1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:15,440 Welcome to Hub City Vineyard. 2 00:00:15,440 --> 00:00:23,060 To get connected or to give online go to connect.hcv.church or give.hcv.church. 3 00:00:23,060 --> 00:00:27,360 If at any point during this message you feel called to make a change in your life, text 4 00:00:27,360 --> 00:00:30,840 change me to 970-00. 5 00:00:30,840 --> 00:00:32,320 Thank you and enjoy the message. 6 00:00:32,320 --> 00:00:34,880 Hey good morning everyone. 7 00:00:34,880 --> 00:00:38,720 Was that Derrick Henry putting that offering in? 8 00:00:38,720 --> 00:00:41,440 Like was he slam dunking that offer? 9 00:00:41,440 --> 00:00:44,880 Oh sorry that was just me next. 10 00:00:44,880 --> 00:00:49,160 Welcome to HCV everyone. 11 00:00:49,160 --> 00:00:53,120 Is there a lot of Steelers fans here or something? 12 00:00:53,120 --> 00:00:54,120 Sorry. 13 00:00:54,120 --> 00:01:01,480 If you're joining us from home, hopefully you're loud and excited like I am. 14 00:01:01,480 --> 00:01:04,360 Thank you for welcoming us into your space and shout out to HHC. 15 00:01:04,360 --> 00:01:08,560 We love you and appreciate worshiping with you. 16 00:01:08,560 --> 00:01:10,740 So good morning. 17 00:01:10,740 --> 00:01:14,260 I want to start off by sharing a few photos with you. 18 00:01:14,260 --> 00:01:20,000 If you take a look at these photos you might recognize something that we just built. 19 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:25,000 Check that out. 20 00:01:25,000 --> 00:01:31,200 So as you look through these photos you're going to see that the kitchen that we raised 21 00:01:31,200 --> 00:01:35,800 money for, remember a few months ago we said hey I want to build a kitchen in Kenya. 22 00:01:35,800 --> 00:01:38,320 We need ten grand and we got it in a month. 23 00:01:38,320 --> 00:01:44,340 Well that kitchen is built, it's beautiful and the people are excited to use it. 24 00:01:44,340 --> 00:01:47,680 Let me just say and make you realize and put it in perspective. 25 00:01:47,680 --> 00:01:54,520 That kitchen is the equivalent of a $50,000 kitchen here in the U.S. 26 00:01:54,520 --> 00:01:56,720 We gave them the best. 27 00:01:56,720 --> 00:02:00,840 The cool thing is we are changing lives all around the world. 28 00:02:00,840 --> 00:02:02,120 Isn't that awesome? 29 00:02:02,120 --> 00:02:04,880 So you are doing it HCV. 30 00:02:04,880 --> 00:02:08,320 We're excited about that and we're grateful for all that you give. 31 00:02:08,320 --> 00:02:15,080 Now I've had several people ask me about the fires in Southern California and the tragedy 32 00:02:15,080 --> 00:02:17,880 that's happening out there. 33 00:02:17,880 --> 00:02:23,240 Watch this short video and then I'll tell you how we're going to respond. 34 00:02:23,240 --> 00:02:35,840 Everything inside the Convoy of Hope Distribution Center in Sacramento has been donated. 35 00:02:35,840 --> 00:02:42,280 And everything they're loading up Thursday afternoon is headed to Southern California. 36 00:02:42,280 --> 00:02:45,880 Water, food and hygiene immediately. 37 00:02:45,880 --> 00:02:51,560 This is one of about half a dozen truckloads the nonprofit has sent to Los Angeles County 38 00:02:51,560 --> 00:02:53,400 hoping to fill a need. 39 00:02:53,400 --> 00:02:57,400 You've got a family, you've got children and you're just running for your life. 40 00:02:57,400 --> 00:02:59,440 We send down those essential relief supplies. 41 00:02:59,440 --> 00:03:04,560 Ryan Allen, a convoy nation representative, says with disasters like the wildfires in 42 00:03:04,560 --> 00:03:09,760 Los Angeles, getting supplies to those who really need them can present a challenge. 43 00:03:09,760 --> 00:03:14,840 One of the hard things about this disaster is that fires, people kind of scatter. 44 00:03:14,840 --> 00:03:16,600 They go wherever they can go. 45 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:18,600 No one really goes to a central place. 46 00:03:18,600 --> 00:03:26,320 So their trucks go to churches and other organizations in the area where they know people will be. 47 00:03:26,320 --> 00:03:31,080 And from there, they start distributing essentials to anyone who needs them. 48 00:03:31,080 --> 00:03:32,080 They're upside down. 49 00:03:32,080 --> 00:03:34,960 The world's been changed dramatically and forever. 50 00:03:34,960 --> 00:03:36,200 It'll never be the same. 51 00:03:36,200 --> 00:03:41,960 And if all we can do is help them have a sense of peace and a little bit of hope that somebody 52 00:03:41,960 --> 00:03:46,960 on the other side cares and we're here to help, that means the world sometimes. 53 00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:55,720 In a time when these fires have left so many with nothing, that help can mean everything. 54 00:03:55,720 --> 00:03:59,880 And we asked just how many truckloads they'll be sending down to Los Angeles County. 55 00:03:59,880 --> 00:04:04,200 They say they don't have an exact number right now, but they'll send them as long as they're 56 00:04:04,200 --> 00:04:05,200 needed. 57 00:04:05,200 --> 00:04:07,440 It's great to see what they're doing there. 58 00:04:07,440 --> 00:04:09,960 So we are going to partner again with Convoy of Hope. 59 00:04:09,960 --> 00:04:12,380 And as you can see there, they're on the ground. 60 00:04:12,380 --> 00:04:13,760 They're meeting needs. 61 00:04:13,760 --> 00:04:19,000 They're making a difference in people's lives with the name of Jesus. 62 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:24,360 So if you feel compelled to give, you can give in your offering envelopes and just mark 63 00:04:24,360 --> 00:04:29,040 fires or you could go online to hcv.churchgive. 64 00:04:29,040 --> 00:04:34,160 And there's on our drop down selection, you can select wildfires. 65 00:04:34,160 --> 00:04:39,120 And all of that money that you feel compelled to give will be given to Convoy of Hope and 66 00:04:39,120 --> 00:04:43,080 will be sent directly to California to make a difference. 67 00:04:43,080 --> 00:04:44,680 That's how we will be responding. 68 00:04:44,680 --> 00:04:45,680 Okay? 69 00:04:45,680 --> 00:04:48,800 So if you feel compelled, please do so. 70 00:04:48,800 --> 00:04:54,440 So last week we kicked off our yearly series, 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. 71 00:04:54,440 --> 00:05:00,640 At the start of every new year for the last five years, we've set aside the first 21 days 72 00:05:00,640 --> 00:05:07,920 to focus on Jesus and to prioritize our relationship with Him as a means of growth. 