What Is Behind the Closed Door?

Have you ever wondered why a door seems closed in our prayer time with God? In serious regard to hearing Him, do we have a closed door in our hearing Him speak?
Our prayer times is meant to "open doors for others" as we saw with Peter and Cornelius. Please read below:
Acts 10:9-48
9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." 14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean." 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common." 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. 19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them." 21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, "Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?" 22 And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you." 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man." 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?" 30 So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.' 33 "So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God."

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ--He is Lord of all-- 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." 

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
NKJV

Yes, a rather lengthy read, but the power that is revealed. Peter and Cornelius opened the door to God. They, one apostle and one Gentile each had a vision.

 Peter prayed! It was Cornelius who prayed and those prayers were considered the memorial before God.  God gave instruction and with those details, he sent his men to Peter who was in the area of Joppa.
Prayer opens the doors first for what ministry the Lord has for us to do.
If it is cooking meals, go ahead and cook them but do all to the glory of God. In the details, the Holy Spirit directed Peter to the front door to greet Cornelius' men. And Cornelius was honored by his men. They gave the report"....a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nations and Jews."
Good report!
The two men both had a vision. It was both and not just one. They both had to see what was before them. They were men of prayer. And they were witnesses of truth.
Father God will always give details to us about "tomorrow". But if we refuse that time behind the closed door, then we come out, not as support to anyone, but ourselves.  In using excuse to not pray, they certainly desire to keep their "sin" intact. For God directed us to fellowship. And we saw it in Jesus. He had fellowship with the Father and truth prevailed. He had fellowship with Him, and the miracles were abundant. Jesus prayed and He gave voice to God's authority in Him.
Yes, Jesus birthed a new church through His sacrifice. And like Him, we too, can find what God has for us when we spend time behind the closed door!

I HAVE A NEW WEB SITE AVAILABLE NOW WITH OTHER CURRENT BLOGS AND YOUTUBE TEACHINGS. I INVITE YOU TOO CHECK IT OUT.  THERE IS A PRAYER REQUEST SECTION ON THE SITE.

www.godsgoodnessandlove.com

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

God's Standard; Real Freedom Precious Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV-WKKiWyEc

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

TOMORROW'S CIRCUMSTANCES

Many years ago, now probably two decades ago, I had this dream. I knew it was of the Lord. I went up into this tower, although not terribly high in the sky. But it was high above the city we lived and was next to the Sound. And as I had walked into this almost round like room at the top, I saw this area that was circular right in the middle. It was a workstation. On it was all the drawings and important information regarding all my tomorrow's. I was led to look out the window and watch the water that makes up the Sound and from time to time to watch the sun move from early morning into the late evening. As I looked toward the circular table again, I saw three beings working: Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
Yes, I knew I was in great hands.
All of our tomorrow's will come. Those circumstances will certainly appear, but how we handle them determines all other tomorrow's.
Since my dream, I have understood it to mean, that all that is secret in the Sound, God knows, and that we can dive deep in that understanding of He Who is and what He desires when we dwell in His Word. And all that the sun shines on, God knows that too! He created it all. With His hand on it all, I know that He can watch over me. And He has the Drawing Room to do it in as I have been there to see it myself!

Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
NKJV

What happens in our mind will certainly happen in time! We are to keep watch on what we think about for too long. Surely the Word should be the most important thing. But as individuals, we have a spouse, maybe a child or two, maybe a job, or even ministry. Yet in all these, we are as those individuals to keep watch on what we think on.

MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS:

things that are true....like God's Word, remembering God's righteousness,eternal truth. as God speaks and delivers to us His thoughts and plans

being people of justice and integrity ( will have nothing do with lying)

things that are noble.....being noble in character, giving their word that they will do it, 

things that are just....knowing God is justice and righteousness and every one of His commands is right

things that are pure......anything we act out in our body should be in the pure state and nothing to defile it. That means even the mouth is to have a guard on it!

things that are lovely........speaking wisdom of God to others, that which is useful. Holding ourselves in a respectful way and being considerate of others in conduct or conversation

things that are of a good report.....cheerful, leading others to the goodness of God and all that He has is good. Reminding others of is faithfulness toward us, His giving of Jesus for our sins. We should be telling it everywhere we go!

there be any virtue......being strong, a person of valor, courageous from the inside out, like the worker bee. I think of the virtuous woman from the Bible.

