Letting Go to Embrace New Blessings
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to week five of our series, "Ready, Set, Go." This week, we celebrate a significant milestone: our church now owns the Belmont Shopping Complex. This journey has taken seven years, and now the real work begins. We need everyone to be involved as we move forward. Today, we reflect on the importance of letting go, a theme that resonates deeply with our current transition.
Drawing from the book of Joshua, we see the Israelites stepping into the Promised Land after generations of waiting. Joshua instructs them to build an altar with 12 rocks to remember God's faithfulness. This act of remembrance is crucial as it strengthens our faith for future challenges. Similarly, our new property, named "12 Rocks," serves as a memorial to God's faithfulness in our journey.
However, while remembering the past is important, letting go is equally crucial. I shared personal anecdotes about the difficulty of letting go, whether it's books or sentimental items. More importantly, we must let go of things that hinder our spiritual growth, such as destructive habits or misplaced priorities. God wants to do incredible things in our lives, but we must be willing to let go of what holds us back.
In Joshua 5, the Israelites had to let go of disobedience to fully step into God's promises. They had neglected the practice of circumcision, a sign of their covenant with God. God paused their journey to address this disobedience, teaching them that obedience in small matters prepares us for greater challenges. Similarly, we must examine our lives for areas of disobedience and be willing to let go.
Letting go also involves releasing the past. The Israelites had to stop eating manna, a symbol of God's past provision, to embrace the new blessings of the Promised Land. We, too, must be willing to move beyond past experiences and methods to embrace what God is doing now. Holding on to the past can prevent us from experiencing new blessings.
Finally, the place of letting go is where we encounter God's presence. Gilgal was a place of healing, direction, and communication with God for the Israelites. For us, letting go allows us to experience God's presence and power in new ways. If we find ourselves in a place of transition, God is inviting us to let go and step into new blessings.
### Key Takeaways
1. Remembering God's Faithfulness: Building memorials, like the 12 rocks in Joshua, helps us remember God's past faithfulness, which strengthens our faith for future challenges. These acts of remembrance are crucial as they remind us that if God did it before, He can do it again. [39:01]
2. The Importance of Obedience: Obedience in small matters prepares us for greater challenges. The Israelites had to address their disobedience in circumcision before stepping into the Promised Land. Similarly, we must examine our lives for areas of disobedience and be willing to let go. [47:29]
3. Letting Go of the Past: To embrace new blessings, we must be willing to let go of past experiences and methods. The Israelites had to stop eating manna to enjoy the produce of the Promised Land. Holding on to the past can prevent us from experiencing new blessings. [01:07:31]
4. Encountering God's Presence: The place of letting go is where we encounter God's presence. Gilgal was a place of healing and direction for the Israelites. For us, letting go allows us to experience God's presence and power in new ways, leading to genuine change and blessing. [01:14:35]
5. Pursuing God's Presence: Genuine change and blessing come from pursuing God's presence. It's not just about letting go of the past or disobedience but seeking God's presence and allowing Him to work in our lives. This pursuit leads to experiencing God's power and blessings in ways we could never achieve on our own. [01:18:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:10] - Celebrating Our New Home
[37:29] - Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
[39:01] - Building Memorials
[41:52] - The Challenge of Letting Go
[47:29] - Addressing Disobedience
[50:39] - The Significance of Circumcision
[52:07] - The Danger of Neglect
[55:19] - Obedience in Small Matters
[56:52] - Preparing for Greater Challenges
[58:32] - Faith Requires Movement
[59:54] - Rolling Away Reproach
[01:03:21] - Experiencing God's Presence
[01:07:31] - Letting Go of the Past
[01:12:58] - Embracing New Blessings
[01:14:35] - Encountering God's Presence
[01:18:06] - Pursuing God's Presence
[01:20:04] - Prayer and Reflection
[01:23:57] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 5:1-12
2. Genesis 17:9-14
3. Luke 16:10
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event marked the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land, and what did Joshua instruct them to do as a memorial? ([39:01])
2. Why did God pause the Israelites' journey after they crossed the Jordan River, and what specific act of obedience did He require from them? ([47:29])
3. What change in provision did the Israelites experience once they entered the Promised Land, and what did this signify? ([01:07:31])
4. How does the name "Gilgal" relate to the Israelites' experience and what does it symbolize? ([59:54])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to build memorials to remember God's faithfulness, and how can this practice strengthen our faith for future challenges? ([39:01])
2. How does obedience in small matters prepare us for greater challenges, and why might God emphasize this in our spiritual journey? ([55:19])
3. What are the potential dangers of holding on to past experiences or methods, and how can this hinder us from embracing new blessings from God? ([01:08:35])
4. In what ways does letting go of disobedience and the past allow us to encounter God's presence and power in new ways? ([01:14:35])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you built a "memorial" to remember God's faithfulness in your life. How did this act impact your faith during future challenges? ([39:01])
2. Identify an area of your life where you might be neglecting obedience in small matters. What steps can you take to address this and prepare for greater challenges? ([55:19])
3. Are there any past experiences or methods you are holding on to that might be preventing you from experiencing new blessings? How can you let go of these to embrace what God is doing now? ([01:08:35])
4. Think about a habit or priority that might be hindering your spiritual growth. What practical steps can you take to let go of this and pursue God's presence more fully? ([46:21])
5. How can you create a space in your life, similar to Gilgal, where you regularly encounter God's presence and receive direction? ([01:14:35])
6. Reflect on a recent transition or change in your life. How can you see this as an invitation from God to let go of the past and step into new blessings? ([01:20:04])
7. What specific actions can you take this week to pursue God's presence and allow Him to work in your life in ways you could never achieve on your own? ([01:18:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Building Memorials of Faith
Description: Remembering God's faithfulness is a powerful practice that strengthens our faith for future challenges. In the book of Joshua, the Israelites built an altar with 12 rocks to commemorate God's faithfulness in bringing them into the Promised Land. This act of remembrance was not just for them but for future generations to see and be reminded of God's power and provision. Similarly, our new property, named "12 Rocks," serves as a memorial to God's faithfulness in our journey. By building these memorials, we create tangible reminders of God's past actions, which can bolster our faith when we face new challenges. [39:01]
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 significant moments in your life where you have seen God's faithfulness? How can you create a tangible reminder of these moments to strengthen your faith in future challenges?