73 00:05:07,920 --> 00:05:08,920 And what does it mean? 74 00:05:08,920 --> 00:05:10,520 Some of you may be thinking, what does it mean to fast? 75 00:05:10,520 --> 00:05:15,300 Well, just to give you an example, this year as Jess and I prayed about what to give up, 76 00:05:15,300 --> 00:05:17,920 we are fasting dumb TV. 77 00:05:17,920 --> 00:05:19,340 Okay? 78 00:05:19,340 --> 00:05:20,800 And when you say, well, it's dumb TV. 79 00:05:20,800 --> 00:05:25,320 Dumb TV is the TV that we watch after we put Phoenix to bed. 80 00:05:25,320 --> 00:05:30,520 You know that show that you just kind of turn on and it's mindless and it just happens 81 00:05:30,520 --> 00:05:32,680 and it's a series or whatever it may be. 82 00:05:32,680 --> 00:05:35,280 It may be compelling, but here's the reality. 83 00:05:35,280 --> 00:05:36,880 It's a waste of time. 84 00:05:36,880 --> 00:05:42,720 So what we did, we've chosen to replace that time with reading, meditation, prayer, and 85 00:05:42,720 --> 00:05:43,720 conversations. 86 00:05:43,720 --> 00:05:44,720 Okay? 87 00:05:44,720 --> 00:05:47,080 And that in no way means that we're more spiritual than you. 88 00:05:47,080 --> 00:05:48,080 Okay? 89 00:05:48,080 --> 00:05:49,080 It doesn't mean that. 90 00:05:49,080 --> 00:05:53,760 It just means that we're using time that we typically waste and have now replaced it with 91 00:05:53,760 --> 00:05:56,280 God and His purposes for us. 92 00:05:56,280 --> 00:05:57,280 That's fasting. 93 00:05:57,280 --> 00:05:58,560 It doesn't have to be food. 94 00:05:58,560 --> 00:05:59,560 It could be food. 95 00:05:59,560 --> 00:06:01,840 It doesn't have to be, you know, lunchtime. 96 00:06:01,840 --> 00:06:04,600 You give up your lunch and then you pray and fast. 97 00:06:04,600 --> 00:06:05,680 It could be though. 98 00:06:05,680 --> 00:06:11,360 It's whatever God puts on your heart to replace with Him. 99 00:06:11,360 --> 00:06:15,000 And if you've missed the start of our fast, the big deal start today. 100 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:16,000 Right? 101 00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:20,520 Join our community of faith and growing closer to Jesus in 2025. 102 00:06:20,520 --> 00:06:25,560 And then set aside one morning this coming week, Monday through Saturday, show up here 103 00:06:25,560 --> 00:06:32,760 at 6 a.m. and join many others in praying for our church, the tri-state area, our nation, 104 00:06:32,760 --> 00:06:33,760 and the world. 105 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:35,000 And that will happen for 21 days. 106 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:37,040 You don't have to show up to all of them. 107 00:06:37,040 --> 00:06:38,840 You don't have to feel like you have to have perfect attendance. 108 00:06:38,840 --> 00:06:41,280 If you want to do it, go for it. 109 00:06:41,280 --> 00:06:42,280 God bless you. 110 00:06:42,280 --> 00:06:44,840 But if you don't, it's a little too early for you. 111 00:06:44,840 --> 00:06:46,200 Show up to one or two. 112 00:06:46,200 --> 00:06:49,400 And what you'll discover is God is moving in that place. 113 00:06:49,400 --> 00:06:55,360 Now, our series in Yearly Focus for 2025 is found in Mark 1123 and it reads this. 114 00:06:55,360 --> 00:06:58,280 And Jesus said to his disciples, have faith in God. 115 00:06:58,280 --> 00:06:59,520 I tell you the truth. 116 00:06:59,520 --> 00:07:05,280 You can say to this mountain, may you be lifted up and thrown into the sea and it will happen. 117 00:07:05,280 --> 00:07:09,560 But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 118 00:07:09,560 --> 00:07:16,520 And we kicked off our series with a discussion on how a fresh anointing moves mountains. 119 00:07:16,520 --> 00:07:23,920 And we are challenged to pray, right, with that little, little mustard seed of faith. 120 00:07:23,920 --> 00:07:25,200 And here's the reality. 121 00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:26,880 We all have mountains. 122 00:07:26,880 --> 00:07:33,400 You know, the unavoidable and overwhelming obstacles that come at us every single day 123 00:07:33,400 --> 00:07:34,400 in life. 124 00:07:34,400 --> 00:07:36,140 It may be a mountain in your marriage. 125 00:07:36,140 --> 00:07:38,240 You don't see how you're going to stay together. 126 00:07:38,240 --> 00:07:41,400 It may be a mountain in your finances, right? 127 00:07:41,400 --> 00:07:43,680 It doesn't look like you'll ever get out of debt. 128 00:07:43,680 --> 00:07:45,280 Maybe it's a mountain in your health. 129 00:07:45,280 --> 00:07:47,720 The doctors say you're never going to get well. 130 00:07:47,720 --> 00:07:51,060 Maybe it's a mountain of addiction that can't be broken. 131 00:07:51,060 --> 00:07:56,240 Maybe there's a mountain in your relationship with God like doubt or fear or sin or temptation. 132 00:07:56,240 --> 00:07:57,240 Right? 133 00:07:57,240 --> 00:08:02,600 Well, prayer is how you write history before it happens. 134 00:08:02,600 --> 00:08:07,880 Prayer is how you write history for yourself and your family before it even happens. 135 00:08:07,880 --> 00:08:14,400 As we pray, as we believe in miracles that will happen over the next days, weeks, months, 136 00:08:14,400 --> 00:08:21,920 even this year, I believe it can all be traced back to these 21 days of prayer. 137 00:08:21,920 --> 00:08:26,360 Last week we said you may only have a little mustard seed of faith, but planted together 138 00:08:26,360 --> 00:08:33,560 with other seeds that are watered in prayer, it brings breakthrough from God that can impact 139 00:08:33,560 --> 00:08:34,560 generations. 140 00:08:34,560 --> 00:08:36,760 Think about that. 141 00:08:36,760 --> 00:08:42,020 Generations from now, even after you die, could be impacted from these 21 days. 142 00:08:42,020 --> 00:08:47,560 Because if we press into the presence of God like never before, we will experience God 143 00:08:47,560 --> 00:08:49,820 like never before. 144 00:08:49,820 --> 00:08:51,020 It's not coincidence. 145 00:08:51,020 --> 00:08:57,840 It's an expectation that the more we pray, the more God will break in and make a difference. 146 00:08:57,840 --> 00:09:00,160 So it's a great way to start the new year. 147 00:09:00,160 --> 00:09:02,360 But friends, let me warn you. 148 00:09:02,360 --> 00:09:06,680 These next 21 days, this next month, it won't be easy. 149 00:09:06,680 --> 00:09:11,240 And we need to have our shield of faith ready and in hand because spiritual opposition is 150 00:09:11,240 --> 00:09:12,640 going to come. 151 00:09:12,640 --> 00:09:19,200 Any time in the spiritual realm that a follower of Jesus takes a step of faith to possess 152 00:09:19,200 --> 00:09:22,400 a promise from God, the enemy is not happy. 153 00:09:22,400 --> 00:09:24,400 And he's going to come right at you. 154 00:09:24,400 --> 00:09:29,120 But if we pray through, we will believe that God is going to break through. 155 00:09:29,120 --> 00:09:35,760 And today God challenged me to share with you what it looks like to be strong and courageous 156 00:09:35,760 --> 00:09:37,400 in our prayer life. 157 00:09:37,400 --> 00:09:41,360 And we're going to jump into the book of Joshua, which is in the Old Testament. 158 00:09:41,360 --> 00:09:45,880 It's the sixth book of the Bible, a little backstory before we begin reading. 