CROSSING OVER – STEPPING INTO GODS VISION FOR YOUR LIFE
INTRODUCTION
Joshua 1 v 6-9
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
God gave Joshua a promise, God in giving the promise speaks to Joshua about the mindset he needs as he steps into the promise and the requirement or action that Joshua needs to take to fulfil the promise.
Promise
Mindset
Requirement
To “be strong and courageous” today means to rely on God’s strength and guidance rather than our own. It involves: –
1. Trusting in God’s Promises:
2. Being Obedient to God’s Word:
3. Relying on God’s Presence
STEPPING IN TO GODS VISION
Strong and Courageous passage capturesGod’s vision for Joshua.
God’s assurance of His continual presence with Joshua is a key aspect of this vision.
Joshua Stepped into Gods Vision for His Life. Where did the Vision Come From God. How did it come, through his faithfulness trusting in the promise Numbers 14v6-9
Gods Purpose
So what is Gods Purpose God’s purpose speaks to His intentional design and will for creation and humanity. It encompasses His plans and desires, which are always good, perfect, and pleasing. Romans 12:2: Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Genesis 1:31: 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
God has a Vison and Purpose for your life
At the heart of God’s purpose are salvation, reconciliation, and the restoration of creation through Jesus Christ. God’s purpose aims to restore all things to Himself, to be glorified, and to share His love and life with His creation eternally.
Requirement:Throughout the Biblewe see that God’s purpose is revealed as one that involves
Redemption/Salvation– Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”
Restoration:2 Corinthians 5:17-18, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Relationship: It begins in Genesis, where God creates Adam and Eve for fellowship with Him (Genesis 1:26-27). Through Christ, broken relationships are healed, and we are invited into a life of loving God, loving others, and caring for the world around us
Promise – Vision What is Gods Vision
God’s promises or vision for your life are the specific assurances He gives, which reflect His nature as faithful and true. These promises including provision, salvation, guidance, and eternal life.
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Requirement:To live out Gods intended purpose and vision for my life requires absolute faith and absolute trust in God.
“God’s vision” for your life and mine, for my children and your children of provision, salvation, guidance, and eternal life……, can be understood as the divine perspective or the end goal that God has for His creation, for you, for me, for your children and my children.
Isaiah 46:10 Message: “Think about this. Wrap your minds around it. This is serious business, rebels. Take it to heart.Remember your history,your long and rich history.I am GOD, the only God you’ve had or ever will have incomparable, irreplaceable. From the very beginningtelling you what the ending will be,All along letting you inon what is going to happen,Assuring you, ‘I’m in this for the long haul,I’ll do exactly what I set out to do,’
So where do we get our vision?
1: We get a vision: It comes from God by
– Through reading the Word (scripture – 2 Timmothy 3v16 NIV, 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
– Through teachings – Romans12 v 6 – 8, NIV 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give
God has a Vison and Purpose for your life
encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
– Through difficulties Psalm 119v67-68, 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.68 You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.
– through the holy spirit John 14v26 NIV 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Here are some fundamental principles to guide you in living out God’s vision for your life:
1. Seek God First: Jesus taught, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
2. Listen to God’s Word: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
3. Be Obedient: Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
4. Live by the Spirit: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
5. Use Your Gifts for God’s Glory: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
6. Trust in God’s Timing and Plan: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
7. Be Part of a Community: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
8. Live a Life of Love and Service: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
How to Staying in the Vision
1. Commit Your Way to the Lord- “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3).
2. Reflect and Adjust- “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
CONCLUSION Understanding God’s purpose and His promises offers profound encouragement and hope, for it reveals a God who is not distant and uncaring but is intimately involved in the details of our lives, desiring the best for us and committed to bringing His good purpose to fruition.
God has a Vison and Purpose for your life
Remember, living out God’s vision is not about achieving perfection or success by worldly standards, but about faithfulness, growth, and glorifying God in all you do.
As we grasp these truths, we are called to live in faith and obedience, trusting in the goodness and faithfulness of God to accomplish His purposes and fulfil His promises in our lives. Gods Vision 1. Gives life purpose – 2. Gives life meaning 3. Is promise of a better future 4. Meant to inspire and give direction to your life – bigger than you Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” The Bible is full of God’s dreams for us.
AMEN
