Saturday, December 29, 2018

December 30, 2018

"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.  No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them." Joshua 1:1-6

The Promised Land was to be a place to believe, a place to belong and a place of blessing!

If anyone needed such a place as this, it was these people who stood on the banks of the Jordan peeking across to the Promised Land. After 400 years in slavery and 40 years of circling in the wilderness, they were ready for a place like this!

But, they still had to cross the Jordan River at flood stage and then conquer the land from the Canaanites. There were some decisions they needed to make to God and to their new leader, Joshua before they crossed into the Promised Land. These are the same decisions that will be required of us at FredWes as we seek to lead people into God's Promised Land.

Here's the first decision: Will I live for His calling or my comfort?

There was nothing comfortable about being in bondage in Egypt. Nor was there anything comfortable about living in tents like nomads in the desert. Crossing the Jordan and possessing the land was going to be uncomfortable. I would imagine it had to be tempting to settle in on this side of the Jordan and get comfortable for awhile.

God was calling Joshua out of his comfort zone and Joshua was expected to call God's people out of theirs.

When you think about it, nothing is comfortable about being a Christian. If it is you probably are doing it wrong.

To become a Christian the Holy Spirit has to convict you of your sin - that is VERY uncomfortable because sin is what you have become comfortable with until now.

Once you accept Christ you face the discomfort of your will struggling with His will. He hasn't called us to comfort He has called us to conformity with His will and purposes.

Growing in Christ involves helping Him develop His nature within you until you more comfortable with obedience than you with sin.

Joshua had to decided if he would live for his comfort or for God's calling. You will face the same decision. Perhaps you are at that point now. 

Will you step out of your comfort zone?