Joshua 3:3,4
“And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.”
When the time had come for the children of Israel to cross over into the promise land, God gave clear direction for their journey. He could have simply said “There it is.” But, God had a lesson in mind for Israel. He had pattern for them to follow that would show not only His path but His priorities for life in the promise land. In chapter three and four of Joshua, God gives detail instruction for crossing the Jordan's river. The ark, the symbol of God's presence, had to go before them and open the way for them to pass through. (Joshua 3:14,15) Once Israel crossed over, Joshua appointed twelve men to carry stones for a remembrance of what God had done. (Joshua 4) This obedience to the voice of God is what brought success that day, Joshua heard the voice of God and obeyed and that allowed Israel to go forward into their promised land.
Do Christians of our day have a “promise land”? I believe we do, but it is not physical piece of land, it is a strong fortress in our spiritual life. This is a place of Peace, Joy and Power, a life of walking in the Spirit. For our church it will mean seeing lost souls coming to Christ, fear being cast out, families and community being strengthened. To “crossover” as a church or as an individual God still has a pattern. We must be lead of the Spirit, we must follow the guidelines of His word and we must be willing to share our faith to others. Read Chapters three and four of Joshua. God sent the ark ahead of the people and gave them detailed instruction on how to follow, then commanded them to share the event with generations to follow. Our own faith is not alive without the Spirit (the ark) the word (the direction) and a willingness to share the message (the twelve stones for remembrance).
Crossover in your life!
Pastor Colton
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
February Messenger
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
As I write this I am still rejoicing over the wonderful service we experienced this Sunday (18th). God has laid the foundation of a revival in this church and He is faithful to complete His work. People have been responding to the altar calls, confessing a renewed faith and coming forth for baptism. These are signs of Revival in our mist. Join with me in believing this is a year of Jubilee, you have sown in tears and now it is time to reap in Joy!
Revival is a wonderful experience you will never forget and never want to let go of. Revival is a time when new people give their hearts to Jesus and the faithful become renewed with energy to serve God. New friendships are made and old ones become stronger in the love of God. Church becomes more exciting with each service and prayer is something you look forward to. It ignites a burning desire to share the Gospel in your soul.
For this very reason we must be on guard against our enemy. Remember what the bible says “for a advisory the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” Our enemy would like to divide us over small disagreements and petty personal differences. If that happens take your eyes of the temporal situation and put your heart and mind on the eternal by prayer and following the voice of God. Commit to this truth- it is not Gods will that fellowship be broken or feelings be hurt, so be on guard and have a forgiving spirit.
Another way in which the enemy seeks to stop revival is to turn it inward. True revival is outward as the Holy Spirit fills you with compassion for the lost and joy to see gospel go forth. Just as God does not want fellowship with other believers broken, He also desires that you be a light to this lost world. Shine with a joyous spirit so that the light of Jesus will show them the way. Do not bottle it up! Let others know what God is doing in your life and in your church, this will empower your Spiritual walk. Hold fast to the work of the Lord and rejoice in the moving of His Spirit.
Deana and I love you and are thank God is allowing us to be here with you as this season of Joy begins. Praise be to God who has given us all the victory the Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
As I write this I am still rejoicing over the wonderful service we experienced this Sunday (18th). God has laid the foundation of a revival in this church and He is faithful to complete His work. People have been responding to the altar calls, confessing a renewed faith and coming forth for baptism. These are signs of Revival in our mist. Join with me in believing this is a year of Jubilee, you have sown in tears and now it is time to reap in Joy!
Revival is a wonderful experience you will never forget and never want to let go of. Revival is a time when new people give their hearts to Jesus and the faithful become renewed with energy to serve God. New friendships are made and old ones become stronger in the love of God. Church becomes more exciting with each service and prayer is something you look forward to. It ignites a burning desire to share the Gospel in your soul.
For this very reason we must be on guard against our enemy. Remember what the bible says “for a advisory the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” Our enemy would like to divide us over small disagreements and petty personal differences. If that happens take your eyes of the temporal situation and put your heart and mind on the eternal by prayer and following the voice of God. Commit to this truth- it is not Gods will that fellowship be broken or feelings be hurt, so be on guard and have a forgiving spirit.
Another way in which the enemy seeks to stop revival is to turn it inward. True revival is outward as the Holy Spirit fills you with compassion for the lost and joy to see gospel go forth. Just as God does not want fellowship with other believers broken, He also desires that you be a light to this lost world. Shine with a joyous spirit so that the light of Jesus will show them the way. Do not bottle it up! Let others know what God is doing in your life and in your church, this will empower your Spiritual walk. Hold fast to the work of the Lord and rejoice in the moving of His Spirit.
Deana and I love you and are thank God is allowing us to be here with you as this season of Joy begins. Praise be to God who has given us all the victory the Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
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