CCF - Join the Story Series - 12/10/2025

Devotional

Day 1: Step Into the River—Faith Requires Action

God often calls His people to step out in faith before they see the miracle. The Israelites stood at the edge of the Jordan River at flood stage, facing an impossible crossing. Yet, God instructed them to move forward, promising that as soon as the priests’ feet touched the water, the river would part. This act of obedience—stepping into the unknown—demonstrates that faith is not about waiting for perfect conditions but about trusting God enough to move when He says go. When we take that first step, even if it feels risky or foolish, we make room for God to show His power and faithfulness in new ways. [17:58]

Joshua 3:14-17 (ESV)
So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you sense God nudging you to take a step of faith, even though the outcome is uncertain? What would it look like to move forward in obedience this week?

Day 2: God’s Presence Goes First

Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan, they were told to follow the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of God’s presence. This was a reminder that God leads the way into new and unfamiliar territory. When we prioritize God’s presence—seeking Him in prayer, worship, and the Word—we find direction and courage for the journey ahead. It is not our plans or strength that make the way, but God Himself who goes before us, making the impossible possible and guiding us into His promises. [13:42]

Joshua 3:2-4 (ESV)
At the end of three days the officers went through the camp and commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it. Yet there shall be a distance between you and it, about 2,000 cubits in length. Do not come near it, in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.”

Reflection: In what practical ways can you put God’s presence first in your decisions and routines this week, trusting Him to lead you where you have never been before?

Day 3: Remember God’s Provision—Mark the Miracles

After crossing the Jordan, the Israelites set up memorial stones to remember what God had done. These visible reminders helped them—and future generations—recall God’s faithfulness and provision. In our own lives, it is vital to pause and celebrate the breakthroughs, answered prayers, and moments of God’s provision. Marking these moments builds faith for the future and helps us recognize God’s hand in every season, even when the next step feels daunting. [20:57]

Joshua 4:4-7 (ESV)
Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, 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: What is one way you can intentionally remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness in your life this week—perhaps by sharing a story, writing it down, or creating a visible reminder?

Day 4: Generosity Flows from Trust in God’s Provision

Giving is not about losing something, but about recognizing God as our provider and responding in faith. The Israelites’ journey was marked by God’s daily provision—manna in the wilderness, and then the produce of the land. As seasons change, so does the way God provides, but His faithfulness remains. When we give, we are placing our trust in Him, acknowledging that everything we have comes from His hand, and inviting Him to use our resources for His purposes. [15:03]

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV)
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Reflection: Is there an area of your finances or resources where God is inviting you to trust Him more deeply? What step of generosity can you take this week as an act of faith?

Day 5: Jesus Stepped In First—The Ultimate Example of Generosity

Jesus embodied the ultimate act of generosity by stepping into the floodwaters of sin and giving Himself for us. He did not just talk about giving; He gave everything so that we might experience freedom, purpose, and hope. Our acts of faith and generosity are a response to His sacrificial love. As we follow His example, we become part of a story that brings life and blessing to others, both within our church and beyond. [24:49]

2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

Reflection: How does Jesus’ sacrificial generosity inspire you to live and give differently? Who might God be calling you to bless or serve this week in response to His love?

Sermon Summary

Today is a pivotal moment in our journey as a church family—a moment to recognize the movement of God’s Spirit among us and to respond with faith and courage. Over the past year, we have witnessed remarkable growth: new life groups, increased giving, more people joining our community, and a surge of fresh initiatives that are shaping our mission both locally and beyond. These are not just statistics; they are stories of lives being transformed, of people stepping out in faith, and of God’s faithfulness meeting us at every turn.

Drawing from the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan, we are reminded that God often calls us to step into the unknown, to move before the waters part, and to trust that His presence goes before us. The Ark of the Covenant led the way, symbolizing God’s presence, provision, and promise. In the same way, we are called to follow where He leads, even when we have never been this way before. This is not a season for playing it safe or waiting for perfect conditions; it is a time to get our feet wet, to risk, and to believe that heaven responds to movement and obedience.

