Year: 2015

Entering In

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Joshua 3:4
“. . . that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.”

Sometimes, our Christian life takes us down roads we have not traveled before. The Lord desires to take us to new heights in our relationship with Him, and to use us for the furtherance of His Kingdom. Joshua’s leadership, as he takes Israel across the Jordan, illustrates some very important principles on how to follow the Lord.

Joshua 3:5
“Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

“Sanctify” means to set apart. It carries the idea of being set apart from sin, and to the Lord. Sanctification happens when a person recognizes they belong to God, and they surrender to His ways. Their sanctification involved faith. They were to give themselves to the Lord now, trusting He wanted to accomplish something, through them in the future. Often, we remain unprepared for the day of battle, because we neglect to set ourselves apart to the Lord today.

Joshua 3:16
“. . . the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam . . .”

Since the waters stopped a great distance north of the camp of Israel, it appeared that nothing happened when the priests put their feet in the Jordan . God promised the river would part, yet the waters seemed to remain unchanged. However, as time moved forward, they would see that God kept His promise. Many times, we fail to see what the Lord is doing until we keep moving forward, as He commands.

Joshua 4:10
“So the priests who bore the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished… and the people hurried and crossed over.”

Hundreds of thousands of Israelites crossed the river that day. This process would have taken hours. Meanwhile, four men stood holding a large, heavy wooden box. The initial excitement of carrying the Ark, and watching the waters subside, would soon be replaced with pain, as their shoulders, arms and legs began to ache. As hour followed hour, these men continued to hold up the Ark. They would learn ministry is not as glamorous as it sometimes appears. Often, we fail to see results because we fail to be steadfast and immovable in the work of the Lord.

Joshua 4:20
“And those twelve stones which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up in Gilgal.”

Their first act in the Promised Land, was to make a crude altar with the stones they removed from the Jordan. This altar was not designed for sacrifice, but as a simple reminder of what the Lord had done. Future victories would be ensured by remembering what God had done in the past. If God could part a river, what obstacle would be to much for the people of God. It is good to remember what the Lord has done for us, and how He has worked in our lives. The only danger is that we become people who live in the past. Take what God has done in the past as motivation for how He wants to work in your life today.

Pastor Jim

 

When We Obey

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Acts 5:32
“. . .the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Jesus promised, when we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, we will receive power to be witnesses for Christ. It seems to me, I am always in need of more power than I currently have. The longer I walk with the Lord, the bigger some of the battles become. I need a greater measure of His power to deny the flesh, as well as to effectively serve the Lord. I think it is a common experience for all Christians to feel powerless against the battle in front of them. That being said, there is a critical principle revealed in this verse. Peter declares that the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey.

Throughout Scripture, we find the people of God facing obstacles bigger than themselves. We read of Moses and the congregation of Israel being chased by the Egyptian army, where they are trapped by the Red Sea. We know of Joshua and the immense walls that surrounded the city of Jericho. Later, Scripture records how Gideon faced the armies of the Midianites, and David stood toe to toe with the Philistine giant. The New Testament is filled with its share of obstacles as well. We read of the man with the withered hand, blind Bartimeus, and the lame man at the Beautiful gate of the Temple. In each of these cases, God is calling people to do the impossible. In each case, they could have excused themselves because of a lack of power. I can almost hear the excuses I would have used. “Lord I can’t do that, I don’t have that kind of power, that water is too deep, the walls too high and the giant is too tall.”

The truth stated by Peter answers those objections. The Holy Spirit is given when we obey. If we are waiting for an overwhelming sense of power to build up in us before we do battle against the flesh, or go out in service of the Lord, we are going to wait forever. If we go out in obedient faith to the promises of God, we will find that the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey. All the strength you need for the battle at hand, will be given as you walk in obedient faith to the command of God. In that struggle you are facing with the flesh, trust today, that He will empower you as you choose to obey.

Pastor Jim

 

Story Of Redemption

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Joshua 2:12-13

“Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true token, and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.”

