Joshua Chapter 3 records the prelude of a pivotal point in the history of the Israelites. They were moving from desert wandering to fulfilling purpose…from suffering consequences to reaping blessing.
The Israelites were God’s chosen people. They were privileged to see Him do many miraculous things, but they repeatedly struggled to trust and obey. The Bible records many examples of both their faithfulness and unfaithfulness, but what preceded the gathering at the Jordan River was 40 years of consequence. The Israelites previously chose not to enter the Promised Land, and it cost them 40 years and over 1 million lives. Every adult man and woman, except two men, died during the preceding desert wandering; but now they were once again standing at the dawn of a new day. This time at the edge of the Jordan River, and all they needed to do was to consecrate themselves to God and obey. It sounds pretty simple, but it was a huge step of faith. However, as Joshua indicated, if they did it the Lord would do “amazing things” among them.
The Heritage family is on the verge of a new day. We are standing at the edge of our “Jordan River.” We have experienced many things over our more than 50-year journey. Over the years, we have witnessed a number of transitions. New people have come and others have gone. We have witnessed people move from death to life as they testified to finding new life in Christ. We have walked the roads of sickness, sadness and loss together; but we have also experienced healing, joy and peace.
In some ways, God has already done amazing things among us; but the best is yet to come. I am grateful for what God has already done for us, but I am excited about what He is going to do “tomorrow.” We have a clear mission to reach out to spiritually lost people and raise up fully committed believers who love God completely and others unconditionally. [Click here to find out more about where God is leading us as a church.]
So let’s consecrate ourselves to God this day. Pray that we as a church will collectively consecrate ourselves…for tomorrow…He will do amazing things as we continue to step out in bold obedience.
Thanks for joining me before the throne!
Pastor Shawn
Ways to PRAY
PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR CITIES TO CONNECT TO GOD, TO EACH OTHER, AND TO THEIR DIVINE PURPOSE.
PRAY THAT HERITAGE WOULD BE FOUND FAITHFUL AND WE WOULD HAVE GOD’S FAVOR AS HE ACCOMPLISHES HIS PURPOSES THROUGH US.
PRAY THAT GOD WOULD CONTINUE TO LEAD AND GUIDE US AS WE SEEK TO HONOR HIM WITH ALL THAT WE HAVE AND ALL THAT WE ARE.
PRAY THAT GOD WOULD ALLOW US TO BE AN EVEN GREATER CATALYST OF HIS HOPE AND LOVE IN THE QUAD CITIES AND BEYOND.
LET THIS BE WRITTEN FOR A FUTURE GENERATION,
THAT A PEOPLE NOT YET CREATED MAY PRAISE THE LORD.
PSALM 102:18