 Taken from an earlier blog I wrote on Humility and Honor Equals Courage in Your Heart, September 10, 2014.............I love the scriptures of the virtuous wife. It tells she girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms. She looks to keep fit and looks out for her household, but she also extends her hands to the poor. She is not afraid of any kind of weather, she is on the go and so is her family. They keep their pace for the kingdom of God. Her husband is known in the city gates. He works with his hands  and is known as the business leader. As he sits among the doers in the community, it tells that she gains strength and honor. For as she honors her husband and takes care of her family, people will know who she is as she speaks wisdom and her tongue with kindness. She is never idle for she keeps watch over the food supplies, the clothes that need to be washed, the dry cleaning taken to the cleaners, and the job that has to be done. It says her lamp does not go out, and I think of how busy she is, but also think she is aware of the IMPORTANCE OF Prayer and word that must be spoken over her husband, her family and the new day coming! But in all this, we are told as she watches over her household, her children and her husband bless her, they praise her for what she does for them. In the end, she has done well, a woman who fears the LORD, is praised! And it is God who will give her the fruit of her hands and her own works will praise her in the gates. 

A person who carries this courage and strength that is seen will cause praise to come. It will come to me and to you when we follow hard after seeing to others needs. Love that will never murmur but does something. It fulfills a job to be done. It will be done without being told to do it and the work will be done quickly and possibly in secret most of the time when no one is looking. It is this kind of serving others in the excellence as Jesus did and that which is given in an amount that is noticeable, it is by words of kindness and sometimes by correction and always by action!  

Lastly, think on these things...........give attention to, set them into practice everyday. And do them being determined, faithful, persistent, adventurous, being cheerful, happy, and sincere.

When we practice these things, the peace of God will be with us. Do we not need His peace everyday?

Matthew 6:30-34

O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. NKJV

We are not to worry about tomorrow and in all circumstances, you know all those speed bumps that seem to slow us down, but when we rely on God, meditate on all His good, we remain in peace, that peace of God that passes all understanding. We stand strong, whether man, woman or child, being led by God is the greatest plan of redemption and a life of adventure. I want to be in His plan, how about you?

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done 

On earth as it is in heaven. 

3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 

4 And forgive us our sins,

For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one."   (Luke 11:2-4)

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

An Empty Tomb

Matthew 28:1-10.............28:1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me." NKJV


Jesus accomplished what He came to do for us!
"Do not be afraid.Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee and there they will see Me."

Do not be afraid little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:32-34.............32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  NKJV

Do not fear, but hold on. Do not look back, but run forward with expectation. Do not act on the world's report, but hold the Word before you and experience the kingdom of God first hand.
Our participation is that of the relationship that comes by following and speaking as Jesus did with the Father. Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. Luke 4:21
What are we hearing? Is it the Word of God?

There is an EMPTY TOMB, and IT was heaving with life being given to Jesus to walk out what He believed and spoke. AND WHEN HE WALKED OUT, He was not wrapped in grave clothes!

All that He had given in all of His teachings to the disciples and the people proclaimed what He believed to be true! 

See, He has arisen. Has He arisen in our lives or ARE we still doing the same 'ole stuff? Has He arisen.........and the enemies be scattered.  Psalm 68:1-3.....Let God arise,

Let His enemies be scattered;

Let those also who hate Him flee before Him. 

2 As smoke is driven away,

So drive them away;

As wax melts before the fire,

So let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 

3 But let the righteous be glad;

Let them rejoice before God;

Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. NKJV

Verse 4 of Matthew 28 tells us the guards became as dead men. They fell in fright, and fainted in the presence of God. But the righteous were glad. They were rejoicing. They were exceedingly glad of the events they saw manifested before their eyes! Those who knew not God fainted in the day of adversity.

