Revival is not manufactured and it's certainly not man made or created based on a specific environment. It's started through the Holy Spirit leading us to repentance -- and it has been the same thing over and over again. We just have to humble ourselves, seek the Lord for His forgiveness, and revival happens!

This Sunday, we welcomed Pastor Jeff Fischer to share a message with us about how we can experience revival by first humbling and consecrating ourselves so that we can repent before the Lord. Because the Lord CAN and WILL do it again!

Are you a risk taker? Do you often find yourself stepping out, in faith, to act on something that you feel the Holy Spirit speak to you? How about this thought, did you know that you are God's masterpiece? His greatest, most loved creation?

In following Jesus, life isn't meant to be predictable or safe, but it is fulfilling. When we go beyond our comfort and accept his invitation, we find peace, grace, and miracles.

In Numbers we read that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh commit to fight for their brothers -- "until we have brought them to their place." And later in the book of Joshua, they are called to do just that.

This morning, Pastor Tim shares these passages to show us the illustration of a healthy church partnering with God's plan. But it's more than that! Being committed to a church, willing to walk out our faith with a growing, healthy body of believers is just as important now as it was then! And making a covenant together -- and agreement to focus our hearts on wholeness, community, and discipleship -- is how we can affirm that "we are in this together."

As Israel approached the Jordan to cross, Joshua chapter 3, verse 5, tells us that they needed to "consecrate" themselves before crossing -- meaning "get your insides ready!"

So for us, as we step into the next season and "cross the Jordan" with the Lord in our hearts, how can we get our insides ready? How can we consecrate ourselves? What can we hope and believe God for...on the other side of the Jordan?

God's command to Joshua, and Israel, was to "be strong and courageous." For us? It's the same thing...fear, apprehension, timidity...they have no place in our lives. And to help us achieve that, God has given us His Word that lives in our hearts, pours from our lips, and is evident in our daily lives

In this final part, Pastor Tim encourages us, through the same words God spoke to Joshua, to think, speak, and act in the truth of God's Word as we walk the final ten miles together. And then, with God's promise on our hearts and minds, we look to the next journey that God has for US!

As we continue our look at Joshua 1:1-9, Pastor Tim reminds us of a few things...

1) As Israel entered the Promised Land, together, so we must walk in unity with each other and the Lord.

2) Israel will continue to see the mighty works the Lord has done in stages, and we too will see those things one by one.

3) Israel received their full inheritance as described to Joshua - a place they can call HOME - and we too must remember that nobody is beyond the blessing and inheritance of the Lord.

In Joshua, chapter 1, Moses has passed and Joshua becomes the leader of Israel. As he stands on the plains of Moab, just 10 miles from the Jordan, God speaks to him and encourages him.

As it was for Israel at that defining moment, so it is for Grace Church. We are sons and daughters of a mighty God and we are poised to walk the next ten miles into what God has for us. We just have to have to be obedient, have faith, and place our hopes in the promises God has already declared for us.

Nehemiah knew exactly what to do when when he learned what happened to Jerusalem and the people of Israel - it was his first action! And what did God do? He answered every...single...prayer!

This Sunday our NextGen Pastor, Jack Gilbert, shares an encouraging message on how we can find greater focus through fasting and prayer and hear the heart of the Father.

So often in the Bible God's people were getting in trouble for forgetting and / or refusing to remember what God has already done and what He has already said. This is why it is so important to look back...first!

This Sunday, as we move into 2023, Pastor Tim encourages us to remember where we've come from, the prayers God has answered, and be reminded of the miracles he ha already done. Then we can use that as a compass to guide us where we are going next.

By the Holy Spirit, a seed was placed in Mary and by the Holy Spirit, Christ is formed in the people of God who by faith "called upon the name of the Lord."

This Christmas Day, we celebrate Immanuel, God with US and God IN US.