Embracing Remembrance and Vision in Our Journey
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of remembrance and vision in our spiritual journey. We began by reflecting on the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan River, where Joshua set up twelve stones as a memorial. These stones served as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the journey from the wilderness to the promised land. This act of remembrance is crucial for us as well, as it helps us recall God's promises and the destiny He has for each of us. We are reminded that every one of us has a destiny, a purpose that God has ordained even before we were born.
We also delved into the concept of vision, as highlighted in Habakkuk 2:2, where God instructs us to record the vision clearly so that those who read it may run with it. Vision is not just a future hope but a present reality that requires our active participation. It often unfolds in stages, and while it may tarry, it is essential to wait and prepare for its fulfillment. This preparation involves embracing the process, which can include challenges and adversities, as these are integral to readying us for the prophecy's fulfillment.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of partnership with God in advancing His kingdom. Prophecy is not a guarantee but an invitation to partner with God. He desires to work with us, not without us, in fulfilling His plans. This partnership honors the sacrifice of Jesus and allows us to be co-laborers in His kingdom work.
As a church, we are at a crossroads, poised to step into a new era of expansion and harvest. This is not just about physical growth but about preparing for the spiritual harvest and the transformation of lives. We are called to be a house of healing, a place where God's presence is tangible, and where miracles happen. This requires us to embrace new strategies, welcome new leaders, and be open to the changes God is bringing.
In conclusion, we are reminded that our journey is not just about reaching a destination but fulfilling our God-given destiny. As we move forward, let us hold fast to the prophetic words spoken over us, partner with God in His work, and prepare for the incredible things He has in store.
Key Takeaways:
1. Stones of Remembrance: Just as Joshua set up stones to remember God's faithfulness, we must also create markers in our lives to recall His promises and guidance. These reminders help us stay grounded in our faith and focused on our destiny. Forgetting what God has done can lead to losing sight of our purpose. [01:05:46]
2. Vision and Prophecy: Vision is a powerful tool that God uses to guide us. It often comes in stages and requires us to prepare for its fulfillment. Prophecy is an invitation to partner with God, not a guarantee. We must actively engage with the vision and be ready for the appointed time. [01:14:08]
3. Partnership with God: God's kingdom advances through partnership with His people. He chooses to work with us, honoring the sacrifice of Jesus. This partnership is essential for fulfilling our destiny and requires us to be active participants in His plans. [01:20:43]
4. Embracing the Process: The journey to fulfilling prophecy involves challenges and adversities. These are not obstacles but opportunities for growth and preparation. Embracing the process ensures we are ready for the fulfillment of God's promises. [01:24:47]
5. A New Era of Expansion: As a church, we are entering a new era of expansion and harvest. This is a time to embrace new strategies, welcome new leaders, and prepare for the spiritual harvest. We are called to be a house of healing and transformation, impacting lives and advancing God's kingdom. [01:36:10]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:05:00] - Introduction and Greetings
- [00:10:00] - The Importance of Remembrance
- [00:15:00] - Joshua's Stones of Remembrance
- [00:20:00] - Understanding Vision and Prophecy
- [00:25:00] - The Process of Fulfillment
- [00:30:00] - Partnership with God
- [00:35:00] - Embracing Challenges
- [00:40:00] - A New Era of Expansion
- [00:45:00] - The Role of the Church
- [00:50:00] - Preparing for Harvest
- [00:55:00] - A House of Healing
- [01:00:00] - Closing Thoughts and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 4:1-7
2. Habakkuk 2:2-3
3. Hosea 4:6
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan River, what was the purpose of setting up the twelve stones? How did this act serve future generations? [01:05:46]
2. According to Habakkuk 2:2, what instructions does God give regarding the vision? Why is it important for the vision to be recorded clearly? [01:09:30]
3. The sermon mentioned that prophecy is not a guarantee but an invitation. How does this concept change the way we view prophetic words? [01:20:43]
4. What role does adversity play in the process of fulfilling a prophecy, according to the sermon? [01:24:47]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of setting up stones of remembrance help individuals and communities stay grounded in their faith and purpose? [01:05:46]