Proverbs 24:10....10 If you faint in the day of adversity,  Your strength is small.  NKJV

adversity: trouble, distress

They fainted to see the glowing angel from heaven move a boulder out of the way! Not something someone would see everyday, but when God shows up, look out! They were not trained in the Word of God and they were not expecting anything as tremendous as this thing they saw!

Then those who were looking on, those expectant, those disciples ran to the city to tell others what had transpired. They had the "good report". Our expectation must not be bound in what we think it might look when it all comes together. When we are expecting something, we should look with God's eyes and not ours. We should look with the faith He has given us to stand with and know it is going to be "good". Never limit God with what you saw Him do for you last year or even last month. Because He is God, He can do more than we could ever actually think or ask. Seriously He did not need my help to create the universe. He did a great job without my help. so I know He can help do things for my family that I could not fathom, but I surely want to get that face mask on and dive deeper into the water of His Word and see His  glory revealed! I desire to participate in prayer and study to show myself approved to God, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

2 Timothy 2:14-18....14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. NKJV

Christ Jesus gave a promise: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do, because I go to my Father”…(John 14:22) He was saying “ I am going back to the Father, but you will become the voice of God.” Christ is the Word of the Father, but we were to be that voice. Just as we saw Him speak to the devil (Matthew 4) by giving the Word of God, we are to speak, to voice what God has already said.

What happened in that empty tomb, was all that Word that Jesus spoke brought Him to and through the most horrifying thing as the Cross. The Holy Spirit brought Him out of the place of death and dying to the place of living, of life and of God! All that Word was wrapped up in power released to do the impossible!

So what do we need wrapped up in power today?

What are we expecting or seeking from the Lord? Have we wrapped up in the Word of God and loosed the Holy Spirit to have His way and see the miraculous for us, for our family, or how about for our neighbor?

Is there a tomb heaving at your house that is about to bring life out of deathbed situation? Is there life about to spring from a bad report of sickness, or job loss? Is there life about to spring forth in the new thing God has planned for you to do? Is all brought to the tomb to be buried ONLY to come alive NOW with the life of God and propel you into the greatest move of God for this time, for you and your family and never be the same in Jesus' name?

Jesus accomplished what He came to do for us!
"Do not be afraid.Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee and there they will see Me." 

Father, help us in Jesus' name to leave the tomb with the new thing You have for us to do! Help us to know that the best is on its way today much like giving birth to a new baby. For we know much comes from carrying a baby for nine months or even for ten months, but we come expecting that the best is yet to be for our family. In the time of those three days that tomb held His body dead with our sins,  locked behind a great boulder, most probably felt defeated. But You sent help from heaven for that to move. Your kingdom is in us today because of that one event. We stand with the Holy Spirit and loose HIM now to move that which has to move and may YOUR holy Word, come to pass for that which we are believing and standing for our loved one(s).......................(name or names here) .

Father, we are told to not be afraid but go and tell others that Jesus has arisen. He has arisen in our hearts and our lives. Today we ask that YOU guide us into the deeper move of YOU, into the fathom of the great love YOU gave in giving us YOUR Son Jesus. Help us to know that the more Word we speak, the more Word will we see the moving of GOD in our lives to YOUR glory and power on earth as it is in Heaven. We are thankful for the daily bread, that which sustains life. For we know YOU take care of our wants, but we give thanks for the Word of God and prayer as Jesus showed us as the example of a relationship devoted to YOU. May we express the beauty of YOU and speak as Jesus spoke over situations and people. We want to be people of power who know God and are active in the role of the parent who is active confessing and praying for children and other family members.

Today, it is Your reign we seek here for this prayer. It is Your power to accomplish what we believe YOU can do and which is that know only God can accomplish when we believe! And we give YOU  honor and much thanks for YOUR kingdom that has come. We celebrate the truth of YOU our God and know that YOU are our sufficiency.

