"A Word from your Pastor...
The Book of Joshua illustrates practically the principle requirement for those who would experience God's best for their lives. It's called obedience. Joshua 1:8, the most significant verse of the book, declares obedience to His word is the pathway to fulfillment. Our Lord is always thrilled about what's been completed in our lives. In fact, He beckons us forward on the ground of His Word already fulfilled in us.
We might learn an axiom: What He fulfills is foundational. He secures ceratin things, then summons us on. The Lord does not establish us for the purpose of our retirement; but He grounds us for the sake of growth. Rejoice in what He has done - 'He has done great things' - but be 'pressing on for what is before' (Philippians 3:13,14).
The Book of Joshua emphasizes powerfully the need to utterly depend on God and His Word. We have a tendency to trust ourselves more than Him. Trust can be aimed one of two directions:
(1) Self - When you put your trust in flesh (yourself), the result is always false confidence
(2) Savior - When you put your trust in the Lord, it brings true security.
Joshua says, 'If you're going to pursue a life of victory and blessing, you better know the book' (Joshua 1:8)
That fruitfulness is a hallmark of our life together is known to all. That fruitfulness is a desired goal for all of us is clear. The spiritual growth and maturity of this congregation never has happened by accident. It happens on purpose! The purpose has to do with the following. We often sing, 'I have decided to follow Jesus.' That says it for me. He calls us to faithfully follow. That's for me.
When you take a distinct stance to follow in faith, like Joshua, you'll see your life established and grounded.
Becoming more fruitful,
Ron Mehl"