159 00:09:45,880 --> 00:09:53,520 After Moses died, Joshua is the hand-picked leader by God to lead God's chosen people 160 00:09:53,520 --> 00:09:55,080 into the promised land. 161 00:09:55,080 --> 00:09:58,320 And in Joshua chapter one, we read this. 162 00:09:58,320 --> 00:10:03,760 After the death of Moses, the Lord's servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses' 163 00:10:03,760 --> 00:10:04,760 assistant. 164 00:10:04,760 --> 00:10:07,360 He said, Moses, my servant is dead. 165 00:10:07,360 --> 00:10:11,840 Therefore the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan 166 00:10:11,840 --> 00:10:15,680 River into the land that I am giving them. 167 00:10:15,680 --> 00:10:19,460 Now I just want to pause here for a second and put this into context. 168 00:10:19,460 --> 00:10:25,540 Remember the nation of Israel, God's chosen people, they had just suffered in Egypt for 169 00:10:25,540 --> 00:10:28,580 over 400 years as slaves. 170 00:10:28,580 --> 00:10:34,440 They experienced tremendous trauma and generational pain until the Bible tells us that God stepped 171 00:10:34,440 --> 00:10:38,680 in and raised up Moses to lead an Exodus out of Egypt. 172 00:10:38,680 --> 00:10:43,640 Now as Pharaoh pursues the people, God used Moses to perform the miracle, the parting 173 00:10:43,640 --> 00:10:44,960 of the Red Sea. 174 00:10:44,960 --> 00:10:50,360 And as he raised his staff, the people of God walked through on dry land with walls 175 00:10:50,360 --> 00:10:52,400 of water on each side. 176 00:10:52,400 --> 00:10:54,160 God rescued his people. 177 00:10:54,160 --> 00:10:59,400 They were free, but then they wander in the wilderness for 40 years. 178 00:10:59,400 --> 00:11:05,640 Think about that because the people constantly complained, doubted, and were easily drawn 179 00:11:05,640 --> 00:11:07,600 to worship idols. 180 00:11:07,600 --> 00:11:12,680 They didn't follow God's command to conquer the land of Cana, the promised land that God 181 00:11:12,680 --> 00:11:14,480 wanted the people to occupy. 182 00:11:14,480 --> 00:11:19,080 Because of their doubt and their unbelief, an entire generation of people would die in 183 00:11:19,080 --> 00:11:21,860 the wilderness, including Moses. 184 00:11:21,860 --> 00:11:27,300 So upon Moses' death, Joshua was raised up and listened to this promise that God gives 185 00:11:27,300 --> 00:11:29,240 Joshua in verse 3. 186 00:11:29,240 --> 00:11:32,600 I promise you what I promised Moses. 187 00:11:32,600 --> 00:11:36,500 Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you. 188 00:11:36,500 --> 00:11:41,160 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. 189 00:11:41,160 --> 00:11:43,360 For I will be with you as I was with Moses. 190 00:11:43,360 --> 00:11:45,760 I will not fail you or abandon you. 191 00:11:45,760 --> 00:11:49,200 And here it is again, listen, be strong and courageous. 192 00:11:49,200 --> 00:11:53,520 For you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors 193 00:11:53,520 --> 00:11:54,840 that I would give them. 194 00:11:54,840 --> 00:11:58,200 Be strong and very courageous. 195 00:11:58,200 --> 00:12:01,000 Be careful to obey the instructions Moses gave you. 196 00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:05,320 Do not deviate from them, turning either right or left. 197 00:12:05,320 --> 00:12:07,760 Then you will be successful in everything you do. 198 00:12:07,760 --> 00:12:10,680 Study this book of instruction continually. 199 00:12:10,680 --> 00:12:14,380 Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. 200 00:12:14,380 --> 00:12:17,600 Only then will you prosper and exceed in all you do. 201 00:12:17,600 --> 00:12:20,580 This is my command again, the fourth time. 202 00:12:20,580 --> 00:12:22,440 Be strong and courageous. 203 00:12:22,440 --> 00:12:26,580 Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 204 00:12:26,580 --> 00:12:33,360 And I believe God has a promise for each and every one of your lives. 205 00:12:33,360 --> 00:12:37,440 It's not coincidence that you are sitting in these seats today. 206 00:12:37,440 --> 00:12:41,040 It's not coincidence that you are watching online. 207 00:12:41,040 --> 00:12:44,480 You have a calling from God on your life. 208 00:12:44,480 --> 00:12:48,400 And as you step into these promises, Jesus declares this. 209 00:12:48,400 --> 00:12:50,400 I will be with you. 210 00:12:50,400 --> 00:12:55,240 I want you to look at your neighbor and tell them God is with them. 211 00:12:55,240 --> 00:12:59,320 Now look at the other neighbor, the one you don't like very much. 212 00:12:59,320 --> 00:13:06,920 Give them a wink and say God is with you. 213 00:13:06,920 --> 00:13:08,600 That's funny isn't it? 214 00:13:08,600 --> 00:13:16,000 Now listen, as we step out in faith over this next month remember we are declaring mountains 215 00:13:16,000 --> 00:13:18,000 to move. 216 00:13:18,000 --> 00:13:19,000 Struggles. 217 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:24,560 You know this unsurmountable problem that we have in our life allow these words to encourage 218 00:13:24,560 --> 00:13:25,560 you. 219 00:13:25,560 --> 00:13:31,120 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live for I will be with you as 220 00:13:31,120 --> 00:13:32,480 I was with Moses. 221 00:13:32,480 --> 00:13:35,560 I will not fail you or abandon you. 222 00:13:35,560 --> 00:13:41,480 See as we press in and get closer to God and become more like Jesus praying boldly for 223 00:13:41,480 --> 00:13:47,320 God's promises over our families, our careers, our marriages, our finances, our health, our 224 00:13:47,320 --> 00:13:48,320 struggles. 225 00:13:48,320 --> 00:13:54,020 Listen, God is going to move and it may take some time and you may have a few setbacks 226 00:13:54,020 --> 00:13:59,680 but Jesus promises I am with you every step of the way. 227 00:13:59,680 --> 00:14:05,200 So what I want to do this morning is just highlight some simple practices that Joshua 228 00:14:05,200 --> 00:14:09,920 put in his life and led God's people into. 229 00:14:09,920 --> 00:14:15,800 And I'm believing that for many of us after these 21 days we are going to find these practices, 230 00:14:15,800 --> 00:14:21,180 these principles throughout our lives every single day that we pray which leads us to 231 00:14:21,180 --> 00:14:26,160 our first thought, Joshua consecrated himself to God. 232 00:14:26,160 --> 00:14:30,880 So Israel is camped on the eastern bank of the Jordan River and the people they need 233 00:14:30,880 --> 00:14:37,200 to cross the river but before crossing notice what God commands the people in Joshua 3, 234 00:14:37,200 --> 00:14:38,200 5. 235 00:14:38,200 --> 00:14:43,920 Joshua told the people, consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things 236 00:14:43,920 --> 00:14:45,880 among you. 237 00:14:45,880 --> 00:14:46,880 Consecrate yourselves. 