We loose the Holy Spirit to take us deeper into YOUR Word Father and may He have His way to lead us to participate no matter the day or the hour. And may we hold on to that expectancy that God is never late, but is always on time. Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

Out in the Wilderness

Ever thought of Moses, a man brought up in a palace and who lived most of his life in the wilderness?  Seriously, he was born Hebrew of slaves under the rule of a Pharaoh and whose people were all "slave" workers who had to build with straw and mud. Lifted out of water to become the son of Pharaoh's daughter, and being protected by God. For whatever his Hebrew name was, only his parents would have known, for he was renamed Moses by the Princess! Educated in all things taught, yes, by Janees and Jimbrees. Remember them? But ultimately Moses was taught their "wisdom". He was certainly kept from harm.  He was protected by God Himself to see a day when Moses would serve God's purposes!

But seriously, have you known someone who lived in the "lap of luxury"? Like Moses, even from his birth, it looked like the devil was trying to kill him! Taken as a small baby from his family to live in a palace and learn the ways of the Egyptians. That was a "big cost" to the family who gave birth to him and loved him dearly.   Moses, the one drawn out of the water, to live in a palace and learn the ways of the Egyptians and to one day hide in the wilderness, tend to sheep and see and be 'in awe of' a burning bush' that was never consumed. It was his command from God that would take place "out in the wilderness".

Now I am certain you have had heard many teachings on this scripture passage, but I totally believe Moses could not go forward with God's plan till God commanded it to be so.

Are we zealous for the Lord, but not in the right manner to stay safe within the borders of God's protection? In the beginning, Moses, was jumping too fast and too far to rescue those he was sent to rescue. In so doing in an out of order fashion, he ran for his life. He ran from his past of palaces, and good food, to a lifestyle from prince to peasant!  And he ran to Midian, a place in the wilderness. He ran from strife he entered in with two men in the city and ended up in the Midian, the place meaning "strife".
It was a big change in scenery for Moses!
Moses changed his clothes from the lifestyle he knew to something he knew nothing about. He changed his location, and entire life and God came to speak with him. What will God do for us, when we give something up that we do not need in our lives?

Then we come to the burning bush! Exodus 3:1-12..............3:1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, "I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn." 4 So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." 5 Then He said, "Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground." 6 Moreover He said, "I am the God of your father--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.

7 And the LORD said: "I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. 8 So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. 9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." 11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" 12 So He said, "I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain." NKJV

When we moved out west, we had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people who love the Lord. In all our times at church and meetings and conferences, we saw people with a heart for God. But for me, I saw two women who would always stand out to me. One lady was probably about 15 years older than me, could quote the Bible and knew so much of the Lord's walk on this earth. I always had some kind of question for her.

Another lady was about 9 years younger than I. These two women certainly were those who were fire to me. They knew the Word of God and loved to pray. They had story after story of the absolute goodness of God and His Love! One always had testimonies of healing and wholeness restored to those she prayed for and the other had testimony after testimony of prayer and Bible studies in the Jail Ministry. She would tell of those receiving Jesus for the first time ever. Well, my first thought was to stay within the confines of four walls and safety and learn much from the older lady, but no, I knew when the latter woman spoke of Jail Ministry, that was my burning bush moment. I had to follow the course that God had set for me. And my getting of the badge to enter jail for ministry certainly took less time than any one else had experienced before. Yes, I had favor with those who worked in the jail and learned not to fear as God was with me. I got that new badge, reported to the "metal detector" and headed for Chapel. I was being trained under leadership that would take me places I had not been before.

I know for many, that just the slamming of all those metal doors makes one shake and quake, but I knew I was going in with the Word of God and no one could leave till chapel was done. Yes, we were all locked in together, and God would have His way in that place.