Day 2: Obedience in Small Matters
Description: Obedience in small matters prepares us for greater challenges. The Israelites had to address their disobedience in the practice of circumcision before they could fully step into the Promised Land. This act of obedience, though seemingly small, was crucial for their spiritual readiness. Similarly, we must examine our lives for areas of disobedience and be willing to let go of anything that hinders our spiritual growth. By being faithful in the small things, we prepare ourselves for the greater tasks and blessings that God has in store for us. [47:29]
Luke 16:10 (ESV): "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Reflection: Is there a small area of your life where you feel God is calling you to be more obedient? What steps can you take today to address this area and prepare yourself for greater challenges?
Day 3: Letting Go of the Past
Description: To embrace new blessings, we must be willing to let go of past experiences and methods. The Israelites had to stop eating manna, a symbol of God's past provision, to enjoy the produce of the Promised Land. Holding on to the past can prevent us from experiencing new blessings. We often cling to familiar ways and past successes, but God calls us to move forward and embrace the new things He is doing in our lives. Letting go of the past allows us to fully experience the new blessings and opportunities that God has prepared for us. [01:07:31]
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 experiences or methods are you holding on to that might be preventing you from embracing new blessings? How can you let go of these today to make room for what God is doing now?
Day 4: Encountering God's Presence
Description: The place of letting go is where we encounter God's presence. For the Israelites, Gilgal was a place of healing, direction, and communication with God. Similarly, when we let go of what holds us back, we create space to experience God's presence and power in new ways. This encounter with God leads to genuine change and blessing in our lives. By releasing our grip on the past and our disobedience, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of God's presence. [01:14:35]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to let go to encounter God's presence more fully? How can you create space in your daily routine to seek and experience God's presence?
Day 5: Pursuing God's Presence
Description: Genuine change and blessing come from pursuing God's presence. It's not just about letting go of the past or disobedience but actively seeking God's presence and allowing Him to work in our lives. This pursuit leads to experiencing God's power and blessings in ways we could never achieve on our own. By prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking His presence daily, we open ourselves up to the transformative work He wants to do in us and through us. [01:18:06]
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: How can you prioritize pursuing God's presence in your daily life? What specific actions can you take today to seek God with all your heart and allow Him to work in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We draw strength and our faith is increased whenever we remember how God has worked for us in the past. That if he did it before, he'll do it again." [40:27] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes the greatest danger is not when things in our lives are going wrong and when things are difficult, but rather it's when things are going well. Because when things are tough, man, we need to press into God." [52:07] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If we can't obey God in the stuff that we consider little stuff, it'll be really difficult for us to obey him in the stuff that's big stuff." [55:19] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you want to experience all that God has for you ahead, you've got to let go of what was behind. You have to be willing to say, you know what? What God did was wonderful. It was awesome. I'm so thankful that he's done all that for me in the past, but I believe that was just the beginning." [01:08:35] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we pursue the presence and the power of God, the power of Jesus, that's where real blessing comes from." [01:18:06] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The reason that I think this is so important is because when we face new battles, and we will, and when we need God to come through in ways that we couldn't come through for ourselves, and we will, we're constantly going to need him to do that. We're constantly going to need that as we move forward. In those moments, it's going to be important for us to remember what God has already done. So we can look back and say, if God did it here, he can do it again." [40:27] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I believe that disobedience is one of the most common things that keeps people from experiencing all of the promises and the blessings that God has for their lives. See, God's desire for the children of Israel was he just wanted to bless them. He wanted to pour out his love and his blessing and his provision upon them. He wanted to fulfill his covenant with them by moving them into this promised land. But the only way that they're ever going to be able to experience any of that is if they're willing to walk in obedience." [53:50] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you're here this morning and it seems like God's not really doing anything in your life, could I just suggest to you that it just might be because God is saying to you, hey. Hey, I cannot move you onto the next thing until you obey me in the last thing. I can't do the new thing in your life until you obey me in the last thing. See, they build on each other. And God is saying, if you take care of that, what's going to happen is when you do, you're going to experience my presence in a new way. You're going to experience my blessing like never before. And you're going to get a fresh, new sense of spiritual momentum in your life." [01:04:21] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Repentance means not only to have a change of mind, but it literally means to have a change of direction. See, it's not enough for God simply to forgive us of our sin. God wants us to turn away from our sin and not live in it anymore. He wants us to head a different direction in life. And so repentance is simply the idea of I've been thinking this way. I've been heading this way. I've been participating in these activities in life. But when I encounter God, I not only confess I'm a sinner, but I turn away from all that and I head in a different direction. He leads me on a different path." [01:03:21] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If all we get is, you know, yeah, man, those are great principles. I'm going to, I'm going to let some stuff go and I'm going to think about the future. I'm going to forget what's behind. I'm going to grab hold of what's ahead. As important as that is, the reality is that those things alone will not bring genuine change in our lives. They alone won't lead us into the fullness of the blessing that God has for us. You see, it's, it's only when we get in the presence of God and we say, God, my, my primary passion is just simply to pursue you, to, to just rest in your presence and allow you to speak to my heart." [01:18:06] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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