 

The story of Rahab is a story of redemption. It is nothing short of a miracle. The Spirit opened Rahab’s eyes to understand that YHWH is the true and living God. This happened as a result of the Word of God reaching her ears long before the spies ever set foot in Jericho. For decades, her people had been hearing stories of a people whose God had parted the Red Sea and given them victory over Egyptian bondage. Now those same people were at her doorstep, and Rahab wanted to join the people and the God of Israel. She had come to realize,  salvation would be found in God alone, but she did not want to follow Him alone. In what is a beautiful example of intercessory prayer, Rahab pleads not only for herself but for her loved ones. 

 

“. . . spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, . . .”

 

This seems to be a relatively common phenomenon; when a person truly meets God, they are burdened with a desire for others to meet him as well. It was true of Paul, who wrote ,

 

Romans 10:1

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.”

 

Perhaps Jesus was referring to this when he promised that we could exchange our burdens with His. He said we should take our heavy load and give it to Him, in exchange for his burden, which was much lighter (Matthew 11:28-30). That burden certainly includes a desire for others to come to know Him. One of the missing elements in the church today is people who are burdened with a desire for others to come to Christ and grow in Him. We seem to be consumed instead with a desire for personal prosperity and to maintain a political status quo. 

 

Perhaps it is time we look at the great judgment the world is under and begin to pray for those within our sphere of influence to come to Christ. Perhaps, it is even time to pray that our sphere of influence would widen, and that we might actively seek to meet people with the purpose of sharing the love of Christ with them. 

 

Keep in mind, that although time is running out, there remains plenty of space in heaven for all who will trust in Christ.

 

Pastor Jim 

  

 

 

 

 

Secret To Success 

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Joshua 1:5
“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life…”

Have you ever wondered why some Christians seem to have great success in their personal lives? They seem to make better choices, commit less sin, and have more success in serving the Lord than others. I am not talking about one minister who has a larger church than another; but believers who walk more faithfully with the Lord, and live out their Christianity. I think the secret to successful Christianity is summed up in the instructions Joshua received after the death of Moses.

First, he was given a promise to cling to: “I will be with you and will not forsake you.” Essentially, Joshua must understand the secret to his success would not be his own strength or gifts. Understanding this, ensured he would never trust in himself, his ways or his deceptive emotions. Too many believers never quite come to the place where they stop trusting in themselves. When things become confusing, rather than clinging to the Lord and His Word, they run after whatever they think is best, only to pick up the pieces of the mess they have made. Step one to successful Christianity is learning we cannot trust ourselves.

Second, Joshua was instructed to keep the commandments found in the pages of God’s Word. The specific tasks Joshua was called upon to accomplish, was leading the people into the Promised Land. To accomplish this He must follow, explicitly, the directions from the Lord, no matter how difficult they may seem. To get into the land, they would follow God’s instruction, and part a river. Later, they would defeat Jericho with loud shouts and trumpets. Joshua must understand, to succeed in following the Lord, he must do things God’s way.

Third, Joshua had to learn, the only way to know the commandments of the Lord for daily living, was to be in the Word on a daily basis. He was commanded not to let the Word depart from his mouth, but to meditate upon it day and night (Joshua 1:8). Daily Bible reading ensures you have instruction for daily living. In addition to being fed spiritually, God has a way of speaking to our personal lives from the pages of His Word. The more you commit to getting to know your Bible, the more success you will find in living it out.

Pastor Jim

 

Resurrection From The Dead

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Acts 4:2 
“…..they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.”

The greatest tragedy in human history was the day Christ died. The true sinfulness of mankind was expressed as the world turned on Christ, as if to say, “We won’t have this man ruling over us.” In an attempt to rid the world of Him, they nailed Him to the cross and watched Him die. In contrast to the darkness of that hour, heaven’s great light shone forth as Jesus rose from the dead, gaining victory over death, hell, and sin. The Resurrection is heaven’s great triumph.  The resurrection, proves the claims of Christ. When asked for a sign Jesus declared,

“ An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:39-40

Essentially, He was saying, “In addition to fulfilled prophecy, the miracles I performed, and the lives I have changed, the only sign I will give you, is that I will rise again.” Death could not hold Him down, the grave could not keep Him in. The Son of God rose from the dead triumphantly, assuring us all, His promises are true.

