Embracing God's Presence: A Call to Courage

In Joshua chapter 1, we are reminded of a profound truth: "The Lord your God is with you." This assurance was given to Joshua as he stepped into the daunting task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses' death. God’s promise to Joshua was not just for him but is a timeless truth for all believers. It is a call to courage, strength, and unwavering faith in the face of life's challenges. God’s presence is the foundation of our courage and the source of our strength. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us, and this promise empowers us to step into the unknown with confidence.

Reflecting on a personal experience, I shared how God’s presence became real to me in a moment of divine calling. In 1994, I felt the Holy Spirit's overwhelming presence, leading me to a new chapter in my ministry. This experience taught me that God’s plans often require us to step out in faith, even when the path is unclear. It is in these moments of obedience that we see God’s faithfulness and provision.

Joshua’s story is a reminder that God’s plans are not limited by our past or our qualifications. Joshua, the son of Nun, came from humble beginnings, yet God chose him to lead His people. This choice was not based on lineage or education but on a heart that was hungry for God. It is a powerful reminder that God uses those who are willing to say "yes" to His call, regardless of their background.

The journey into the Promised Land is symbolic of our spiritual journey in Christ. It is a call to die to ourselves and rise in newness of life, living according to God’s will. This requires a dedication to prayer and the Word of God, as these are the means through which we hear His voice and receive His guidance. As we meditate on His Word, we are promised prosperity and success in our spiritual journey.

Finally, the call to courage is not just for our benefit but for those around us. As we stand firm in our faith, we become a beacon of hope and a source of blessing to others. Our obedience can lead others into the inheritance of God’s promises, impacting generations to come.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God's presence is the foundation of our courage and strength. His promise to never leave us empowers us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [02:40]
• 2. God’s plans often require us to step out in faith, even when the path is unclear. It is in these moments of obedience that we experience His faithfulness and provision, as He leads us into new chapters of our lives. [07:08]
• 3. God’s choice of leaders is not based on lineage or qualifications but on a heart that is hungry for Him. He uses those who are willing to say "yes" to His call, regardless of their background. [12:18]
• 4. The journey into the Promised Land symbolizes our spiritual journey in Christ. It requires dying to ourselves and living according to God’s will, with a dedication to prayer and His Word as our guide. [17:03]
• 5. Our obedience to God not only impacts our lives but also those around us. As we stand firm in our faith, we become a source of blessing to others, leading them into the inheritance of God’s promises. [26:03]
  ** [26:03]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:10] - The Lord Your God is With You
• [01:06] - Joshua's Commission
• [02:54] - Personal Testimony
• [04:22] - Divine Calling
• [06:53] - A New Chapter
• [08:12] - Arrival in New York
• [09:19] - Meeting David Wilkerson
• [11:39] - Leading into the Promise
• [12:18] - God’s Choice of Leaders
• [14:07] - Consecration and Prayer
• [16:49] - Crossing the Jordan
• [19:38] - The Promised Land in Christ
• [21:12] - God’s Plan for Your Life
• [25:33] - Authority in Christ
• [30:08] - Be Strong and Courageous
• [32:08] - God’s Faithfulness
• [36:14] - A Call to Dedication
• [40:14] - Prayer for Generations

1. What specific promise does God give to Joshua in Joshua 1:5, and how does it relate to the challenges he is about to face? [01:52]
2. In the sermon, the pastor shared a personal experience of feeling God's presence in 1994. What was the significance of this experience for his ministry? [04:22]
3. How does the pastor describe the role of prayer and dedication in Joshua's life and his own life? [14:07]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that the journey into the Promised Land symbolizes our spiritual journey in Christ? [19:38]

1. How does the assurance of God's presence in Joshua 1:9 provide a foundation for courage and strength in the face of life's challenges? [02:40]
2. The pastor mentioned that God's choice of leaders is not based on lineage or qualifications but on a heart that is hungry for Him. How does this perspective challenge common views of leadership? [12:18]
3. In what ways does the pastor suggest that our obedience to God can impact those around us, according to the sermon? [26:03]
4. How does the pastor's personal testimony of divine calling illustrate the importance of stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear? [07:08]

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a significant way. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you seek to experience His presence more regularly? [04:22]
2. The pastor emphasized the importance of prayer and dedication. What specific steps can you take to deepen your prayer life and commitment to God's Word this week? [14:07]
3. Consider the idea that God's plans often require us to step out in faith. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to take a step of faith? What might that look like practically? [07:08]
4. How can you be a source of blessing and hope to those around you by standing firm in your faith? Identify one person you can encourage or support this week. [26:03]
5. The pastor spoke about the importance of dying to ourselves and living according to God's will. What is one area of your life where you need to surrender your own desires to align more closely with God's will? [17:03]
6. Reflect on the pastor's statement that God's choice of leaders is based on a heart hungry for Him. How can you cultivate a heart that is more open and responsive to God's call? [12:18]
7. The journey into the Promised Land is symbolic of our spiritual journey in Christ. What is one practical way you can pursue spiritual growth and maturity in your life this month? [19:38]