WEBVTT
00:01:54.640 --> 00:01:55.760
Yes, Lord.
00:01:56.000 --> 00:01:58.719
Yes, Lord, completely, yes.
00:01:59.040 --> 00:02:03.200
Good afternoon, and welcome back to our noonday service.
00:02:03.359 --> 00:02:13.439
We are so glad that you have joined us today, and it's good to be back together worshiping God in the middle of the week, in the middle of the day.
00:02:13.680 --> 00:02:23.920
And we just want to say welcome to everyone who's on the line, and let us begin our noonday service with prayer.
00:02:24.159 --> 00:02:31.280
Father God, in the name of Jesus, we come before you thanking and praising your wonderful and holy name, Lord.
00:02:31.519 --> 00:02:34.719
We have so much to be grateful for.
00:02:35.280 --> 00:02:42.319
We thank you, Lord, for protecting us throughout the week, throughout the storm, the wind and the rain.
00:02:42.480 --> 00:02:49.040
And Lord, we ask for comfort and peace and calm of the storm.
00:02:49.280 --> 00:03:00.079
And we ask you to be with those that that had damage and that uh are still recuperating from the devastation of the storm.
00:03:00.240 --> 00:03:02.319
We ask you to be with them, Lord.
00:03:02.480 --> 00:03:05.680
We ask you to be with the sick that are among us today.
00:03:05.759 --> 00:03:10.480
We ask for special prayers for Reverend C.W.
00:03:10.639 --> 00:03:19.600
Purnell and his wife, Sister Mildred Purnell, soldiers on the battlefield that have been on the battlefield for a long time, Lord.
00:03:19.759 --> 00:03:23.439
We ask you to heal their bodies, their minds, and their souls.
00:03:23.680 --> 00:03:27.600
We ask, Lord, that you be with the bereaved families that are among us.
00:03:27.839 --> 00:03:41.759
We ask for for help and peace and calm with the Maynard Hamilton family, with the Gantt family, and with others, Lord, whose names I don't know to call, but you know who they are, Lord.
00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:49.759
We ask right now that you be with our government on all levels, local, state, national, Lord.
00:03:49.839 --> 00:03:54.959
These are your people that you've called to serve in the form of government.
00:03:55.120 --> 00:03:57.120
We ask that you be with them.
00:03:57.360 --> 00:04:04.480
Give them wisdom, Lord, and help them to do what thus says the Lord.
00:04:04.639 --> 00:04:15.600
We bind any enemies today, anything that would hinder us from being on this line and saying what you would have us to say, Lord.
00:04:15.839 --> 00:04:39.360
We ask that you be with us and help us not to have any technology issues, anything, any schemes, plans, plots of the enemy, we bind right now so that your word can come through clearly and be heard and be encouragement and inspire your people to be the people that you're calling them to be.
00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:44.480
We ask and pray that your Holy Spirit come into this place.
00:04:45.199 --> 00:04:46.480
Teach us, Lord.
00:04:46.720 --> 00:04:49.120
It's in Jesus' name we pray.
00:04:49.439 --> 00:04:50.080
Amen.
00:04:51.040 --> 00:04:51.600
Amen.
00:04:51.759 --> 00:04:55.520
Today, everybody, I'm so glad that you've joined us.
00:04:56.480 --> 00:05:02.640
Our word today will be coming from the Old Testament book of Joshua.
00:05:03.040 --> 00:05:12.560
Joshua chapter one, and I'm gonna read verses one through five, coming from the New Living Translation on today.
00:05:12.879 --> 00:05:16.319
Joshua 1, verses 1 through 5.
00:05:16.960 --> 00:05:29.280
It says, After the death of Moses, the Lord's servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua, son of Nun.
00:05:31.120 --> 00:05:33.120
Moses' assistant.
00:05:33.520 --> 00:05:38.000
He said, Moses, my servant, is dead.
00:05:38.720 --> 00:05:50.480
Therefore the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.
00:05:51.040 --> 00:05:54.720
I promise you what I promised Moses.
00:05:55.520 --> 00:06:20.400
Wherever you set foot you will be on land I have given you, from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.
00:06:20.879 --> 00:06:32.400
No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live, for I will be with you as I was with Moses.
00:06:33.040 --> 00:06:37.199
I will not fail you or abandon you.
00:06:38.319 --> 00:06:49.120
Our subject for this afternoon's noonday sermon is when God calls, when God calls.
00:06:49.920 --> 00:07:08.400
Throughout the Bible we see a host of people, just like you and me, that the Lord called, not just to become a preacher or minister as many of us think of the call today, but to do various things.
