"A Word From Your Pastor
What is the principal requirement for those who would experience God's best in their lives? It's called obedience. Joshua 1:8, [in my opinion] the most significant verse of that great book, declares obedience to God's Word as the pathway to fulfillment. Our Lord seems to be 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 in us is foundational. He secures certain 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 our 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. Toward Self - When we put our trust in the flesh (ourself), the result is always false confidence. When we rely on our own strength, then we're ultimately responsible for the outcome.
2. Toward the Saviour - When we put our trust in the Lord, it brings true security. And in the end, He's responsible for the outcome in our lives.
Joshua says, 'If you're going to pursue a life of victory and blessing, you better know the book,' because knowing God's Word and obeying it produces supernatural results.
The spiritual growth and maturity of this congregation [thats you listeners!] 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. 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.
When you take a distinct stance to follow in faith, like Joshua, you'll find yourself standing on solid ground.
Pressing on,
Ron Mehl"