Preparing for Worship: Results of a
focused life
Joshua 3-4
I. Understanding History
Israel;
they have already crossed the Red Sea
-
Delivered from Egypt
-
Crossed the Red Sea
-
Wandered in the wilderness
-
It was time to “move”
You
and Me
-
God’s working until now
-
His desire to “move”
2,000
cubits = ½ mile
II. Gaining Focus
Ø
Joshua 3:5 Consecrate
Ø
Used the word “focus” = a narrowed purpose; concentrated
effort or attention on a particular thing.
Ø
Emphasis on being devoted or pure vs. idea of taking away
things
Ø
God says and continues to say “look at me”
Ø
Deuteronomy 8 – 9
Ø
They are under God’s direction
Ø
They wanted His direction to be seen, we don’t what is coming
next.
Ø
It is a command
Ø
It is a wonder that God works in our hearts.
Ø
Be prepared, be focused.
III. Purpose of Focus
A.
Leads me to follow
God
didn’t give details they just had to follow
B.
Prepares me to hear instructions
God is
leading us we just need to follow, sometimes blindly. What is God asking you to
do? Do we hear him or are we to busy to listen.
C.
Allows me to see God’s working
Tells
them to stay back, so they could see God
Pay
attention to God so you don’t miss a thing.
We
need to focus in so we don’t miss anything
How
have you seen God work?
D.
Compels me to remember
The
rocks serve as a reminder
Remember
is huge in the Bible
A
visual reminder
Reminder
was soon after the event, in involved work, intention, and effort.
A
reminder for the people
God
wanted them to remember God’s work and power.
How
will you do to re-focus?
Use
visual to refocus on God
God
is intentional, God does everything on purpose.
E.
Results in God’s Glory
The
hand of the Lord is mighty
We
are here to glorify God
What
are our results?
Do
they know God made me
Do
they know me or God better
How
is my relationship with God after ministering
God’s
work always points to God
God is working, pursuing, reaching,
loving
Lets Get practical
Leads
me to follow
Follow…do
the basics, read, pray, listen
Ask
Him for His help, don’t expect Him to provide it.
Prepares
me to hear instructions
Set
yourself up to listen
Allows
me to see God’s working
Expect
God to be God
Compels
me to remember
Take
steps to remember
1.
Journal
2.
Book
3.
Bulletin Board
4.
Basket of Rocks
5.
Scripture on the wall
Keep reminders of what God has done
Results
in God’s glory
-
Keep perspective “God Help Me”
Find your time with God, Humble
ourselves!
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