Generosity is not about loss, but about recognizing God as our provider. Our giving becomes a visible reminder—a “golden jar”—of His faithfulness in the past and our trust in His provision for the future. As we step out together, every act of faith, every gift, and every prayer becomes a stone in the memorial of what God is building here. This is not just for a few, but for every household and generation to join the story, to celebrate the breakthroughs, and to mark the moments where God has led us through.

Ultimately, our calling is to be a people set on fire by Jesus, filled with His Spirit, and living lives that bring change to our city and beyond. As we look ahead, let us consecrate ourselves, surrendering all that we are and have, trusting that today’s surrender is tied to tomorrow’s wonder. Whether you are giving for the first time, increasing your commitment, or simply offering a prayer, let us move together, following His presence, and believing that we have never been this way before—but He is already there, making a way.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Presence Goes First Before any step of faith, it is essential to recognize that God’s presence leads the way. Just as the Ark of the Covenant went before the Israelites, we are called to follow the Spirit’s leading, trusting that He prepares the path ahead. Our role is not to manufacture outcomes, but to discern and respond to where God is already at work. This posture of following rather than striving is foundational for a life of faith. [13:42]
2. Faith Requires Risk and Movement Miracles often happen not when we wait for perfect conditions, but when we move in obedience. The priests stepped into the floodwaters before the river parted, demonstrating that heaven responds to risk and movement. Faith is not about safety or certainty, but about trusting God enough to act even when the outcome is unclear. Our willingness to “get our feet wet” is often the catalyst for God’s intervention. [16:37]
3. Generosity as a Spiritual Memorial Giving is not merely a financial transaction; it is a spiritual act that builds a memorial to God’s faithfulness. Each gift, whether large or small, becomes a “stone” that marks our trust in God’s provision and our participation in His story. These acts of generosity serve as reminders for future generations of what God has done and inspire ongoing faith and courage. [20:57]
4. God’s Provision Shifts with the Season The story of manna ceasing when the Israelites entered the Promised Land teaches us that God’s provision is dynamic. He may change how He provides to invite us into deeper trust and new ways of dependence. Rather than clinging to past methods, we are called to remain attentive to how God is providing in this season, confident that He is always faithful, even when the form of provision changes. [14:44]
5. Surrender Precedes Wonder Consecration—setting ourselves apart and surrendering all we have—is the soil in which God’s wonders grow. Today’s surrender is directly connected to tomorrow’s miracles. When we offer ourselves fully, holding nothing back, we create space for God to do “amazing things among us,” both individually and as a community. [15:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:52] - “In the Room Where It Happens”: Sensing a Shift
[02:03] - Catching the Wave of the Spirit
[03:16] - Faith in Action: Monday Morning Encounter
[04:25] - Our Vision: Raising Faith-Filled Followers
[05:58] - Stepping into the River: A Prophetic Picture
[07:31] - God Has Gone Before Us
[08:24] - Year in Review: Growth and Impact
[10:20] - New Initiatives and Spirit-Led Prayer
[11:27] - How We Fund the Mission
[12:58] - Crossing the River: Following God’s Presence
[14:44] - God’s Provision Shifts with the Season
[16:37] - Get Your Feet Wet: Faith and Obedience
[20:57] - Building Memorials: Remembering God’s Faithfulness
[24:49] - Jesus, Our Ultimate Example of Generosity
[26:12] - Inviting Everyone to Join the Story
[27:58] - Reimagining Our Space and Future
[28:34] - Responding: Asking God What Step to Take

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Joshua 3:1–17 (ESV) — (Primary passage for the sermon; see [05:08] and [07:31])

> Then Joshua rose early in the morning, and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. At the end of three days the officers went through the camp and commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it. Yet there shall be a distance between you and it, about 2,000 cubits in length. Do not come near it, in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.” ... (Read the full chapter together.)