238 00:14:46,880 --> 00:14:48,440 Now by show of hands, humor me. 239 00:14:48,440 --> 00:14:51,960 How many of you want to see God do amazing things in your life? 240 00:14:51,960 --> 00:14:52,960 How many? 241 00:14:52,960 --> 00:14:53,960 Come on. 242 00:14:53,960 --> 00:14:55,960 It should be 100% right? 243 00:14:55,960 --> 00:14:56,960 It's 100%. 244 00:14:56,960 --> 00:15:01,320 God I want you to do amazing things in my life but notice the first step in experiencing 245 00:15:01,320 --> 00:15:04,600 amazing things is consecration. 246 00:15:04,600 --> 00:15:09,040 We have to consecrate ourselves to God as Joshua told the people. 247 00:15:09,040 --> 00:15:11,640 Now what does that mean some of you are thinking Chris? 248 00:15:11,640 --> 00:15:13,280 What in the world does that mean? 249 00:15:13,280 --> 00:15:16,760 I may have never heard that term or the only time I saw that term was when I was reading 250 00:15:16,760 --> 00:15:20,400 the Bible or when you were talking about it. 251 00:15:20,400 --> 00:15:22,280 Consecration simply means this. 252 00:15:22,280 --> 00:15:27,520 To set yourself apart and to be fully devoted to God. 253 00:15:27,520 --> 00:15:28,940 That's what it means. 254 00:15:28,940 --> 00:15:31,760 To be fully devoted to God that you are set apart. 255 00:15:31,760 --> 00:15:34,440 Jesus says it this way in Matthew 22. 256 00:15:34,440 --> 00:15:40,080 You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. 257 00:15:40,080 --> 00:15:43,200 In other words, God I'm giving you everything. 258 00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:45,120 My mind and all its thoughts. 259 00:15:45,120 --> 00:15:46,600 My body and its strength. 260 00:15:46,600 --> 00:15:49,240 My spirit and soul are yours God. 261 00:15:49,240 --> 00:15:55,280 I desire to be a living sacrifice devoted to worshiping you and serving you. 262 00:15:55,280 --> 00:16:01,600 Now this week I was reading about church movements and revivals in Outreach magazine and Dr. 263 00:16:01,600 --> 00:16:04,120 Edwin Orr wrote these words. 264 00:16:04,120 --> 00:16:10,440 History is silent about revivals that do not begin with prayer. 265 00:16:10,440 --> 00:16:16,840 History is silent about revivals that do not begin with prayer. 266 00:16:16,840 --> 00:16:21,560 The article went on to share how Dr. Orr was a professor and he took a group of college 267 00:16:21,560 --> 00:16:25,120 students to England to visit the childhood home of John Wesley. 268 00:16:25,120 --> 00:16:30,840 John Wesley was the founder of the Methodist Revival and Movement and in Wesley's bedroom 269 00:16:30,840 --> 00:16:36,000 the students saw two indentations on the floor side by side. 270 00:16:36,000 --> 00:16:42,520 Dr. Orr pointed out the indentations and asked the students if they knew what these indentations 271 00:16:42,520 --> 00:16:43,520 were. 272 00:16:43,520 --> 00:16:48,840 With no response from the students, Dr. Orr kneeled down into the groove marks in the 273 00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:56,960 floor and said this, John Wesley knelt in prayer every morning from the age of 18 until 274 00:16:56,960 --> 00:17:00,280 he died for two hours. 275 00:17:00,280 --> 00:17:06,800 Wesley was consecrated himself every day for two hours in the morning asking God to use 276 00:17:06,800 --> 00:17:09,360 him in a powerful way. 277 00:17:09,360 --> 00:17:14,400 Now many of the students they took photos of the indentations returned to the bus. 278 00:17:14,400 --> 00:17:18,200 Dr. Orr began to take a head count before leaving. 279 00:17:18,200 --> 00:17:22,440 He didn't want to leave anyone behind but he noticed one of the students was missing 280 00:17:22,440 --> 00:17:27,780 and as he went back upstairs into Wesley's home he found a young man named Billy kneeling 281 00:17:27,780 --> 00:17:34,760 in those kneel holes praying God do it again, do it again in me. 282 00:17:34,760 --> 00:17:41,400 That student was Billy Graham and he was consecrated himself before God and would go on to become 283 00:17:41,400 --> 00:17:46,280 one of the greatest evangelists this world has ever seen. 284 00:17:46,280 --> 00:17:50,280 Consecration is complete and total surrender to the lordship of Jesus. 285 00:17:50,280 --> 00:17:52,560 Some of you are thinking what? 286 00:17:52,560 --> 00:17:56,360 See you have to understand Jesus he's not just our savior. 287 00:17:56,360 --> 00:18:04,280 He's also our lord which means he has control in everything that is part of our lives. 288 00:18:04,280 --> 00:18:09,320 And the first step in moving mountains and claiming the promise of God over our lives 289 00:18:09,320 --> 00:18:14,280 is getting down on our knees and devoting ourselves completely to God by saying God 290 00:18:14,280 --> 00:18:20,800 my life is yours, my home is yours, my career is yours, my education is yours, my finances 291 00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:24,600 are yours, everything in my life God is yours. 292 00:18:24,600 --> 00:18:26,880 I want it to bring glory and honor. 293 00:18:26,880 --> 00:18:33,280 See consecration puts us in a position for God to literally light us on fire. 294 00:18:33,280 --> 00:18:37,560 It's the first step in claiming God's promises over your life. 295 00:18:37,560 --> 00:18:39,400 It's a sign of humility. 296 00:18:39,400 --> 00:18:45,000 It's a sign of releasing control that all of us have we're control freaks. 297 00:18:45,000 --> 00:18:51,480 And typically when I begin to pray first in my life I seek forgiveness. 298 00:18:51,480 --> 00:18:55,920 I say God search my heart if there's anything in my mind in my heart that's not from you 299 00:18:55,920 --> 00:18:56,920 forgive me. 300 00:18:56,920 --> 00:18:59,280 I don't want to be separated from you. 301 00:18:59,280 --> 00:19:01,400 Then I invite the Holy Spirit to come. 302 00:19:01,400 --> 00:19:02,900 God fill me. 303 00:19:02,900 --> 00:19:06,080 God give me wisdom and direction. 304 00:19:06,080 --> 00:19:10,280 I give my desires my needs to you. 305 00:19:10,280 --> 00:19:12,120 I'm committed to following you. 306 00:19:12,120 --> 00:19:13,720 Change me God. 307 00:19:13,720 --> 00:19:16,620 Then I move on to my requests. 308 00:19:16,620 --> 00:19:23,200 See Joshua told the people consecrate yourselves for tomorrow God will do amazing things. 309 00:19:23,200 --> 00:19:28,720 And notice if we want God to do amazing things tomorrow what do we have to do today? 310 00:19:28,720 --> 00:19:31,680 We have to consecrate ourselves. 311 00:19:31,680 --> 00:19:36,560 So I want to challenge you tomorrow morning when you begin your day begin it in prayer. 312 00:19:36,560 --> 00:19:39,800 And don't pray about that mountain that has to move. 313 00:19:39,800 --> 00:19:41,960 Don't pray about what you need. 314 00:19:41,960 --> 00:19:43,520 Get right with God. 315 00:19:43,520 --> 00:19:45,080 Clear your heart and mind. 316 00:19:45,080 --> 00:19:50,840 Then pray for God's will and plan to be done in your life so that others see God working 317 00:19:50,840 --> 00:19:54,680 in us using us to impact and change lives. 