Joshua Celebration
Aug 21 - Sep 11, 2016
As for Me and My House...
September 11, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
Faithfulness is putting God first in everything. “So fear the LORD and serve Him whole-heartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone”. Believe it or not, some of the pagan influence of the Mesopotamian gods that vexed Abram in the land of the Chaldeans still lingered on. In addition, the Israelites had “bought into” some of the practices of the Egyptian gods while living in Egypt 400 years. Joshua says it’s time to part with this garbage! It is time to serve.
God Delivers When Your Walls Fall
September 4, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
Walls keep people safe. Walls are built to keep people out. Walls sometimes keep us from evil, but walls can also keep us from victory in our lives. Some walls have been erected because of hurt, broken trust, and betrayal. Some walls have been built due to unforgiveness and grudges we hold onto. These walls have become barriers in our lives, barriers to personal peace and joy! Whatever the WALLS in your life may be, there is help and hope in the Person of Jesus. But, only if you will come to Him. Remember the only way to take a city is forthe WALLS to come down First.
Facing Obstacles with Obedience
August 28, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
After forty years in the wilderness God’s people are ready to enter the Promised Land. There’s just one thing in the way—a flooding Jordan River. But Joshua trusts the Lord and leads the people of Israel with great courage. In fact, his obedience inspires the leaders to trust and obey which in turn inspires the people to trust and obey. As a result, the entire nation puts their trust in God, and God shows Himself mighty and trust-worthy. The Lord makes a way for His people to cross over the Jordan River on dry ground. Often it’s not until we are desperate enough—with no other place to turn, no other options—that we finally choose to trust God 100%. If we look foolish, we look foolish. But had Joshua and the priests not trusted God, not only would Israel been stuck in the wilderness they would not have experienced the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. Fully devoted followers of Christ don’t give up when the road is impassible, but like Joshua we learn to face every obstacle with obedience.
The Importance of the Journey
August 21, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
Moses led the Hebrews right up to the edge of the Promised Land, but then it was time for Moses to pass the mantle of leadership to Joshua: “Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, ‘Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors He would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.’” Our goal is to “take the land” and live into the promises of our Lord through a personal relationship with Christ and serving others in His name. But we don’t just get there by happenstance or sitting idly on the sidelines. We get to that place by rolling up our sleeves and countering apathy with action, evil with good.