Resurrection Life Church

Love is the power and force that has changed the world. However, our understanding and experience of love in this world is not the same as the love God gives. There have been literally thousands upon thousands of songs, movies, videos, paintings, and other forms of media written about love. Very few truly represent love in its truest and real form: Jesus Christ. It was because of love He was compelled to give all He was for us. That is real love. Not a self-seeking, self-fulfilling, selfish love. Real love!

The nation of Israel were a people who had been in slavery for over 400 years when Moses led them out of Egypt.  It was Joshua that would lead them into the Promise Land.  It was, by any stretch of the imagination an impossible dream.  But God had a plan that was so much bigger than anyone could have every thought.  This slave nation would become one of the most powerful and influential nations the world has ever known.

The nation of Israel were a people who had been in slavery for over 400 years when Moses led them out of Egypt.  It was Joshua that would lead them into the Promise Land.  It was, by any stretch of the imagination an impossible dream.  But God had a plan that was so much bigger than anyone could have every thought.  This slave nation would become one of the most powerful and influential nations the world has ever known.

Caleb was a mighty man of valor and one of the 2 spies that reported a good report about the promise land.  However, Caleb was still waiting on a promise God had given him 45 years ago.  How could Caleb hold on that long?  How could he not have become angry and bitter towards God for not fulfilling His promise sooner.  That is part of the promise land fighting the battle of your soul, your mind.  This week we learn how to battle for the promise man in the "between" time.

Caleb was a mighty man of valor and one of the 2 spies that reported a good report about the promise land.  However, Caleb was still waiting on a promise God had given him 45 years ago.  How could Caleb hold on that long?  How could he not have become angry and bitter towards God for not fulfilling His promise sooner.  That is part of the promise land fighting the battle of your soul, your mind.  This week we learn how to battle for the promise man in the "between" time.

Jericho represented the “first fruits” for Israel in fighting for the promise land. It was the first city they would encounter they had to fight against. In so doing it was symbolic of giving God the first fruits of their labor. Not a hindsight or a second thought but a first and foremost offering and increase. Tithing and giving are not limited to money alone. It also includes our gifts, talents, time, family, etcetera. It is about the condition of the heart. God doesn’t need anything from us. He wants, not needs, our love, fellowship, intimacy, and us making Him, not just first in our life, but our everything. Our relationship with Him permeates every area of our life, from family to work, and to our community relationships.

Jericho represented the “first fruits” for Israel in fighting for the promise land. It was the first city they would encounter they had to fight against. In so doing it was symbolic of giving God the first fruits of their labor. Not a hindsight or a second thought but a first and foremost offering and increase. Tithing and giving are not limited to money alone. It also includes our gifts, talents, time, family, etcetera. It is about the condition of the heart. God doesn’t need anything from us. He wants, not needs, our love, fellowship, intimacy, and us making Him, not just first in our life, but our everything. Our relationship with Him permeates every area of our life, from family to work, and to our community relationships.

In order to take the promise land like God has promised we have to be able to see it first.  If you can’t see it, you will never receive it.  God told the children of Israel about the city of Jericho, “see, I have given you the city.”   Unfortunately, we as Christians make things a little convoluted because our own views and perspectives have a tendency to mar the view and perspective that God wants us to see.  We must see through His eyes and through His heart.  When we do, we not only “take the promise land” but we bring life to those around us in the process.  When we see like He sees we can then see the strongholds that need to be torn down so we can take the city!

In order to take the promise land like God has promised we have to be able to see it first.  If you can’t see it, you will never receive it.  God told the children of Israel about the city of Jericho, “see, I have given you the city.”   Unfortunately, we as Christians make things a little convoluted because our own views and perspectives have a tendency to mar the view and perspective that God wants us to see.  We must see through His eyes and through His heart.  When we do, we not only “take the promise land” but we bring life to those around us in the process.  When we see like He sees we can then see the strongholds that need to be torn down so we can take the city!

Part of our taking the promise land is that God has to cut away or put off those things that will keep us from His promises. That is what the circumcision was all about in the Old Testament.  It was about getting rid of those things that keep us from an intimate relationship with God.  It was an outward act that reflected an inward work.  Our hearts must be completely surrender to God and God will then cut away or put off all that would come between Him and you.