—

“One Step at a Time” – Joshua 3:17

Joshua 3:17 

“And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.” 

God has a unique way of doing things. His way of salvation is different from anyone else. It is through Jesus Christ alone. His way of getting us through life is definitely unique. When Joshua needed to cross the Jordan River, God moved the water for him. Joshua and all the people still had to cross Jordan, but God made it possible.

Something that has really intrigued me is what God expected Joshua to do. First, He commanded Joshua to follow the Ark of the Covenant (a symbol of Jesus Christ). He said, “If you follow that Ark, where my presence dwells, you will go the right way.” Second, God said to go across. Do you know how you cross a river where God splits the water? It is with one step at a time.

There are many things that seem impossible. There are many things in life that seem too hard to bear. Yet in these times, God’s expectations are for us to go one step at a time. Don’t fret about crossing a river, God will make it possible. You just keep moving forward. Don’t worry about the time it takes. Just go one step at a time and you will get to the other side. 


While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions: 
  • What are you taking one step at a time right now? 
  • How is God leading you through it? 
  • When in your life has God led you through a difficult time and gotten you to the other shore

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you? 

Explain – what does the passage mean? 
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Pastor Stephen Williams

“One Step at a Time” – Joshua 3:17 Read More »

“Joshua: Leadership Qualities”

Joshua became the leader of the Israelites after Moses’s death. How did he rise to this position? He became Moses’s aide when he was a young man, appointed as a representative of his Israeli tribe to spy out the land of Canaan. Joshua later led the Israeli army into victory in the battle against the Amalekites. Joshua accompanied Moses to Mount Sinai to receive the ten commandments. When the time came to choose a leader to take the people to the promised land, Joshua was the chosen one.

Who does God call to lead his people? How do we know when we are being called into leadership? Let’s look at Joshua’s example.

It was Moses who followed God’s command to appoint Joshua as his successor.

So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him. Numbers 27:18

God’s calling may come to you through another person, someone who has witnessed your loyalty, humility, trust, faithfulness, obedience. This person has had a nudge from God to choose you. Or, perhaps no one asks you. Perhaps you read about the need in the weekly bulletin. Or you sense that there is a need for leadership in an area of the church in which you’re involved. Or it’s announced, you hear it in passing, you feel you have a talent that could fill it. Any of these may be your Joshua call. We need to then respond.

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions: 
  • Do you have the qualities needed for leadership: loyalty, humility, trust, faithfulness, obedience?
  • What can you do to enhance these qualities in yourself?
  • When is okay to say no to a perceived calling?
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you? 
Explain – what does the passage mean? 
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Today’s devotional is a guest post by Bill Reveal

“Joshua: Leadership Qualities” Read More »

“Going to Church is Good!” – Exodus 25:8

Exodus 25:8

“And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.”

A study was done in 1975 showing how the brain needs designated physical spaces for the different areas and activities in our lives. For instance, I have a recliner. If you don’t have one, save your money and buy one! That recliner is in our living room where we talk, watch movies, play games, laugh, cry, wrestle with the kids, and (if we don’t spill anything) drink sodas. This place is designated for family time, so I have never attempted to work, study, or meditate in that recliner in the living room.

Though we know that the church building is not “the Church,” the space is still significant. The church campus gives us a designated place that provides us an environment to accomplish what might be difficult elsewhere. Having a church building gives us space for:

  • Community – where the people of God gather. We fellowship, pray, learn, and encourage one another.
  • Focus – it removes distractions so we can put our attention where it needs to be. 
  • Consecration – it is set apart for a specific reason – for worship, fellowship, and ministry (in other words, to help us to be set apart) 
  • Sanctuary – it is a safe place to be transparent, receive help and find encouragement.

When I hear a certain song, it brings back specific memories. The song has more power than it should because it brings me back to a place and time that is special. It is connected to a specific event. The church campus can be a similar connecting point – to sacred time spent with our God and with each other. 

Going to Church is Good!

While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions: 
  • Is there a special place that you have reserved at home for your personal time with God?
  • Is there a certain song or smell or food that takes you back to a special time in your life? 
  • How has a church campus (whether Belmont’s or another) held special significance for you?
  • Consider sharing an answer to any of these in the comment section below or with your LifeGroup.

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you? 

Explain – what does the passage mean? 
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Pastor Stephen Williams
Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash

“Going to Church is Good!” – Exodus 25:8 Read More »