SEPTEMBER 7, 2024
READ: Joshua 3 (Focus vs. 7-17)
MEMORY VERSE
“When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.” Joshua 3:8
BACKGROUND
The guest speaker spoke on the wisdom of trusting God and “stepping into the river.” He told of a pastor who trusted God and chose to speak the truths of the Bible in a sermon despite the new law of his land.
He was convicted of hate crimes and spent thirty days in jail. But his case was appealed, and the court ruled he had the right to give a personal interpretation of the Bible and to urge others to follow.
The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant had to make a choice too—either step into the water or stay on the shore. After escaping Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years. Now they stood on the banks of the Jordan River, which was at flood stage and dangerously high.
But they took that step, and God caused the waters to recede: “As soon as . . . their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing” (Joshua 3:15-16).
When we trust God with our lives, He gives us the courage to move forward, whether choosing to speak the truths of the Bible or to take a step into unknown territory.
During the pastor’s trial, the court heard the gospel through listening to his sermon. And, in Joshua, the Israelites crossed safely into the promised land and shared about the power of God with future generations (v. 17; 4:24).
If we step out in faith, God will see to the rest.
By: Alyson Kieda
INSIGHT
Crossing the Red Sea was the definitive miracle reminding the Israelites of God’s power: “When the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord . . . [they] feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant” (Exodus 14:31).
To encourage them to trust Him and their new leader, Joshua, God parted the Jordan River (Joshua 3:7-17): Joshua explained, “The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea . . . so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful” (4:23-24).
By: K. T. Sim
APPLICATION
When have you faced a frightening situation and were afraid to take the first step? How did God help you to move forward?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
When we trust God with our lives, He gives us the courage to move forward, whether choosing to speak the truths of the Bible or to take a step into unknown territory…If we step out in FAITH, God will see to the rest.”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“Faith and (Obedience) trumps Fear.” Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright
PRAYER
“Dear God, I need Your courage. Please help me to step out in faith.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“MADE A WAY” Travis Greene
Don’t know how but You did it
Made a way
Standing here not knowing…
How we’ll get through this test
But holding onto faith You know best
Nothing can catch You by surprise
You’ve got this figured out and You’re watching us now
But when it looks as if we can’t win
You wrap us in Your arm and step in
And everything we need You supply
You got this in control
And now we know that
You made a way
When our backs were against the wall
And it looked as if it was over
You made a way
And we’re standing here
Only because You made a way
You made a way
Now we’re here
Looking back on where we come from
Because of You and nothing we’ve done
To deserve the love and mercy You’ve shown
But Your grace was strong enough to pick us up
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
ACTS 18
ACTS 18
