Sunday, May 3, 2009

Be Strong and Courageous...How?

By and with God, that's the answer. When I read the second line on the note sheet, my heart sunk. The Old Testament had not really been one of my "Wants" to hear preached on. Unfortunately, I was motionless with my notebook and pen...but when I heard Wayne Brooks say something interesting, I just almost jumped up and started writing things down as if I was in haste. Key: ( ) are my thoughts.
Full text: Joshua 1:1-9
I. The Purposes Of God
Joshua 1:1-2.
The first exact thing we notice is that Moses, (God's servant, for those who don't KNOW) is dead...but then immediately see that even though he is dead...God's purpose is anything but that. Know that the works of God is not even at all dependent upon men. In fact, men are dependent on God's works. The next thing that I noticed was this: That it is necessary for us to be faithful in the work God has given us. (Does that include school?) God will accomplish all of his works.

II. The Promises Of God
Joshua 1:3
When God says this verse to Joshua, he is really saying, "Feed your soul on the promises that can never, ever fail." That is extremely powerful to me. Then, just by that quote, you know God's promises never fail. With that brought up, then we can know that even when it seems that he is not keeping his promise, he actually is. It's hard to understand, sure, because we don't understand his way of keeping promises. In truth, it is actually US who are not really keeping OUR promises. Also, if you've been a christian for a long, or even short time, you'll notice in the scriptures, and even in your life that God has the most strange and not exactly out-right way of keeping his promises, but yet he always comes through, no matter the case. Remember that God, unlike us, can keep his promises.

III. The Precepts Of God.
Joshua 1:7-8
"The law drives us to the gospel to be saved and the gospel drives us to the law in order to help us know how to live." What an insightful quote by Samuel Bolton. (No clue, unfortunately, to this Bolton's true identity.) Take this into heart: If you love God's Laws, you will be wiser than those older than you. You must also Meditate on God's word and Obey him.

IV. The Presence Of God
Joshua 1: 5 & 9
So, I'll just sum this up for you.

  1. Moses is dead, but the purpose of God is not.
  2. Moses is dead, but the promise of God is not.
  3. Moses is dead, but the precepts of God are not.
  4. Moses is dead, but the presence of God are not.

When a great leader dies, you have to remember that the presence of God is more valuable than that of a leader. Just as he was with Moses and the others, he will be me. (Wait a minute, maybe I should investigate that further.) When He said "I Will Be With You" he is proclaiming his presence. Then, looking at that, you can tell God has a passionate compassionate love for you. That is not in any means light stuff, in fact, to me it's heavier then heavy stuff, if you know the expression. Well, unfortunately thats all I have that I can give you.

Mac Over 'N Out

That is REALLY getting old.

4 comments:

joe said...

How? With Caffine and Yellowdine Number 5. All things are truly possible.


Except for polite flight attendants.

B.L.S. said...

Okay, that was completely random.

Anonymous said...

what i got from the sermon: i need a joyful confidence that HE IS A Promise-keeping God. I'm glad you feel the same Ben! luv u
~yer mum

B.L.S. said...

Yes, yes.