318 00:19:54,680 --> 00:19:59,000 That's how Jesus prayed in the garden when Jesus was facing the greatest mountain in 319 00:19:59,000 --> 00:20:00,800 his life. 320 00:20:00,800 --> 00:20:04,240 Death on the cross he fell to his knees and prayed these words. 321 00:20:04,240 --> 00:20:09,600 He went a little further bowed his face to the ground praying my father if it is possible 322 00:20:09,600 --> 00:20:12,120 let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. 323 00:20:12,120 --> 00:20:17,280 And notice his words I want your will be done not mine. 324 00:20:17,280 --> 00:20:19,440 That my friends is consecration. 325 00:20:19,440 --> 00:20:22,520 It's giving God authority in our lives. 326 00:20:22,520 --> 00:20:26,880 It's giving God the ability to use us to change us. 327 00:20:26,880 --> 00:20:31,360 That's how mountains begin to move which leads us to our next stop. 328 00:20:31,360 --> 00:20:34,200 Victory begins to surrender. 329 00:20:34,200 --> 00:20:35,200 Victory begins to surrender. 330 00:20:35,200 --> 00:20:38,320 Mark 11 then Jesus said to his disciples have faith in God. 331 00:20:38,320 --> 00:20:41,800 I tell you the truth you can say to this mountain may you be lifted up and thrown into the sea 332 00:20:41,800 --> 00:20:44,480 and it will happen. 333 00:20:44,480 --> 00:20:48,160 But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 334 00:20:48,160 --> 00:20:50,200 Now I want everybody to notice that word doubt. 335 00:20:50,200 --> 00:20:52,760 If you're in your outline circle it. 336 00:20:52,760 --> 00:20:56,880 If there is doubt there is no surrender. 337 00:20:56,880 --> 00:20:59,360 If there is doubt there is no surrender. 338 00:20:59,360 --> 00:21:03,840 Because when we lay ourselves down when we consecrate ourselves in prayer we give God 339 00:21:03,840 --> 00:21:10,480 the authority we give God the ability to move the mountain as he desires. 340 00:21:10,480 --> 00:21:12,400 Not as I wanted to move. 341 00:21:12,400 --> 00:21:15,040 And not as how I believe it should. 342 00:21:15,040 --> 00:21:19,960 And that is why Jesus challenges us with these words Matthew 6 33 seek the kingdom of God 343 00:21:19,960 --> 00:21:23,600 above all else live righteously and he will give you everything you. 344 00:21:23,600 --> 00:21:25,080 I'm sorry. 345 00:21:25,080 --> 00:21:26,080 Need. 346 00:21:26,080 --> 00:21:27,080 Need. 347 00:21:27,080 --> 00:21:30,320 Notice that doesn't say anything about wants. 348 00:21:30,320 --> 00:21:33,160 He'll give you everything you need. 349 00:21:33,160 --> 00:21:39,120 A prayer that I've been praying for more than a year now is God I need healing. 350 00:21:39,120 --> 00:21:44,320 God I need this disk in my back to be totally healed bring it back into alignment. 351 00:21:44,320 --> 00:21:50,360 God restore this nerve so that I can once again feel my right foot so I can return to 352 00:21:50,360 --> 00:21:53,480 all the activity that I love to do. 353 00:21:53,480 --> 00:22:00,520 God use these doctors use these physical therapists God use these needles to bring relief and 354 00:22:00,520 --> 00:22:02,400 healing. 355 00:22:02,400 --> 00:22:04,680 But I've been learning. 356 00:22:04,680 --> 00:22:08,880 Over the course of the last 15 months. 357 00:22:08,880 --> 00:22:15,000 That if it's your desire that I remain this way physically may your will be done. 358 00:22:15,000 --> 00:22:20,120 That if it's your desire that I have this numbness in my foot. 359 00:22:20,120 --> 00:22:26,760 That's your will see we have to be careful not just to want our agenda and not just to 360 00:22:26,760 --> 00:22:30,760 have our prayers met the way we want them to. 361 00:22:30,760 --> 00:22:37,400 We can't go before Jesus with a list of needs in our life. 362 00:22:37,400 --> 00:22:42,000 That we have to be focused on what God wants to do in us. 363 00:22:42,000 --> 00:22:46,080 We have to get in God's presence and allow him to reveal his agenda to us. 364 00:22:46,080 --> 00:22:52,200 Yes we pray with passion we do not doubt but we also have to surrender the outcome to God 365 00:22:52,200 --> 00:22:55,080 and trust that his plan is perfect for our lives. 366 00:22:55,080 --> 00:22:59,740 See the goal of 21 days of prayer and fasting is to not get everything we want. 367 00:22:59,740 --> 00:23:03,840 It's to figure out what God wants to do in our lives. 368 00:23:03,840 --> 00:23:07,280 Please understand. 369 00:23:07,280 --> 00:23:11,880 Your answered prayer may be very different than what you initially prayed for and thought 370 00:23:11,880 --> 00:23:14,080 that your mountain would be moved. 371 00:23:14,080 --> 00:23:15,080 And why would it be different? 372 00:23:15,080 --> 00:23:20,760 Well because Isaiah 55 tells us that God's thoughts are nothing like our thoughts. 373 00:23:20,760 --> 00:23:24,200 And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine for just as the heavens are higher 374 00:23:24,200 --> 00:23:27,600 than the earth so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts are higher than 375 00:23:27,600 --> 00:23:28,600 your thoughts. 376 00:23:28,600 --> 00:23:34,320 See when we pray we are asking for God's plan to be revealed in our lives. 377 00:23:34,320 --> 00:23:40,800 So young people when you pray for God to open a door to get into the college of your dreams 378 00:23:40,800 --> 00:23:47,320 and instead you get offered a scholarship from a school lower on your list are you surrendered 379 00:23:47,320 --> 00:23:50,980 enough to accept God's plan for your life? 380 00:23:50,980 --> 00:23:57,260 When you are praying for your marriage to thrive and blossom for communication to improve 381 00:23:57,260 --> 00:24:03,860 and the opportunity arises to be a part of the marriage course here at HCV are you surrendered 382 00:24:03,860 --> 00:24:08,320 enough to get rid of your pride and grow your marriage? 383 00:24:08,320 --> 00:24:14,280 See the point is the plans of God are only revealed in the presence of God. 384 00:24:14,280 --> 00:24:19,440 Over the years I've learned that I may be praying for something only to realize that 385 00:24:19,440 --> 00:24:24,880 something was answered in a very different way that I didn't expect. 386 00:24:24,880 --> 00:24:31,840 And until we surrender our mountains to God and their outcomes and how they should come 387 00:24:31,840 --> 00:24:34,820 to be we are not fully devoted. 388 00:24:34,820 --> 00:24:38,960 We have to surrender them both because our hearts are not pure. 389 00:24:38,960 --> 00:24:43,160 Our motives believe it or not can be very selfish. 390 00:24:43,160 --> 00:24:47,640 There's a jealousy and a greed effect in us. 391 00:24:47,640 --> 00:24:52,800 You know that desire to be rich and famous because Jeremiah 17 tells us the human heart 392 00:24:52,800 --> 00:24:56,520 is the most deceitful of all things desperately wicked. 