But the Resurrection proves something else. Not only are we guaranteed Jesus is who He said He was, but we are guaranteed there is more to life than this temporal existence. Paul declared,

“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.”                1 Corinthians 15:20-22

The term “first-fruits” refers to the fruit on the tree that ripened first. When Israel gathered these fruits, they would celebrate, partly because they had a taste of the harvest, and partly because they knew a much greater harvest awaited them. The resurrection of Christ is like that. We celebrate that He conquered death and was raised in a glorified body, never to die again. We also rejoice in knowing, when this life comes to an end, as it will for each of us, we can be assured there is eternity.

One day, we will all breathe our last in these earthly tents. Those who have trusted Christ for salvation, will awaken in glory. The tent will be cast off, and replaced with a glorious body, designed never to wear out, but to last for all eternity. Rejoice today, as we look with anticipation to the great hope of the Resurrection.

Pastor Jim

 

Big Shoes

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Deuteronomy 34:9
“Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

I can remember times when my children would slip on a pair of my shoes and attempt to walk around the house. Their little feet were so small, and the shoes so large, that not only did they look ridiculous, but it made the simple task of walking from one side of the room to the next, almost impossible. Suffice it to say, attempting to fill someone else’s shoes is often a very difficult task. That concept would be greatly compounded as it relates to Joshua and Moses, of whom we are told, 

 

Deuteronomy 34:10-12

“But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants, and in all his land, and by all that mighty power and all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel. “

 

I think it is important to keep in mind, God never intended for Joshua to fill the shoes of Moses. Instead, He wanted to do a new work and raise up a new leader. Moses had been uniquely trained and gifted for the ministry he was called to perform. His education in Egypt, coupled with his time in the wilderness, gave him a skill set that helped him effectively lead the people out of Egypt, and through the wilderness. While at the same time, he established the foundation for a new nation. Joshua, on the other hand, would be called to an entirely different area of ministry, and would need a whole new array of giftings. Joshua was called to lead the people into the land, drive out the enemy, and establish Israel in their new homeland. More than anything else, Joshua would need to be able to discern the voice of God, for a game plan for victory. The training for this took place years before when he chose to make the tent of meeting his home. Early on in the wilderness journey, we read that Joshua was the assistant of Moses, and he never left the tent of meeting. His training for leadership was found in meeting with the Lord,  learning to discern His voice, and follow His leading.  

 

As time moves forward, men and women of God will pass on. In their place, we will find vast ministry opportunities. Instead of lamenting the loss of a leader, we should be seeking, in every way possible, to become a person whom God can use to carry on the work of the Lord. Perhaps it is time to follow the example of Joshua and begin to set up a meeting place where you daily spend time God, and learn His Word, His ways, and his voice. 

 

Pastor Jim 

 

 

 

Shelter From The Storm

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Deuteronomy 33:27
“The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms…”

Israel stood on the edge of the Promised Land. Soon they would cross the Jordan and face the giants. After forty years in the wilderness, their task had not become any easier. Knowing he was about to die, Moses reminded the people of their true source of strength.

The eternal God is their strength. ‘Eternal’ carries the idea of being both timeless and limitless. Before time existed, there was God. He is what the philosophers call the “uncaused cause.” It is through Him that all things were brought into being. According to Paul, it is in Him that all things are held together (Colossians 1:17). Although Moses would not be able to lead the people into the land and against their foes, the eternal God would be their refuge and strength. No matter what they faced, the eternal God would provide for their needs.

Notice, Moses reminds the nation of Israel, the eternal God is a source of refuge. A refuge is a hide out. It is a place we go in the midst of the storm, the battle, or the times of confusion. Moses promises that God is the hiding place for all who are facing the storms of life.

A few years ago, we had a large hurricane coming straight at our town. People began to “button up” their homes, to withstand the coming storm. Those with hurricane shutters installed them, while those without, began to fashion plywood, to cover their windows. It did not take long for all the available plywood to run out. I remember seeing one individual, in a panic, covering his windows with drywall. His fear created a panic which caused him to run to a refuge that would not support him in the midst of the storm.

Whatever you are facing, no matter how large or small, remember the eternal God is your refuge. He desires you would run to Him for shelter and security.

