Contact Us | Become A Member

Facing The Future
Joshua 1:1-9

Here in the first chapter of Joshua we find God meeting His young servant at a point of crisis with a message of encouragement and challenge. Some of us have had a crisis experience in 2011. Some have had more than one. We never know what a new year may bring. When we are faced with a crisis, what will we do? How will we meet the challenge? There are four things that come from this scripture before us.

1. The Purpose of God
V. 2 "Moses My servant is dead, now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan."
After the death of Moses, Joshua was called to assume the immense responsibility of leading God's people into the promised land. All of us must discover God's Divine purpose for us. The most secure place to be is in the center of God's will and we can find it! As a matter of fact, until we discover God's purpose, we will never realize true fulfillment in our lives.
2. The Promise of God
V. 3. "Every place that the sole of you foot will tread upon I have given you."
God's promises never fail and Joshua rested his entire faith and future upon them. You can never fail by trusting and depending on the unfailing promises of God! Joshua was ready to possess the promised possessions, are you?
Paul reminds us that "all the promises of God in Christ are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." 2 Corinthians 1:20
3. The Power of God
V. 5 "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you."
The overthrow of Jericho was the first test that Joshua had to face upon entering Canaan land. Humanly, this was impossible. I have stood on those old Jericho walls seven times as a testimony of God power given to Joshua. This same power is available for us today if we want it!
4.The Presence of God
V. 9 "The Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
That Presence mediated to Joshua is the same mediated Presence available to us today! It is mediated to us through God's Word. Every promise in the Book is true! By the Word of God we shall prevail! This Presence of God is mediated to us by the Holy Spirit. His ministry is boundless and continuous. If we will face every day in 2012 as Joshua did, it will be a great year for us!

Lord of pow'r and of grace, All my weakness, please replace. As your plan I now pursue, Resting on your promise true; I shall reach the "Promised Land," Led by your almighty hand.

Have a great 2012!
Charles Kirby