393 00:24:56,520 --> 00:25:02,200 Who really knows how bad it is and God searches our hearts and examines our motives and that 394 00:25:02,200 --> 00:25:07,160 is why we first have to seek God to purify our heart and mind our selfish desires and 395 00:25:07,160 --> 00:25:11,600 let his outcome bring glory to him not us. 396 00:25:11,600 --> 00:25:17,520 Every prayer for a mountain to move should begin with God's will be done and end with 397 00:25:17,520 --> 00:25:20,720 God let your glory reign. 398 00:25:20,720 --> 00:25:26,280 Surrender is inviting God to reveal all the selfish desires within us so that our prayer 399 00:25:26,280 --> 00:25:29,320 life is about God not us. 400 00:25:29,320 --> 00:25:31,880 God's not a genie in a bottle friends. 401 00:25:31,880 --> 00:25:35,920 He's our creator and he desires an intimate relationship with us. 402 00:25:35,920 --> 00:25:41,800 He desires for us to walk in his plans for our lives and this happens when we surrender 403 00:25:41,800 --> 00:25:45,000 and we allow him to move as he wants. 404 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:48,720 Remember his ways are higher than our ways. 405 00:25:48,720 --> 00:25:51,020 His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. 406 00:25:51,020 --> 00:25:55,320 If we want an amazing tomorrow we have to go all in with God today which leads us to 407 00:25:55,320 --> 00:25:56,920 our next thought. 408 00:25:56,920 --> 00:25:59,760 Joshua took a step of faith. 409 00:25:59,760 --> 00:26:05,560 See to move mountains we can't just pray like it depends on God. 410 00:26:05,560 --> 00:26:11,600 Yes we pray with passion and believe God's in it but then we have to take a step of faith 411 00:26:11,600 --> 00:26:15,040 because faith is an action verb we have to step out. 412 00:26:15,040 --> 00:26:18,960 Remember Joshua and the people they were on the eastern side of the Jordan River and they 413 00:26:18,960 --> 00:26:22,160 had to cross over the river to walk into the promise. 414 00:26:22,160 --> 00:26:23,720 Seems like no big deal right? 415 00:26:23,720 --> 00:26:30,040 We can wade through the Potomac River no big deal but then we read in Joshua 3.15 it was 416 00:26:30,040 --> 00:26:35,760 the harvest season and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. 417 00:26:35,760 --> 00:26:41,400 A little detail that many of us read through and just let it go by but the events that 418 00:26:41,400 --> 00:26:46,040 the Israelites are facing that Joshua is facing is taking place in the spring and the Jordan 419 00:26:46,040 --> 00:26:48,600 River was at flood stage. 420 00:26:48,600 --> 00:26:53,320 Flood season on the Jordan River means the river is raging right? 421 00:26:53,320 --> 00:26:57,680 Take white water rapids okay? 422 00:26:57,680 --> 00:27:03,320 Think the raft that you're on and you're getting tossed out and the river widens to more than 423 00:27:03,320 --> 00:27:04,320 200 feet. 424 00:27:04,320 --> 00:27:07,600 And then we read this in Joshua 3.7-8. 425 00:27:07,600 --> 00:27:11,080 The Lord told Joshua today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all 426 00:27:11,080 --> 00:27:12,320 the Israelites. 427 00:27:12,320 --> 00:27:16,160 They will know I am with you just as I was with Moses give this command to the priests 428 00:27:16,160 --> 00:27:18,200 who carry the Ark of the Covenant. 429 00:27:18,200 --> 00:27:27,040 When you reach the banks of the Jordan River take a few steps into the river and stop there. 430 00:27:27,040 --> 00:27:33,600 The only thing between Joshua the people and God's promise is a raging river that has to 431 00:27:33,600 --> 00:27:38,400 be crossed and God just wants me to walk into it. 432 00:27:38,400 --> 00:27:41,080 I'm sure the people wanted to build a bridge. 433 00:27:41,080 --> 00:27:44,640 I'm sure they were looking for a boat. 434 00:27:44,640 --> 00:27:50,440 They tie a zip line to the tree but God says if you want to receive my promise you've got 435 00:27:50,440 --> 00:27:53,320 to get your feet wet. 436 00:27:53,320 --> 00:27:57,840 If you're going to trust me in my power in your life friends you have to realize that 437 00:27:57,840 --> 00:28:02,000 we have to take a step of faith and we see this in the New Testament when it comes to 438 00:28:02,000 --> 00:28:03,240 Peter in Matthew 14. 439 00:28:03,240 --> 00:28:06,680 Then Peter called to him Lord if it's really you tell me to come to you walking on the 440 00:28:06,680 --> 00:28:10,440 water yes come Jesus said. 441 00:28:10,440 --> 00:28:13,680 And Jesus is inviting some of you to come today. 442 00:28:13,680 --> 00:28:17,320 So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 443 00:28:17,320 --> 00:28:23,800 See faith is taking the first step before God reveals the second. 444 00:28:23,800 --> 00:28:26,000 Taking the first step before God reveals the second. 445 00:28:26,000 --> 00:28:29,120 Today listen is baptism Sunday. 446 00:28:29,120 --> 00:28:34,120 After our third gathering our next gathering we will be celebrating the more than 50 people 447 00:28:34,120 --> 00:28:36,520 that have signed up to be baptized. 448 00:28:36,520 --> 00:28:43,520 I didn't stutter 50 people. 449 00:28:43,520 --> 00:28:48,520 But it doesn't stop there as I was preparing this morning I heard God speak this to me. 450 00:28:48,520 --> 00:28:57,200 There are fathers in this gathering and watching online that need to take a step of faith and 451 00:28:57,200 --> 00:28:59,320 get baptized for your family. 452 00:28:59,320 --> 00:29:02,120 You hear that dads? 453 00:29:02,120 --> 00:29:04,120 Maybe it's time to turn things around. 454 00:29:04,120 --> 00:29:09,640 I also heard God say there will be people in this gathering that need to take a step 455 00:29:09,640 --> 00:29:13,080 of faith and get baptized. 456 00:29:13,080 --> 00:29:16,320 Because when you get baptized your addiction will be destroyed. 457 00:29:16,320 --> 00:29:19,920 Is that you? 458 00:29:19,920 --> 00:29:23,880 See there are two parts to mountain moving prayer. 459 00:29:23,880 --> 00:29:24,880 First you give yourselves to God. 460 00:29:24,880 --> 00:29:26,400 We consecrate. 461 00:29:26,400 --> 00:29:27,720 We surrender. 462 00:29:27,720 --> 00:29:32,200 But there comes a moment when we have to put feet to our faith. 463 00:29:32,200 --> 00:29:36,640 Most miracles begin with a step of faith. 464 00:29:36,640 --> 00:29:41,920 For example maybe you're praying for a loved one to be physically healed. 465 00:29:41,920 --> 00:29:42,920 That's your mountain. 466 00:29:42,920 --> 00:29:45,880 That's what you're praying for. 467 00:29:45,880 --> 00:29:50,520 Maybe God now is challenging you to take a step of faith, visit them, lay hands on them 468 00:29:50,520 --> 00:29:52,880 and believe in that healing. 469 00:29:52,880 --> 00:29:55,120 There's a big difference. 