Building Strength Through God's Faithfulness in Small Moments
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the importance of remembering God's faithfulness through the small moments in our lives. We began by recalling good memories and how these moments, much like the Israelites' journey in the book of Joshua, build our strength and courage. The Israelites' strength didn't come from grand events but from the accumulation of small, faithful moments where God showed up. This is akin to teaching a child to swim; trust is built over time through repeated acts of faithfulness.
We explored how God instructed Joshua and the Israelites to honor Him by following the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized His presence, commandments, provision, and leadership. This act of honoring God is foundational to building a life of strength and courage. We also discussed the importance of consecration—setting ourselves apart for God's use. This involves pausing, being still, and renewing our minds, much like the Israelites did before crossing the Jordan River.
The sermon emphasized the significance of memorials. Just as the Israelites set up stones to remember God's faithfulness, we too should have tangible reminders of God's goodness in our lives. These memorials help us recall God's past faithfulness, reducing our stress and anxiety about the future. They also serve as testimonies to the next generation and the world, pointing others to God's enduring faithfulness.
Finally, we were reminded that God releases us from our past failures and calls us into new seasons of obedience. This release is crucial for moving forward with strength and courage. We concluded with a call to set up our own memorials, whether they be physical objects or mental markers, to continually remind us of God's goodness and faithfulness.
### Key Takeaways
1. Strength and Courage Through Small Moments: Our strength and courage in God are built not from grand events but from the accumulation of small, faithful moments where God has shown up in our lives. These moments, like teaching a child to swim, build trust and faith over time. [34:15]
2. Honoring God as a Foundation: Honoring God is foundational to living a life of strength and courage. The Ark of the Covenant symbolized God's presence, commandments, provision, and leadership. By honoring God, we acknowledge His direction, provision, and control in our lives. [40:59]
3. The Importance of Consecration: Consecration involves setting ourselves apart for God's use, pausing, and being still to renew our minds. This act of consecration is essential for preparing ourselves for the battles and challenges ahead, much like the Israelites did before crossing the Jordan River. [48:01]
4. Memorials as Reminders of God's Faithfulness: Setting up memorials helps us remember God's past faithfulness, reducing our stress and anxiety about the future. These memorials serve as testimonies to the next generation and the world, pointing others to God's enduring faithfulness. [54:51]
5. Releasing Past Failures: God releases us from our past failures and calls us into new seasons of obedience. This release is crucial for moving forward with strength and courage. Just as God released the Israelites from their past disobedience, He can release us from our failures. [01:06:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:15] - Strength and Courage Through Small Moments
[35:41] - Trusting God Like a Child
[36:51] - Building Faith Over Time
[38:08] - Honoring God as a Foundation
[40:59] - The Ark of the Covenant
[42:23] - God's Provision and Leadership
[43:31] - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
[44:41] - The Importance of Presence
[46:06] - Consecration and Renewal
[48:01] - Pausing for Consecration
[50:38] - The Need for Rest
[51:54] - Setting Up Memorials
[54:51] - The Jordan River Crossing
[57:12] - Memorials in Our Lives
[01:00:28] - Reminders for Leaders
[01:03:06] - Reaching the Next Generation
[01:06:16] - Releasing Past Failures
[01:08:36] - Purpose in Life's Ups and Downs
[01:10:09] - Reflecting on God's Goodness
[01:12:01] - Invitation to Begin a Relationship with God
[01:17:54] - Prayer for Pastor Frank
[01:19:19] - Closing Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 3:1-4 - "Joshua started early the next morning and left the Acacia Grove with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan and stayed there before crossing. After three days the officers went through the camp and commanded the people: 'When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God carried by the Levitical priests, you are to break camp and follow it. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between yourself and the ark. Don’t go near it, so that you can see the way to go, for you haven’t traveled this way before.'"
2. Joshua 4:4-7 - "So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had selected from the Israelites, one man for each tribe, and said to them, 'Go across to the ark of the Lord your God in the middle of the Jordan. Each of you lift a stone onto his shoulder, one for each of the Israelite tribes, so that this will be a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, "What do these stones mean to you?" you should tell them, "The water of the Jordan was cut off in front of the ark of the Lord’s covenant. When it crossed the Jordan, the Jordan’s water was cut off." Therefore these stones will always be a memorial for the Israelites.'"
3. Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
### Observation Questions
1. What did God instruct the Israelites to do when they saw the Ark of the Covenant being carried by the Levitical priests? (Joshua 3:3-4)
2. What items were contained within the Ark of the Covenant, and what did they symbolize? [40:59]
3. What specific actions did Joshua command the twelve men to perform with the stones from the Jordan River? (Joshua 4:4-7)
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of setting up memorials in our lives? [54:51]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to honor God as a foundation for living a life of strength and courage? How does this relate to the symbolism of the Ark of the Covenant? [40:59]
2. How does the act of consecration prepare us for the challenges and battles we face in life? Reflect on the Israelites' preparation before crossing the Jordan River. [48:01]
3. In what ways can setting up memorials of God's faithfulness help reduce stress and anxiety about the future? How can these memorials serve as testimonies to others? [54:51]
4. How does releasing past failures enable us to move forward with strength and courage? Consider the example of the Israelites being released from their past disobedience. [01:06:16]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a small moment in your life where you experienced God's faithfulness. How did that moment build your trust and courage in God? [34:15]
2. What are some practical ways you can honor God in your daily life, acknowledging His direction, provision, and control? [40:59]
3. How can you incorporate the practice of consecration into your routine? What specific steps can you take to set yourself apart for God's use? [48:01]
4. Identify a tangible reminder or memorial you can set up in your home to remember God's faithfulness. How will this serve as a testimony to your family and others? [54:51]
5. Think about a past failure that you need to release. How can you seek God's help in moving forward into a new season of obedience? [01:06:16]
6. How can you share stories of God's faithfulness with the next generation? What are some ways you can ensure these stories are passed down? [01:03:06]
7. In what ways can you be still and know that God is in control, especially during times of stress and uncertainty? How can this practice strengthen your faith? (Psalm 46:10)
Devotional
### Day 1: Building Trust Through Small Moments
Our strength and courage in God are built not from grand events but from the accumulation of small, faithful moments where God has shown up in our lives. These moments, like teaching a child to swim, build trust and faith over time. Just as the Israelites' journey in the book of Joshua was marked by numerous small acts of faithfulness, our lives too are filled with these seemingly insignificant moments that collectively build our spiritual resilience. Each small step of faith, each answered prayer, and each instance of God's provision adds to our trust in Him.
Reflect on the small moments in your life where you have seen God's hand at work. These moments are the building blocks of your faith, much like the Israelites' journey. By recognizing and remembering these instances, you can draw strength and courage for future challenges. Trust is built over time, and each small moment of faithfulness is a testament to God's enduring presence in your life. [34:15]
Joshua 4:6-7 (ESV): "that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever."
Reflection: Think of a recent small moment where you saw God's faithfulness. How can you use this memory to build your trust in Him for future challenges?
### Day 2: Honoring God as a Foundation
Honoring God is foundational to living a life of strength and courage. The Ark of the Covenant symbolized God's presence, commandments, provision, and leadership. By honoring God, we acknowledge His direction, provision, and control in our lives. This act of honoring is not just about grand gestures but also about daily acts of obedience and reverence. When we honor God, we align ourselves with His will and purpose, which in turn strengthens our faith and courage.
The Israelites followed the Ark of the Covenant as a tangible reminder of God's presence and guidance. In our lives, honoring God can take many forms, such as spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and living out His commandments. By making honoring God a daily practice, we build a strong foundation that supports us through life's challenges. [40:59]
1 Samuel 2:30 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can honor God today in your daily routine? How can this act of honoring Him strengthen your faith?
### Day 3: The Importance of Consecration
Consecration involves setting ourselves apart for God's use, pausing, and being still to renew our minds. This act of consecration is essential for preparing ourselves for the battles and challenges ahead, much like the Israelites did before crossing the Jordan River. By consecrating ourselves, we acknowledge our dependence on God and invite His presence into our lives. This process of setting ourselves apart allows us to focus on God's will and purpose, making us more effective in our spiritual journey.
In today's fast-paced world, taking time to consecrate ourselves can be challenging, but it is crucial for spiritual growth. Pausing to renew our minds and hearts helps us to realign with God's purpose and prepares us for the tasks He has set before us. By making consecration a regular practice, we can face life's challenges with a renewed sense of strength and courage. [48:01]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Take a moment today to pause and consecrate yourself to God. How can this act of setting yourself apart help you face your current challenges with renewed strength?
### Day 4: Memorials as Reminders of God's Faithfulness
Setting up memorials helps us remember God's past faithfulness, reducing our stress and anxiety about the future. These memorials serve as testimonies to the next generation and the world, pointing others to God's enduring faithfulness. Just as the Israelites set up stones to remember God's faithfulness, we too should have tangible reminders of God's goodness in our lives. These memorials can be physical objects, journal entries, or even mental markers that help us recall God's past interventions.
