Resurrection Life Church

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.

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.

We have all been given something by God.  Whether you are a follower of Jesus Christ or not.  But specifically those who call themselves Jesus followers have a great responsibility to do something with what we have been given.  What are you doing with what you've been given?  That is a big question.  You don't have to be concerned with what God has given others.  What's in your hands?  And what are you doing with it?

We have all been given something by God.  Whether you are a follower of Jesus Christ or not.  But specifically those who call themselves Jesus followers have a great responsibility to do something with what we have been given.  What are you doing with what you've been given?  That is a big question.  You don't have to be concerned with what God has given others.  What's in your hands?  And what are you doing with it?

God has made us some promises.  His promises are "yes and amen." He always keeps His promises.  However, that doesn't mean we just sit back and just wait for the promises to drop in our laps.  When God promised Israel a new home called their "promise land" He didn't tell them it was going to be easy or they were not going to have to work for it.  Many times God's promises come with some task that have to be done in order to lay claim to those promises.  The Israelites came up against some "Giants in the Land" that they had too slain in order to possess the land.  Because the Israelites depended on God and sought His guidance He gave them victory and they were able to possess their promise land.

God has made us some promises.  His promises are "yes and amen." He always keeps His promises.  However, that doesn't mean we just sit back and just wait for the promises to drop in our laps.  When God promised Israel a new home called their "promise land" He didn't tell them it was going to be easy or they were not going to have to work for it.  Many times God's promises come with some task that have to be done in order to lay claim to those promises.  The Israelites came up against some "Giants in the Land" that they had too slain in order to possess the land.  Because the Israelites depended on God and sought His guidance He gave them victory and they were able to possess their promise land.

Truth is not a fluid, movable, pliable, changeable, concept that shifts with the current cultural thought.  It is solid, unmovable, unchangeable, constant, and can be built on.  It was the truth of God coming to earth in the form of a lowly child in a manger that has split time as we know into and has forever changed the world.  As we enter this holiday season what truth are you standing on?  The current cultural consensus? Or on The Way The Truth, and The Life; Jesus Christ?