2. In what ways can the process of waiting for a vision's fulfillment be both challenging and beneficial for believers? [01:14:08]
3. How does the concept of partnership with God, as discussed in the sermon, influence our understanding of our role in advancing His kingdom? [01:20:43]
4. What might be some reasons God allows challenges and adversities as part of the process of fulfilling His promises? [01:24:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you set up a "stone of remembrance" in your life. How did it help you stay focused on God's faithfulness and promises? [01:05:46]
2. Consider a vision or prophecy you believe God has given you. What steps can you take to actively prepare for its fulfillment, even if it seems delayed? [01:14:08]
3. How can you actively engage in a partnership with God in your daily life? Identify one area where you can be more intentional about working alongside Him. [01:20:43]
4. Think about a recent challenge or adversity you faced. How did it prepare you for something God was leading you toward? What did you learn from the experience? [01:24:47]
5. As a church community, what new strategies or changes can you embrace to prepare for a new era of expansion and harvest? How can you personally contribute to this transformation? [01:36:10]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to be a "house of healing" for others. What practical steps can you take to make God's presence tangible in that area? [01:36:10]
7. How can you ensure that you do not lose sight of your God-given destiny amidst the busyness and distractions of life? What reminders or practices can help you stay focused? [01:05:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Stones of Remembrance
In the journey of faith, remembering God's past faithfulness is crucial. Just as Joshua set up twelve stones as a memorial after crossing the Jordan River, we too must create markers in our lives to recall God's promises and guidance. These reminders help us stay grounded in our faith and focused on our destiny. Forgetting what God has done can lead to losing sight of our purpose. By intentionally remembering, we can draw strength and encouragement for the present and future challenges we face. [01:05:46]
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: What are some specific moments in your life where you have seen God's faithfulness? How can you create a tangible reminder of these moments to encourage your faith journey today?
Day 2: Vision and Prophecy
Vision is a powerful tool that God uses to guide us, often coming in stages and requiring preparation for its fulfillment. Prophecy is not a guarantee but an invitation to partner with God. We must actively engage with the vision and be ready for the appointed time. This involves embracing the process, which can include challenges and adversities, as these are integral to readying us for the prophecy's fulfillment. By recording the vision clearly, as instructed in Habakkuk 2:2, we can ensure that those who read it may run with it, keeping the vision alive and active in our lives. [01:14:08]
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV): "And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.'"
Reflection: What vision has God placed in your heart that you need to write down and actively pursue? How can you prepare yourself for its fulfillment, even if it seems slow in coming?
Day 3: Partnership with God
God's kingdom advances through partnership with His people. He chooses to work with us, honoring the sacrifice of Jesus. This partnership is essential for fulfilling our destiny and requires us to be active participants in His plans. Prophecy is an invitation to partner with God, not a guarantee. By engaging with God's vision and being ready for the appointed time, we honor the sacrifice of Jesus and become co-laborers in His kingdom work. This partnership allows us to experience the joy and fulfillment of being part of God's redemptive plan for the world. [01:20:43]
1 Corinthians 3:9 (ESV): "For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively partner with God in your daily life to advance His kingdom? What specific steps can you take to become a more active participant in His plans today?
Day 4: Embracing the Process
The journey to fulfilling prophecy involves challenges and adversities. These are not obstacles but opportunities for growth and preparation. Embracing the process ensures we are ready for the fulfillment of God's promises. By viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, we can develop the character and resilience needed to step into the destiny God has for us. This perspective shift allows us to see God's hand at work in every situation, preparing us for the incredible things He has in store. [01:24:47]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What current challenges are you facing that you can view as opportunities for growth? How can you embrace these challenges as part of God's preparation process for your life?