By creating and maintaining these memorials, we can draw strength and courage from our past experiences with God. They serve as a constant reminder that God has been faithful before and will continue to be faithful in the future. These memorials not only strengthen our faith but also serve as a powerful testimony to others about God's enduring love and faithfulness. [54:51]
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
Reflection: What is one tangible way you can create a memorial to remember God's faithfulness in your life? How can this memorial serve as a testimony to others?
### Day 5: Releasing Past Failures
God releases us from our past failures and calls us into new seasons of obedience. This release is crucial for moving forward with strength and courage. Just as God released the Israelites from their past disobedience, He can release us from our failures. Holding on to past mistakes can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from fully embracing God's plans for our lives. By accepting God's forgiveness and release, we can move forward with renewed strength and courage.
Releasing past failures involves acknowledging them, seeking God's forgiveness, and then letting go. It is a process that requires faith and trust in God's grace. By releasing our past, we open ourselves up to new opportunities for obedience and growth. This act of release allows us to focus on the present and future, rather than being weighed down by past mistakes. [01:06:16]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What past failure do you need to release to God today? How can letting go of this failure help you embrace a new season of obedience and growth?
Quotes
1. "I think for as Christians, we think about how many times has God showed up. And maybe that's a memory that you have as well. This is a time where God showed up and did something great in my life, did something powerful in my life. And as we're looking at the book of Joshua, going through the nation of Israel, really going test after test after test and God providing for them, God meeting their needs." [34:15] (24 seconds)
2. "Why do I have strength and courage in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? It's not because of a book which backs it up. It's not because of a church which backs it up. It's because of the God who because it's experience it's experience of things that i've been through it's experience of things that you've been through the joyous times are great when they're with community of believers the difficult times are there as well but god gets us through those difficult times amen." [38:08] (24 seconds)
3. "I want to warn you it's not a plan that I like I like the plan of let's go attack let's go do something let's make something happen I'm action oriented and what we're going to see that god tells the nation of israel tells joshua I want you to be still I want you to think about some things I want you to to come up and just just spend time with me and I think about that as good as action is and as as much as we should be doing there's times where we have to process some of these emotions." [39:33] (30 seconds)
4. "The gift of the Holy Spirit is you don't have to go anywhere to talk to God. You can talk to God at any time through the gift of the power of the Holy Spirit. And I think about as much as great preaching happens and great worship, where we're standing and we're praising God, and the people leave here today, and like the Spirit of God was here. Well, guess what? If you don't stand and raise your hands, and you don't praise, the Spirit of God is still here." [43:31] (25 seconds)
5. "I think if we're really building a lifestyle of strength and courage, we have to honor God. We have to consecrate ourselves. And then we have to see the things that he does. And scripture is going to tell us here in a little bit how to be reminded of those things. You know, I'm not going to be reminded of those things. I'm going to be reminded of those things. I've told you many times about the things that I'm reminded of God that God's done for me and my family, about the first time tithing or when we needed a car and God gave us two." [51:54] (26 seconds)
6. "I pray that even today as we're talking, as we leave, that you would just be reminded of these things. God would bring them to your mind so we don't forget them anymore and we set them up in our lives. And of course, if you're here today, and you're here today, and you've never began a relationship with God through his son, Jesus Christ, I pray that today is that day. It seems like it should be so hard, like there's so many works to receive this glorious gift from God, but God just says, no, I've given you the gift. I'm just asking you to hold out your hands and receive it." [01:11:31] (29 seconds)
7. "I know that what we learn is when God is faithful to us before and we're reminded of those things, I think we end up with less stress, less anxiety, and less worry because we know that even though it's a difficult situation, it's a difficult time, he's come through before, and he'll do it again. Amen? It was also a time of releasing old failures. As if we read through these verses quickly, we miss this part of the releasing of the old failures." [01:06:16] (30 seconds)
8. "I think the things that happen good in our lives are great. The things that happen bad in our lives are difficult. There's ups and downs in life, and it says all of these things are purposed for the glory of God. All these things are purposed so others, we can point others to God. Everything that's going to happen in our life is going to be so that we can pass that on to other people." [01:08:36] (22 seconds)
9. "I challenge you. I pray, remember the goodness of God, and just like God told the nation of Israel to set up these memorials, I pray God will bring it to your mind and to your attention even today, what memorials you need to set up in your lives. Would you bow with me for prayer? I just want to take a minute or two and reflect. And we all know God is good. We all know God loves us. We don't need to be reminded of that all the time." [01:10:09] (35 seconds)
10. "I pray that during this time you would give him rest. God, allow him to pause and be still and be quiet and know you are God. And God, I pray you would touch his voice. You would heal him. And you would bring him back to this pulpit sooner than later. And we thank you for it. And when that happens, we'll give you the praise and glory. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen." [01:18:49] (20 seconds)
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