If we fail to recognize, as followers of Christ, our battle is not against flesh and blood, we end up distracted and disengaged. If we lay down our spiritual guard, we can end up fighting the wrong enemy - the people who around us!
For the believer, the power of Christ inside of us is more than sufficient to overcome every obstacle that hinders us. Unfortunately, we often spend too much time focusing on the obstacles than the overcomer! We must be fully convinced that through Jesus - we are more than conquerors!
At the end of Joshua's life, he calls the children of Israel together and gives them a direct challenge: choose who or what you will worship! He knew what we all must know - everyone worships! The question is, "What are you and I worshipping?"
In Joshua 6:17-18, the Lord makes it clear that Israel was to stay away from "the accursed thing." This was the thing devoted to God either for judgment or for His service. This command was ignored and Israel was defeated by an inferior army. We also become weakened when we take of the accursed thing.
The Lord has given a word for Bridge of Hope Worship Center! Similar to Joshua's army as they found themselves between the Jordan River and the fortified city of Jericho, we will have to rely on the supernatural strength of God to move forward. As we do, great things await!
Brother David Parish, President of WME, World Missions Evangelism, came to give an update on the past year's activity completed through WME in many other countries. Our church has been partnered with WME for over ten years. We finished up our missions collected for the past year - ahead of the goal! A lifestyle of giving not only blesses the giver but God's blessings reach into other countries farther than we know, when we are just obedient to Him.
When the bible speaks about "the flesh" it is speaking of our old sin nature - the seat of our sinful desires. We are called to crucify the flesh, which means don't be controlled by it! This is only possible through Jesus Christ! His spirit within us gives us the needed strength. Be spirit Led!
We all come to what have been called "forks in the road" during our journey of life. The Bible is the one and only authority on faith and moral issues, however, there are a lot of questions that we face which the Bible does not give a clear answer. Jesus has promised to be our shepherd and lead us by His voice!
God sees things in us we often do not see - we all have "blind spots." Thankfully, the Lord doesn't allow us to continue in our journey without addressing these things. He knows better than us, that the "blind spots" must be dealt with as we grow in our faith.
We are living in a dark and difficult hour. The prophet Amos spoke of a day when a famine of hearing God's Word would overtake the people. It seems as if we are living in such a time. Fortunately, God provides a formula for His people during such times. Joel 2:12-14 lays out a pattern of prayer and fasting followed by God responding with a great restoration!