Observation Questions

According to Joshua 3, what was the role of the Ark of the Covenant as the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan? ([07:31])
What specific instructions did Joshua give the people before the crossing, and why were they important? ([15:58])
In the sermon, what were some of the “stones” or memorials mentioned that the church is building today? ([20:57])
How did God’s provision change for the Israelites once they entered the Promised Land? ([14:44])

Interpretation Questions

The Ark of the Covenant went ahead of the people, symbolizing God’s presence. What does it mean for a church or individual to “let God’s presence go first” in decision-making or new seasons? ([13:42])
The priests had to step into the river before the waters parted. Why do you think God required movement and risk before the miracle happened? ([16:37])
The sermon described giving as a “spiritual memorial.” How does generosity serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness for both the giver and future generations? ([20:57])
When the manna stopped and the Israelites had to rely on the produce of the land, what might this teach us about trusting God in changing circumstances? ([14:44])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged the church to “get our feet wet” and step out in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain. Is there an area in your life where you sense God asking you to take a risk or move forward before you see the full picture? What would it look like to take that step? ([16:37])
“God’s presence goes first.” Are there decisions or situations where you tend to rush ahead without seeking God’s direction? What practical steps can you take this week to pause and follow His leading? ([13:42])
The story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan was not just for a few, but for every household and generation. How can you involve your family or close friends in acts of faith or generosity this season? ([20:23])
The sermon described giving as placing a “stone” in a memorial to God’s faithfulness. What is one way you can make your generosity more intentional and meaningful, as a testimony to God’s provision in your life? ([20:57])
When God’s provision shifts (like the manna stopping), it can be unsettling. Have you experienced a season where God provided in a new or unexpected way? How did you respond, and what did you learn? ([14:44])
Consecration—setting ourselves apart and surrendering all we have—was described as the soil for God’s wonders. Is there something you sense God asking you to surrender or set apart for Him right now? What might be holding you back? ([15:58])
The sermon encouraged everyone to participate, whether through giving, serving, or prayer. What is one specific way you can join in the story God is writing in our church this month? ([26:12])

Sermon Clips

I want us to be a church that tries. I want to be a church that risks, and as we do that, I believe that what will happen is faith will rise in this place. That’s one of the things that I want to do, and that’s one of the reasons we have that in our vision statement—that we would be a people raising faith-filled followers of Jesus, seeing faith rise, led by the Spirit, building belonging, and bringing change. And we do that when we step out. [00:04:15] (25 seconds) #ChurchThatTries

But between where we are and where we’re going, there’s a river at flood stage in this passage. And Joshua says, as I’ve read, when you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, follow it, then you will know which way to go. But you have never been this way before. We’ve never been this way before. That’s what this moment feels like. [00:12:58] (27 seconds) #FollowTheArk

Our first truth today is that presence goes first. We follow the ark, the ark where we see the supernatural reminder of Aaron’s rod. We’re going to see the supernatural here in this church. But we see the stone tablets, the truth, the word of God, because the word and the spirit have to come together. And the jar of manna. The jar of manna that represented what the Israelites had in the wilderness. That God gave them what they needed, the daily bread, the daily manna. [00:13:50] (45 seconds) #PresenceGoesFirst

Money is discipleship ground. Jesus said you can’t serve two masters. Now the answer is, either money has a hold of you or God has a hold of you. And this is an important moment for us in the same way that last week many of us, we repented and we wanted to lean in again. For some of us, we’re going to be repenting and we’re going to be leaning in again and seeing God do far more than we can imagine through that step of faith today. [00:19:43] (25 seconds) #MoneyOrGod

Although he was rich, for our sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. At the cross, Jesus didn’t just talk about generosity, he embodied it. He stepped into the floodwaters of sin, he stepped where the current was strong, and he stepped in so that we would be able to pass through knowing freedom from the wilderness, purpose in the battles, and the life and the land flowing with milk and honey ahead. [00:24:35] (36 seconds) #RichBecamePoorForUs

This isn’t about fundraising, it’s about faith raising. Cheerful giving isn’t hype, it’s health. God loves a cheerful giver. It says in 2 Corinthians 9:7, give what you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [00:25:22] (17 seconds) #FaithRaisingGiving

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does it mean to follow the Spirit's leading?

How does stepping into faith activate God's miracles?

Why are memorial stones important for faith remembrance?