Pastor Jim

 

What Do I Have I Give

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Acts 3:6
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, . . .'”

Peter makes reference to a simple rule of life. We can only give away what we personally possess. By his own admission, Peter had no money to give this man. It is interesting to note that from an economic standpoint, Peter’s condition was no different than the beggar’s. In the world’s estimation, a man in his thirties who is too broke to share his change with a beggar, is of very little value. Peter would not make a who’s who list in the 1st Century. However, if we look more closely, we see that Peter possessed something far greater than riches that tarnish and fade. Peter said, 

“. . .what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Acts 3:6

Flat broke, jobless, and in a city that was not his home, Peter had more to offer this world than Pilate, Herod, and all the powers of Rome combined. Peter knew Jesus.

I wonder about you and me. What do we possess? If we were stopped on the street and searched, would they be able to find that Jesus resides and reigns in our heart and lives? It is when we allow Jesus to take possession of us, that we find we possess Him. It is when we allow Him to have all of our lives: our thoughts, actions, dreams, possessions, and futures, that we find, like the Psalmist of old, “Our cup runs over.”

What do you possess this morning? Is it Jesus? Could you give Him to the stranger on the street, or the person sitting near you at church, or the family member who is struggling to find meaning in life? Let’s determine together to make it our aim to know Jesus better so, through our lives, the lame may walk and the lost be found.

Pastor Jim

 

What’s In It For Me? 

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Deuteronomy 32:9
“For the Lord’s portion is His people; 
Jacob is the place of His inheritance.” 

I am sure we have all heard the phrase, “What’s in it for me?” In fact, in all likelihood we have probably used the phrase ourselves. We might ask this as it relates to an investment or work related opportunity. Some suggest, the most important principle in business marketing, is to be sure to let the consumer know what’s in it for them. When it comes to salvation, the answer includes, but is not limited too: forgiveness of sin, restored relationship with God, a transformed life, and the free gift of eternal life. Without doubt, we would be exercising the height of folly to fail to receive all that is offered to us through a relationship with Christ. 

 

That being said, Moses is focussing on the other side of “What’s in it for me?” He is referring to that which God gets out of the deal. Because we accepted Christ, we get Him, and in return He gets us. 

 

“For the Lord’s portion is His people;

Jacob is the place of His inheritance.”

 

God hand-selected Abraham, miraculously worked in his life by providing a son, put his protection upon the children of Israel, delivered them from Egyptian bondage, and carried them through their wilderness journey. As a result, they belonged to Him. They were His possession and His people. In the same way, Christ hung on Calvary’s cross, bore the weight of human sin, breathed His last, was laid in a cave, and rose from the dead, all to provide atonement for sin, and bring us into relationship with God. The result is, we belong to Him, we are in fact, His inheritance. The proper response is, we understand the great value He places upon each of us, and we seek to live all out for His glory and purposes. 

 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

 

Pastor Jim 

 

 

Life Lessons

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Deuteronomy 31:4
“And the Lord will do to them as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites and their land, when He destroyed them.”

As the wilderness wanderings came to an end, Israel came face to face with two formidable foes. Sihon and the Amorites, and Og and the soldiers from Bashan. Both of these enemies seemed too great a force for the children of Israel, yet they found strength in the Lord and overcame these obstacles. As Moses prepares Israel to enter the Land without him, he reminds them of these victories. In fact, as a reminder of these events, Sihon is mentioned twenty-two times in the Old Testament, and Og nineteen times. God never wanted Israel to forget the victories they experienced in the early years.

I wonder what victories have you accomplished in your walk with the Lord? Are there times when you faced insurmountable odds, chose to trust in the Lord, and saw Him accomplish the impossible? We work so hard to ensure that we never get to a place where we need to trust the Lord. We want to have all the comforts and ease, and keep ourselves from any sort of difficulty that requires the miraculous. It is in the times when we face obstacles beyond ourselves, and determine to trust the Lord, that we will have victories that will bear fruit for a lifetime.

Whatever your are facing today, lean upon the Lord for your strength, peace, comfort and direction. He will not only support you in your time of need, but will bring lessons that will last a lifetime.

Pastor Jim