Day 5: A New Era of Expansion
As a church, we are entering a new era of expansion and harvest. This is a time to embrace new strategies, welcome new leaders, and prepare for the spiritual harvest. We are called to be a house of healing and transformation, impacting lives and advancing God's kingdom. This requires openness to change and a willingness to step into new roles and responsibilities. By embracing this new era, we can be part of the incredible work God is doing in and through our community, bringing healing and transformation to those around us. [01:36:10]
Isaiah 54:2-3 (ESV): "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities."
Reflection: How can you personally contribute to the new era of expansion and harvest in your church community? What new strategies or roles can you embrace to help advance God's kingdom?
Quotes
How many have ever understood the value of reviewing or remembering or going back and listening again to what, let's just say what God has said. Anybody know the value of that? Has anybody had the, what's the word I'm looking for, the discouragement of forgetting something you should have remembered? [01:03:19] (22 seconds)
But when they did, Joshua had an insight from the Lord and he took 12 stones from that river. How many know the story? He picked 12 stones from that river and he laid them on the other side. They finally crossed over there. They're, they're no longer where they've been and they're on their way to their destiny. [01:05:24] (19 seconds)
So Joshua said, I want you to get 12 stones and I want them to be stones of remembrance. So when your children ask you, father, mother, what are these stones for? You will tell them, these represent what God did for us in the wilderness and crossing over and moving into the promised land. [01:06:40] (18 seconds)
Vision is so powerful. Vision is so, so, so life changing. Vision is what he wants to give us. We can't live without a vision. We can't become what he wants without a vision. Marriages need a vision. Families need a vision. Young men and women need vision. And what I've discovered about vision, say vision. [01:11:00] (18 seconds)
For the prophetic vision. See, prophetic words and visions really are one and the same. They really connect together. So when we say vision, we can say prophetic word. For the vision or the prophetic word waits for its appointed time. I love the mystery in that phrase. [01:13:05] (23 seconds)
The process gets you ready for the prophecy. And if you don't embrace the process, you won't be ready for the prophecy. Because the prophecy has a fulfillment. There's a time stamp on the prophecy. This is when I want it to happen. Now get ready for it. [01:14:12] (18 seconds)
Prophecy is not a guarantee. It is an invitation to partner with the prophecy. This is gold. This is gold. Just because he speaks doesn't mean it's going to happen. No, no, no, no. Yeah, it doesn't. No, no. Prophecy is an invitation to partner with him because he's not going to do the prophecy without your partnership. [01:20:06] (21 seconds)
When you become a believer in Christ, it's God and sons and God and daughters, and we are now ones who are going to advance the kingdom. He won't advance it without us, and we can't do it without him. Watch this. We can't do it without him, and he won't do it without us. That's what he's chosen. [01:20:46] (18 seconds)
And I'm not saying this for numbers to impress you because I never wanted numbers in my church. Never. I wanted changed lives and changed families and changed marriages. I wanted to impact a city, not fill a building, even though we fill the building, but I would have missed all of that destiny. [01:29:35] (19 seconds)
And the Lord told me to remind you, you've been called to be a healing house. A healing house. And pastor, I just so loved the ministry of... going here at this altar during worship, but the Lord told me, son, I just want you to tell him that it's going to happen there, but it's going to happen in the middle of worship. [01:37:01] (20 seconds)
And I couldn't stay away. I'm telling you, the Lord's going to remind you. You've moved into a season of increased evangelism and harvest. The Lord says that he wants to remind you that I have increased my anointing on this house. I'm going to give you more revelation of a stronger, stronger anointing than you've ever had. [01:36:26] (20 seconds)
So those kids can find Jesus. So those kids, their testimony will not be, God delivered me from the wickedness of sin. No, God kept me from the wickedness of sin. I'm not minimizing anybody that God took out of there. But I think the greatest testimony is to have a house where you raise up a generation of warriors for Christ. [01:51:10] (23 seconds)
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