470 00:29:55,120 --> 00:29:58,080 Maybe you're praying for freedom in your finances to get out of debt. 471 00:29:58,080 --> 00:29:59,400 That's my mountain God. 472 00:29:59,400 --> 00:30:00,400 Help me. 473 00:30:00,400 --> 00:30:02,480 You know what taking a step of faith is? 474 00:30:02,480 --> 00:30:04,920 Joining financial peace this winter. 475 00:30:04,920 --> 00:30:07,560 Do something about it. 476 00:30:07,560 --> 00:30:11,240 Maybe your prayer is for a relationship in your family to be healed. 477 00:30:11,240 --> 00:30:15,720 Maybe you have a broken relationship with your mom or your dad or your kids. 478 00:30:15,720 --> 00:30:17,520 And you're praying for it. 479 00:30:17,520 --> 00:30:22,960 But God is now challenging you to take a step of faith, reach out and seek restoration. 480 00:30:22,960 --> 00:30:25,400 Someone's got to take the first step. 481 00:30:25,400 --> 00:30:30,240 Maybe you're here this morning and you're a young person or not so young person. 482 00:30:30,240 --> 00:30:31,920 I have no idea. 483 00:30:31,920 --> 00:30:34,240 And you desire to be married. 484 00:30:34,240 --> 00:30:35,920 You're tired of being lonely. 485 00:30:35,920 --> 00:30:40,880 And you're praying boldly for God to bring someone into your life. 486 00:30:40,880 --> 00:30:47,760 What if your step of faith is actually asking them out on a date and not using the internet? 487 00:30:47,760 --> 00:30:50,200 Because that don't count. 488 00:30:50,200 --> 00:30:51,600 Look around. 489 00:30:51,600 --> 00:30:53,560 There's a lot of people in here. 490 00:30:53,560 --> 00:31:01,600 No better place to meet your significant other than face to face in a gathering at a church. 491 00:31:01,600 --> 00:31:02,600 Right? 492 00:31:02,600 --> 00:31:04,360 The internet don't work. 493 00:31:04,360 --> 00:31:07,940 So ask someone out. 494 00:31:07,940 --> 00:31:10,000 Maybe you'll become best friends. 495 00:31:10,000 --> 00:31:11,520 Maybe you'll be married. 496 00:31:11,520 --> 00:31:13,360 Let's continue with Joshua 3, 15 through 17. 497 00:31:13,360 --> 00:31:15,760 It was the harvest season. 498 00:31:15,760 --> 00:31:17,960 The Jordan was overflowing its banks. 499 00:31:17,960 --> 00:31:22,720 But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the ark touched the water at 500 00:31:22,720 --> 00:31:25,980 the river's ends, the water above that point backed up. 501 00:31:25,980 --> 00:31:29,360 The water below that point flowed down to the Dead Sea. 502 00:31:29,360 --> 00:31:34,480 Then all the people crossed near, crossed over the river near the town of Jericho. 503 00:31:34,480 --> 00:31:39,520 Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the ark of the Lord's covenant stood on dry ground. 504 00:31:39,520 --> 00:31:40,840 Isn't that amazing? 505 00:31:40,840 --> 00:31:44,720 In the middle of the riverbed as some people passed by, they waited there until the whole 506 00:31:44,720 --> 00:31:48,520 nation of Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground. 507 00:31:48,520 --> 00:31:51,120 And this was not like the miracle they were expecting. 508 00:31:51,120 --> 00:31:55,240 You know, they're thinking parting of the seas, staff. 509 00:31:55,240 --> 00:31:58,240 No, the priests had to get wet. 510 00:31:58,240 --> 00:32:00,760 I mean, that's a step of faith. 511 00:32:00,760 --> 00:32:01,760 But here's the reality. 512 00:32:01,760 --> 00:32:04,920 What we can learn, God desires that we all live that way. 513 00:32:04,920 --> 00:32:08,120 That yet we pray first and then we act. 514 00:32:08,120 --> 00:32:11,040 We step out and believe that God is going to use us. 515 00:32:11,040 --> 00:32:12,600 And I get it. 516 00:32:12,600 --> 00:32:17,440 Listen, stepping out in faith is scary. 517 00:32:17,440 --> 00:32:20,920 But we must remember what God told Joshua. 518 00:32:20,920 --> 00:32:22,400 What did he say? 519 00:32:22,400 --> 00:32:23,880 You're the leader now. 520 00:32:23,880 --> 00:32:25,560 This is my command. 521 00:32:25,560 --> 00:32:27,560 Be strong and courageous. 522 00:32:27,560 --> 00:32:31,420 Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 523 00:32:31,420 --> 00:32:34,440 How many times did he speak that over Joshua? 524 00:32:34,440 --> 00:32:35,440 Four. 525 00:32:35,440 --> 00:32:37,800 Four times. 526 00:32:37,800 --> 00:32:40,000 In chapter one. 527 00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:45,040 And I believe God is saying to us this morning, the miraculous happens when you take a step 528 00:32:45,040 --> 00:32:46,720 of faith. 529 00:32:46,720 --> 00:32:51,560 Step out because on the other side, Jesus is waiting for you. 530 00:32:51,560 --> 00:32:52,560 You're like, what? 531 00:32:52,560 --> 00:32:57,360 See, after Joshua and the people step out in faith and they cross the Jordan River, look 532 00:32:57,360 --> 00:32:58,360 at the final thought. 533 00:32:58,360 --> 00:33:02,200 A step of faith causes God to respond. 534 00:33:02,200 --> 00:33:06,880 Joshua five, 13 to 15, when Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up. 535 00:33:06,880 --> 00:33:10,320 He saw a man standing in front of him with a sword in his hand. 536 00:33:10,320 --> 00:33:14,280 Joshua went up to him and demanded, are you friend or foe? 537 00:33:14,280 --> 00:33:15,520 Neither one, he replied. 538 00:33:15,520 --> 00:33:18,360 I'm the commander of the Lord's army. 539 00:33:18,360 --> 00:33:21,920 At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. 540 00:33:21,920 --> 00:33:24,800 I am at your command, Joshua said. 541 00:33:24,800 --> 00:33:26,240 What do you want your servant to do? 542 00:33:26,240 --> 00:33:30,920 The commander of the Lord's army replied, take off your sandals for the place where 543 00:33:30,920 --> 00:33:32,720 you're standing is holy. 544 00:33:32,720 --> 00:33:35,120 And Joshua did as he was told. 545 00:33:35,120 --> 00:33:40,920 Now that commander of the angel armies with a sword in his hand, many Old Testament scholars 546 00:33:40,920 --> 00:33:43,120 believe is Jesus Christ. 547 00:33:43,120 --> 00:33:48,440 Is Jesus making a rare Old Testament appearance as the son of God? 548 00:33:48,440 --> 00:33:50,040 And Joshua sees him with this sword. 549 00:33:50,040 --> 00:33:52,280 He falls on his face out of reverence and fear. 550 00:33:52,280 --> 00:33:54,800 Some of you say, what's the fear of the Lord? 551 00:33:54,800 --> 00:33:56,320 That's the fear of the Lord. 552 00:33:56,320 --> 00:34:00,800 It's reverence that God is going to fight our battles, right? 553 00:34:00,800 --> 00:34:02,520 He doesn't take sides. 554 00:34:02,520 --> 00:34:06,040 Like God doesn't just get behind you, he takes over. 555 00:34:06,040 --> 00:34:07,760 He leads the way. 556 00:34:07,760 --> 00:34:09,880 That is where we find our strength. 557 00:34:09,880 --> 00:34:15,320 And when we give our entire lives to Jesus and we step out in faith, right? 558 00:34:15,320 --> 00:34:21,560 Then that's when God is invited into the battle, into the mountain moving business. 