and allowing God to exalt them they speak up, step out, act up, or show out in an effort to draw attention to them self.  We’ve all seen the kid in the store that screams to the top of his or her lungs in the middle of the store because mommy won’t buy them what they want.  That child figures if he or she can embarrass mommy she’ll get them they want.   Often times they’ll buy it just to shut them up.  Don’t push for attention wait on the Lord. 

Children have very little knowledge and understanding.

Babies have very little knowledge and understanding, so they will drink poison, eat bugs, play in the street, and even jump into water over their heads.  They don’t have a clear understanding about danger, so they rely on others to teach them. 

          1^st Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby:  Healthy children yearn to grow.  Once we see our need for God’s Word and begin to find nourishment therein, our spiritual appetite will increase and we will start to mature.  If we are shallow in our knowledge of the scriptures, then we are more than likely to be as shallow in applying the scriptures in our lives.  There is no way you can be obeying the Bible if you are not reading it.  Not reading God’s Word, not attending Sunday school, Bible Study, prayer meeting, and not attending worship on a regular basis makes you a spiritual baby. 

Children are never satisfied.

A baby never ceases to whimper and cry for things.  They cry when their hungry. They cry when their tired.  They cry when their wet.  They cry when they need attention.  They cry when their hot.  They cry when their cold.  They cry when they hurt.  They cry about everything!  Many saints of God are just like this.  They whimper and whine about everything.  The preacher preaches too long.  He didn’t shake my hand today.  She didn’t even speak to me.  He talked about me in the sermon today.  Brother so and so didn’t ask me to be on his committee.  First lady acted like she didn’t even see me but she sure spoke to so and so.  Sister so and so tried to get a dress just like mine.  Who told her to put new flowers in the bathroom?  They didn’t tell me we were meeting.  I’m not putting my tithe in an envelope.  It’s nobody’s business how much money I’m putting in.  I can’t afford to be giving those special offerings.  Why do we always have chicken on the menu?  Why can’t we have pork chops or meatloaf sometimes?  Whah, whah, whah!  Churches are filled with this kind of never ending murmuring and complaining.  While the mature saints are praying, studying, and winning souls the babies are being Satan’s device to hinder ministry.  Get a grip and grow up!  I have a few more points to share so look for them on Monday.  Go to church tomorrow and be blessed. :)

No More Baba

Scripture: Ephesians 4: 14-15

You may be a babe if you aren’t able to make wise decisions.

Babes in Christ always needs someone else to approve the decisions they are making because they don’t feel capable of doing so themselves.  Babes in Christ usually latch on to someone they believe is a mature saint.  However because they are not able to make wise decisions about who is mature and who isn’t, they usually attach themselves to someone who is also immature but has just been in church a long time.  That is why is important that those of us who have not matured become mature so that we can be those spiritual mothers and fathers that the church so desperately needs.  What happened to the day when you could look to the deacon’s for Godly men that lived by example and precept?  What happened to the day when you could look to the elderly ladies and find wise women of God who didn’t mind telling you to pull your dress tail down and who would throw a coat around you if you were showing too much skin.  It’s time to grow up! 

You might be a spiritual babe if you are unable to communicate feelings and fuss and complain about any and every thing.

          Left to themselves, young children will slap, pull hair, bite, kick, scream, punch and argue.  They haven’t really learned that they are not enemies with each other, so they live as though they were. 

          As Christians our enemies are the world, our flesh, and Satan.  Other Christians (real born again baptized believers) are not our enemies.  Paul points out envy, strife, and division as characteristics of babies.  Yet, our churches are filled with Christians who see nothing better to do than fuss and fight with other church members about things that have nothing to do with building the kingdom.  Before we start pitching fits with other saints we should ask ourselves, “Is this something that Jesus would be upset about?” Does this have any impact on my spiritual growth?  If it isn’t grow up and let it go.  Think about it.  We’re supposed to be the body of Christ.  We have one purpose on this earth and that is to carry out the assignment outlined in Matthew 28:19-20.  We’re supposed to be going therefore, teaching all nations, then baptizing them and teaching them to follow the commands of God.  Who would want to learn from us when we act like we don’t know anything?  Our churches look like play pens with a bunch of kids pitching tantrums over petty religious things while the world is on its way to hell!  It’s time to pull the pacifiers out of our mouths, put the baba’s down and get out on the real battlefield.