I thought of Moses, and his ability to teach Joshua. He trained him so much so, that Joshua became his successor. Both Moses and Joshua had a walk with God. Both were born in Egypt, experienced the Exodus together, escaped slavery through God our Redeemer, walked in the wilderness and saw the "new Land". Although Moses did not enter Canaan, he trained someone who could take it further according to God's plan.

Much like these two, I was trained by a great lady. She so loved the Lord and gave her all for His kingdom and it showed in what she did and what she spoke!   When this great leader left this Outreach Ministry, another was in charge, and she took a new approach, "a little more country style" but no less powerful. She too, loved the Lord and together we saw many come to the Lord in salvation. When she left, a lot of the team, (99.9 percent of them went with her). But God showed me to stay and take the land. I stayed, "much like the cheese stands alone thing" if anyone remembers those days, but prayerful a team came together and was multiplied with me leading.  It was an Outreach Ministry that God raised up Himself! And I was excited to be in front to see it all come to His plan.

Yikes! How did I get here? Well, I saw the moment the command came. Much like Moses, his command came when God told him in Exodus 3 and verse 10..."so now, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."

Like Joshua, I too, had to lead others. I wanted to do it in the way that people would know that they were truly valued like Moses did with Joshua. So I finish with this: When Joshua got the command from God through Moses...........Joshua 1:6-9................6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 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. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  NIV

Joshua was told to be strong and courageous. I too, had to be strong and courageous. And God was with Joshua and with me. We are told that Joshua and people he led came to the Jordan River.

Yes, it is the next morning............command to go, and Joshua broke camp at Shittim and moved down to the edge of the Jordan which at this time is out of its banks because it is time of the harvest...........the river overflowed...............Yes, Let' make our entrance! (see in Joshua 3:15)

It was on the third day that the people were instructed to march forward...........river flooding in front of us..........what........? what are you saying.........."march forward"! The people moved in order, with the priests bearing the Ark in the lead, and when their came to middle of the flooding river, the waters divided. Now some of the commentaries I have read, even state that the water did not part till the priests were in the middle of the swollen river! (well, that meant that muddy water and debris went over their heads. And they had to hold the Ark of the Covenant above their heads to keep it out of the water and debris) As the waters parted and pushed back for a distance in both directions, the priests remained in the middle of the dry ground till all of Israel had passed by to the Promised Land. Then as soon as the priests moved over and touched the dry ground of the "new land",  the waters returned to overflow it banks as before. (Joshua 4:1-18)

We are to see and hear when God commands us to go. We are to be growing in the knowledge of God………..always growing, being renewed to His way and His doing of things. Will we go for Him, or will we choose comfort, safety and gain no ground for His kingdom? Are we waiting for fall season to arrive……..and children to go back to school?    Will the world’s schedule always interfere with God’s plan for us.? Will there always be a lion in the street, and the Jordan always be overflowing its banks?

Not everything will be done in the city behind four walls! We have to see that place we are called! 

In summation, God can use each of us. Whether born in a palace or bondage, born with a different skin color, born male or female, born in the city or the country, and does not matter whether you are young or old, divorced, short, tall, heavy, thin or bald, God has a plan for each of us! Be like Joshua and know that you are a conqueror! God is more than enough, more powerful to get His plan accomplished..........we just need to say "YES"!

Father, we want to be doing what You have asked us to do! I ask You to help us to see the "burning bush" We do not want to jump ahead to the next thing without completing the "new thing" before us! I pray that we would be those who desire to see Your kingdom expand. We pray to be those who are strong and courageous to inherit that YOU swore to give to us. We look not to turn to the right or to the left but that we would keep our eyes on YOU. Truly Your word will not depart from our mouths. We set ourselves to meditate on it day and night to be careful to everything written therein. We understand that YOU will be with us wherever we go...........YOU have sent us to heal the broken-hearted and to bind up their wounds. According to Joshua 23:9-13.......we believe and hold fast that you have driven out nations before us and that no one will be able to stand against us this day. We extend our love and thanks to YOU and receive with whole hearts that good land which the Lord our God has given us in Jesus Name. Amen (Joshua 23.13)

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV