Date: January 13, 2025
We have looked at how the Lord has called Joshua to step into Moses’ place of leading the Israelites.
Today, I want you to understand that, like Joshua, in order for us to XPAND and be joined to what God is doing in this time of history, we must recognize the importance of preserving the good in the old model. At the same time, we must confidently press forward to bring the needed changes.
Joshua 1:1-3
1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,
2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
3 “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.”
Go over! Take the people with you because I am giving you the land! It is accomplished!
He said it but you have to join Him. He said, “Every place you set your feet on.” Faith has to go forward. Look at verse 2 again. Basically it is saying this: what has been, was necessary but it is over. It is time to arise!
Joshua 1:2 NIV
Get ready to cross!
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Church! This is us! This is what God is asking us to do. Take your feet and walk out what He is saying! |
He has prophesied over us. He has given us instruction, and no matter what is going on in our lives, we must move beyond it and into the spirit.
Look at what Joshua had to do. He just had a hard thing happen. Moses was taken away. The one he served, his mentor, the one he looked to for growth is gone. He was comforted under Moses’ leadership.
Joshua had to feel that loss, but God knew what He needed.
He needed to not long for the past, and the only way He could go forward was being spoken to by the same God that had directed Moses.
This was the God that Joshua wanted to know as Moses knew Him.
As Joshua heard the voice of the Lord, his faith was rising.
Our faith will rise as we stay close to God and hear His instructions.
Faith comes by hearing. Hearing comes by the Word of God. And God was awakening what was already in Joshua even though Joshua wasn’t aware of it yet.
Let me just say right here that the Church will never XPAND in the areas we need to as we change as God desires unless we hear from the Word of God and begin to apply it.
The very fact God said for us to XPAND means He has a plan. It’s not our plan; it’s not even a plan that seems feasible in the natural. But God’s plans will always push us out of our comfort zone, and XPAND our reliance on Him. And that is never bad, but actually awesome!
Joshua was aware of his own inadequacies. But God said,
Joshua 1:2
“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So let’s see how God handles this.
The first thing is to understand that you are chosen and God has chosen who He has chosen.
We all have a purpose that was given to us with God’s formation of us.
We are all different, just like our fingerprints are different. However, we are all the same in this way! We were made to win over the enemy!
Joshua 1:6
6 “Be strong (conquer) and courageous.”
Courageous means: Be courageous (of good courage, steadfastly minded, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed).
God was speaking this to Joshua, but He was also speaking this INTO Joshua!
He is speaking into us also this year. He will challenge beyond what we can do, because He is calling us into supernatural activity with Him.
He then uses the commanding anointing as He continues:
Joshua 1:6-7
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Don’t get distracted. Move straight forward into being successful with your assignment.
Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Keep the Word of God in front of you, in your mind and in your heart. Then what will happen?
You are not just successful, you are prosperous.
Again, He says:
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Being strong and courageous isn’t a suggestion. It is a command! It is also what He has provided for us to be. We cannot fall back into the enemy’s tactics, because as we determine to obey, our GREAT BIG GOD will be with us wherever we are and whatever we are doing.
| Obedience will bring the blessings to each of us. |
Our God is a good God, and we are going to discover a new depth of His goodness as He XPANDS our hearts and leads us into the promises He has given to us.
PRAYER
Dear God,
We are coming today with hope arising in our hearts as we study Your Word again. We are so grateful You have included us in Your GREAT BIG PLAN of XPANDING us so we can XPAND Your Kingdom here on earth.
We sit amazed in Your Presence.
We are so thankful that You have invested so much into Your people and given us the strength to move forward with You.
We will stay here in Your Presence as we turn our attention to You and worship You.
WORSHIP VIDEOS
Hillsong Worship – Who You Say I Am
Elevation Worship – Build Your Church
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