God Morning! Joshua Chapter 3.
Joshua is a great leader and it's neat to see how his leadership unfolds.
- He's connected with God. If we want to be a great leader we have to know who OUR leader is. We are empowered by God's Holy Spirit. If we are not connected with God then either great things don't happen or God doesn't get the glory. These are not good outcomes.
- He knew God's plan for the people. Being connected helps one know what God's vision and plan is. A great leader knows what steps need to be taken.
- Joshua instructs the people on what they are to do.
- Joshua has the respect of the people which God causes the respect to increase.
What kind of leader do I want to be? Lord help me to stay connected to you in your word and with the body of Christ. Help me to listen to your voice and be obedient to your spirits leading.
I enjoyed reading the BIG STEP of FAITH. The Levites we're told to carry the Ark of the Covenant and to step in the Jordan River. The Jordan River happened to be at flood stage which means the waters would be rapid, which means stepping in it would not be an easy task. It truly would be a great step of faith. It would be kind of scary and perhaps there was fear on them because if the Ark of the Covenant would happened to slip and they would touch it, they would die. Everything had to go just right, but they trusted God and took that big step of faith in the flood waters. Their obedience resulted into a miracle. The waters stop flowing and backed up. As a result everyone got across the Jordan River on dry ground.
Where is God calling us? What is the plan he has for our lives? What step of faith are required to get where God is calling us? What step of faith are we needing to take to get to the next level? Let us be obedient and see what God does!
Lord help me to take big steps of Faith at Edinboro Camp so that we see miracles happen that bring glory to your name.
The Israelites are able to cross the Jordan River in chapter 3. It’s exciting to see this finally happen after such a long time! A song was written about this in Psalm 114. Joshua told the people what to do in Joshua 3:5. Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
I’ve heard it said before that the crossing of the Red Sea can be compared to a person’s salvation by receiving Jesus while the crossing of the Jordan River can be compared to a person’s sanctification by being filled with the Holy Spirit.
I’m reminded of Acts 1:8. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
If the Israelites would have tried to cross the Jordan River on their own without God leading them, they would have failed. We would surely fail without God, but Mark 10:27 gives us hope to put our trust in the Lord.
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
You may be facing an obstacle in your life today that might seem like trying to cross the Jordan River at flood stage, but may you be encouraged by our God who can do the impossible! Wait for His timing and don’t try to face it alone. Remember Philippians 4:13.
“I can do all things through Him (Jesus) who strengthens me.”
I love that God shows us each what we need to hear each time we open His Word. Verse 3 spoke to me today. When the people saw the presence of God move, they were to go after it. But they were instructed to stay back approximately half a mile. Its as if God said to follow Him but don’t push Him. If I want His anointing, I have to give Him the space to work it out as He chooses (His will, His way).
This time, God did not part the waters first … He required that the priests step out in faith and they did. God wants us to trust him, walk in faith. He is doing things 19 miles upriver that they (and we) couldn’t see.
I like the glass and the rock analogy of our spiritual life. If you fill a glass with rocks and then with water, the amount of water you can add is limited by the rocks. You can continue to pour more water in but it will simply overflow and pour out. If I want to be filled with the Spirit, I need to be emptied of sin. Search my heart, Lord. Show me the things that are restricting the flow of Your Spirit. Show me the rocks. Then I can step out in faith, empowered by Your Spirit, and accomplish all you have planned for me. (smile on my face, joy in my heart!)
Thanks, Jim … Philippians 4:13 is one of my favorites.