IT’S JUST A LITTLE RIVER…WHERE’S THE FAITH?

(21 STORIES)

Numbers 14:26-38

Numbers 14:26-38 (NLT)

The LORD Punishes the Israelites

26 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 27 “How long must I put up with this wicked community and its complaints about me? Yes, I have heard the complaints the Israelites are making against me. 28 Now tell them this: ‘As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say. 29 You will all drop dead in this wilderness! Because you complained against me, every one of you who is twenty years old or older and was included in the registration will die.

30 You will not enter and occupy the land I swore to give you. The only exceptions will be Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.31 “‘You said your children would be carried off as plunder. Well, I will bring them safely into the land, and they will enjoy what you have despised. 32 But as for you, you will drop dead in this wilderness. 33 And your children will be like shepherds, wandering in the wilderness for forty years. In this way, they will pay for your faithlessness, until the last of you lies dead in the wilderness..

Numbers 14:26-38 (NLT)

34 “‘Because your men explored the land for forty days, you must wander in the wilderness for forty years—a year for each day, suffering the consequences of your sins. Then you will discover what it is like to have me for an enemy.’ 35 I, the LORD, have spoken! I will certainly do these things to every member of the community who has conspired against me. They will be destroyed here in this wilderness, and here they will die!”

Numbers 14:26-38 (NLT)

36 The ten men Moses had sent to explore the land—the ones who incited rebellion against the LORD with their bad report— 37 were struck dead with a plague before the LORD. 38 Of the twelve who had explored the land, only Joshua and Caleb remained alive.

Numbers 14:26-38 (NLT)

God has a plan. He may flex some on how to fulfill it …but the Macro will happen.

How about my Jordan Experience? Am I ready to step into deep water?

It all comes down to this: Faith that moves with God (and me) into strange, new places.

TAKE HOME

Abraham was the first to get a glimpse of Heaven’s Agenda

Joseph got the ball rolling

Moses showed up on time to get the fledgling nation headed northeast

Now it is crunch time …it’s about that River

A PLAN TO BLESS THE WHOLE PLANET MOVES AHEAD

Moses had to say “Yes.” And so did Pharaoh.

You can lead the people to water …but will they demand more?

And the view of Canaan: Is conquest do-able?

How did the reports differ? The 10 vs. the 2

How would I have voted?

THE QUESTION ISN’T SO MUCH ‘WHAT CAN GOD DO?’ …BUT HOW HAS HE CHOSEN TO ACT?

Don’t think I can pull this off? Stay out here and wander until the old ones fall.

God’s Rest is reserved for people of faith …faith in God.

God gives us total freedom to perish. Of course he doesn’t want that.

“HAVE IT YOUR WAY,” God says. “I CAN DO THIS WITH OR WITHOUT YOU.”

God doesn’t remove the sources of our terror …but provides the tools to overcome them. --Joshua 1:3-7

Keep the Sword (tools) handy. --Joshua 1:8-9, Ephesians 6:17

Words that bring joy to God’s heart: Whatever you command we will do, and wherever you send we will go. --Joshua 1:16

The Antidote For Fear And Terror:

“I’M WITH YOU!” --Joshua 1

Follow God’s leader --Joshua 3:2

Believing leads to Wading …stepping into the water leads to Seeing --Joshua 3:14- 17

A pledge to remember this day of faith and victory --Joshua 4

Glory to God! --Joshua 4:19- 24

LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL! --Joshua 3

Minor surgery …Major implications --Joshua 5

You Prepare a Table …in the presence of mine enemies --Joshua 5:10

YIKES! ANOTHER TEST OF FAITH…IN ENEMY TERRITORY

--Joshua 5

Really? March around Jericho …all the armed men …once a day?

Seventh day …Seven times

Blow trumpets as you go

On command …everybody shout!

And the wall? You know.

THE WALLS CAME TUMBLIN’ DOWN Joshua 6

God + One Person of faith = a strong majority.

Dare to put your foot into the flood waters …and watch God work!

Do what God calls you to do …even if it is a bit odd (like walking around your Jericho).

Faith behavior exalts God, blesses you, and is a light to your world! --Joshua 6:27, Matthew 5:13-16

GOT ANY RIVERS, OR IMPOSING WALLED CITIES? MAKE YOUR MOVE!

I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

I trust Him as my Lord and Savior.Confession

God has a plan. He may flex some on how to fulfill it…but the Macro will happen.

How about your ‘Jordan Experience’? Ready to step into deep water?

It all comes down to this…faith that moves with God into strange, new places.

TAKE HOME

GO and SHARETHE GOOD NEWS