559 00:34:21,560 --> 00:34:26,560 And I believe that many of us are going to have life altering encounters over this next 560 00:34:26,560 --> 00:34:27,560 month. 561 00:34:27,560 --> 00:34:29,040 You're going to see mountains move. 562 00:34:29,040 --> 00:34:31,200 You're going to see lives changed. 563 00:34:31,200 --> 00:34:35,320 But notice what Jesus said to Joshua. 564 00:34:35,320 --> 00:34:38,000 Take off your shoes. 565 00:34:38,000 --> 00:34:39,760 Why? 566 00:34:39,760 --> 00:34:44,800 Because God is now involved and that requires reverence. 567 00:34:44,800 --> 00:34:49,320 The plans of God are revealed in the presence of God. 568 00:34:49,320 --> 00:34:51,040 And friends, God is always with us. 569 00:34:51,040 --> 00:34:52,480 Look at John 14. 570 00:34:52,480 --> 00:34:56,140 And I will ask the father and he will give you another advocate who will never leave 571 00:34:56,140 --> 00:34:57,780 you. 572 00:34:57,780 --> 00:35:01,360 He is the Holy Spirit who leads you into all truth. 573 00:35:01,360 --> 00:35:05,440 The world can't receive him because he isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. 574 00:35:05,440 --> 00:35:11,640 But you know him because he lives in you now and later will be in you. 575 00:35:11,640 --> 00:35:12,640 I'm sorry. 576 00:35:12,640 --> 00:35:15,120 He lives with you now and later will be in you. 577 00:35:15,120 --> 00:35:16,640 Now I will not abandon you as orphans. 578 00:35:16,640 --> 00:35:18,200 I will come to you. 579 00:35:18,200 --> 00:35:19,880 Which leads us to our action step. 580 00:35:19,880 --> 00:35:22,540 Church, we're called to surrender. 581 00:35:22,540 --> 00:35:24,440 We are called to surrender. 582 00:35:24,440 --> 00:35:29,080 In Galatians 2.20 my old self has been crucified with Christ. 583 00:35:29,080 --> 00:35:32,940 It is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me so I live in this earthly body by trusting 584 00:35:32,940 --> 00:35:37,820 the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. 585 00:35:37,820 --> 00:35:44,320 And this morning I was prompted by God to invite our community of faith to surrender. 586 00:35:44,320 --> 00:35:51,140 I want to invite you to see the miraculous and to see the Holy Spirit invade your life. 587 00:35:51,140 --> 00:35:52,140 So if you stand with me. 588 00:35:52,140 --> 00:35:56,500 Alright I'm going to ask you something that's a little uncomfortable and I'm going to do 589 00:35:56,500 --> 00:35:59,340 it anyway because I did it during the first gathering. 590 00:35:59,340 --> 00:36:05,240 If you can and you're physically able I want to invite you to kneel with me this morning. 591 00:36:05,240 --> 00:36:09,080 If you get out of your seats and kneel with me. 592 00:36:09,080 --> 00:36:13,180 And if you say Chris I'm not physically able to kneel. 593 00:36:13,180 --> 00:36:16,640 Take your shoes off. 594 00:36:16,640 --> 00:36:20,560 Take them off. 595 00:36:20,560 --> 00:36:27,460 Come Holy Spirit. 596 00:36:27,460 --> 00:36:28,700 Alright now everybody look up here. 597 00:36:28,700 --> 00:36:31,900 Here's what I want you to do. 598 00:36:31,900 --> 00:36:36,460 As a community of faith as a church community as we kneel in reverence before God. 599 00:36:36,460 --> 00:36:47,660 I want you to put your hands out clenched fists like this. 600 00:36:47,660 --> 00:36:52,460 Holy Spirit come. 601 00:36:52,460 --> 00:36:58,460 God forgive me for anything that's not of you. 602 00:36:58,460 --> 00:37:00,060 Forgive me for my negative thoughts. 603 00:37:00,060 --> 00:37:01,660 My outlook. 604 00:37:01,660 --> 00:37:03,980 My sin. 605 00:37:03,980 --> 00:37:05,540 My struggles. 606 00:37:05,540 --> 00:37:07,700 My temptation. 607 00:37:07,700 --> 00:37:10,540 I give them now to you. 608 00:37:10,540 --> 00:37:18,220 Now open your right hand and give them to God. 609 00:37:18,220 --> 00:37:21,300 God I bring my mountain to you. 610 00:37:21,300 --> 00:37:25,140 But be specific whatever it is in the quietness of your heart speak it out. 611 00:37:25,140 --> 00:37:26,140 Marriage. 612 00:37:26,140 --> 00:37:27,140 Finances. 613 00:37:27,140 --> 00:37:28,140 Career. 614 00:37:28,140 --> 00:37:29,140 Whatever it is. 615 00:37:29,140 --> 00:37:33,180 Speak it out to Jesus. 616 00:37:33,180 --> 00:37:37,160 Jesus I give it to you. 617 00:37:37,160 --> 00:37:39,780 Work in my life. 618 00:37:39,780 --> 00:37:42,740 Teach me. 619 00:37:42,740 --> 00:37:44,740 Work a miracle. 620 00:37:44,740 --> 00:37:47,740 Whether it be in my family. 621 00:37:47,740 --> 00:37:52,740 My marriage. 622 00:37:52,740 --> 00:37:57,380 My sin. 623 00:37:57,380 --> 00:38:01,020 Now open your left hand and give it to God. 624 00:38:01,020 --> 00:38:04,460 I'll say these words. 625 00:38:04,460 --> 00:38:05,460 God. 626 00:38:05,460 --> 00:38:11,740 I give all of myself to you. 627 00:38:11,740 --> 00:38:16,660 I lay down all my wants. 628 00:38:16,660 --> 00:38:19,620 All my needs. 629 00:38:19,620 --> 00:38:23,740 To you. 630 00:38:23,740 --> 00:38:26,100 Use me God. 631 00:38:26,100 --> 00:38:27,900 Powerfully. 632 00:38:27,900 --> 00:38:33,620 To see others come in a relationship with you. 633 00:38:33,620 --> 00:38:35,820 In Jesus name. 634 00:38:35,820 --> 00:38:37,060 Amen. 635 00:38:37,060 --> 00:38:41,420 Now I'm going to pray a simple prayer because I believe that God brings people into our 636 00:38:41,420 --> 00:38:44,740 midst that are far, distant or have walked away from God. 637 00:38:44,740 --> 00:38:47,660 Every single gathering that we meet here. 638 00:38:47,660 --> 00:38:50,740 And we're all going to pray it together and if that's you we're not going to point you 639 00:38:50,740 --> 00:38:51,740 out. 640 00:38:51,740 --> 00:38:54,520 We're not going to make you raise your hand but we're going to pray with you and celebrate 641 00:38:54,520 --> 00:38:56,540 what God is going to do in your life. 642 00:38:56,540 --> 00:38:57,540 Amen. 643 00:38:57,540 --> 00:38:58,540 Jesus. 644 00:38:58,540 --> 00:38:59,540 I'm broken. 645 00:38:59,540 --> 00:39:01,900 I'm full of doubt. 646 00:39:01,900 --> 00:39:02,900 Shame. 647 00:39:02,900 --> 00:39:03,900 Regret. 648 00:39:03,900 --> 00:39:04,900 Sin. 649 00:39:04,900 --> 00:39:07,060 Change me. 650 00:39:07,060 --> 00:39:10,420 I believe you're God's son. 651 00:39:10,420 --> 00:39:13,740 I believe you died for me. 652 00:39:13,740 --> 00:39:15,300 Make me new. 653 00:39:15,300 --> 00:39:17,700 Set me free. 654 00:39:17,700 --> 00:39:20,140 Fill me with your spirit. 655 00:39:20,140 --> 00:39:21,700 Help me God. 656 00:39:21,700 --> 00:39:22,700 To serve others. 657 00:39:22,700 --> 00:39:24,700 In Jesus name. 658 00:39:24,700 --> 00:39:25,700 Amen. 659 00:39:25,700 --> 00:39:28,700 There's no impossible. 660 00:39:28,700 --> 00:39:33,700 I believe that you are working now. 661 00:39:33,700 --> 00:39:36,700 Pour it out. 662 00:39:36,700 --> 00:39:59,700 Oh pour it out.