00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:16.720
God needs people in every arena of life doing all kinds of things.
00:07:17.680 --> 00:07:29.920
Some people in the Bible were called from birth, like Samson, some from a young age, like Samuel and David and Mary.
00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:37.840
Some received their calling as adults, like Abraham and Paul and the disciples.
00:07:38.560 --> 00:07:43.920
Some were very old, like Elizabeth and Sarah.
00:07:45.280 --> 00:07:57.840
They were called to go, to lead, to preach, to bear children, to fight, to prophesy, to show us the way.
00:07:58.560 --> 00:08:01.199
There were all kinds of callings.
00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:08.560
Some were called and didn't want to answer, like the rich young ruler.
00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:12.000
Some made excuses like Moses.
00:08:13.280 --> 00:08:16.319
Some rebelled like Jonah.
00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:29.600
But one thing we know is that God is still calling his people to take part, to make a difference, to live out their purpose.
00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:35.279
He is still giving us jobs and mandates of various kinds.
00:08:35.840 --> 00:08:44.480
And the one thing that unites all who are called is that the fulfillment of the call is never easy.
00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:52.639
I don't know what God is calling you to do today, but I can honestly say this.
00:08:56.399 --> 00:08:58.639
But it will be worth it.
00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:01.279
And here's the thing.
00:09:01.679 --> 00:09:05.679
You might say, well, God isn't calling me to do anything.
00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:07.279
Think again.
00:09:08.319 --> 00:09:15.919
What's in your hand, your house in front of you, in your way, whispered in your ear?
00:09:16.479 --> 00:09:19.360
You are being called.
00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:25.519
The question is, will you answer when God calls?
00:09:27.439 --> 00:09:29.439
Let's look at Joshua.
00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:38.639
Joshua is first introduced in Scripture as one of the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
00:09:39.279 --> 00:09:42.879
We see him emerge as an assistant to Moses.
00:09:43.759 --> 00:09:54.000
But in this book, named after him, this Old Testament book of Joshua, we see that he takes center stage.
00:09:56.159 --> 00:10:06.959
God is calling him out of the shadows and into the marvelous light.
00:10:08.079 --> 00:10:15.279
Joshua, he says, You are going to lead my people into the promised land.
00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:21.599
Wow! Do you think Joshua was ready for that?
00:10:21.759 --> 00:10:25.839
Do you think he was expecting that when he woke up that day?
00:10:26.159 --> 00:10:29.599
That the Lord would give him this mandate?
00:10:30.479 --> 00:10:35.439
Was Joshua brave enough for this job, for this calling?
00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:37.679
What about you?
00:10:38.959 --> 00:10:42.639
What call has God placed on you?
00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:57.279
Maybe it's something that you never expected to face, but nevertheless, God has extended the requirement, and you must decide if you will move forward.
00:10:58.240 --> 00:11:08.000
When Jesus called the rich young ruler to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, he went away sad.
00:11:09.199 --> 00:11:12.559
He refused to answer God's call.
00:11:13.039 --> 00:11:20.399
He may have lived a grandiose life on earth, but when he died, he took nothing with him.
00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:31.519
Not having given his life to Christ, he couldn't even look forward to anything more but pain and suffering.
00:11:32.639 --> 00:11:36.000
Is it worth it to turn God down?
00:11:37.360 --> 00:11:39.039
Absolutely not.
00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:52.319
The truth is that each of us is called to face every single day that we open our eyes, not knowing what new challenge we will face.
00:11:53.360 --> 00:11:54.559
But do this.
00:11:55.519 --> 00:11:59.199
Think for a moment about something you fear.
00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:03.439
Think about something you fear.
00:12:04.159 --> 00:12:07.519
What if you come against this thing today?
00:12:08.639 --> 00:12:10.879
Will you be brave enough?
00:12:11.360 --> 00:12:15.839
Can you answer the call to move beyond that thing?
00:12:19.199 --> 00:12:37.599
So as we look at Joshua, we see an ordinary person just like you and me, who faced a very difficult challenge head on, and in the end he was successful.
00:12:39.919 --> 00:12:43.360
Joshua did what God called him to do.
00:12:45.360 --> 00:12:46.240
Get this.
00:12:47.199 --> 00:12:49.439
He might have done it afraid.
00:12:59.360 --> 00:13:01.120
But we do it anyway.
00:13:01.679 --> 00:13:16.000
He might have been shivering in his core, nervous to the bone, with doubt knocking on his door, but he moved forward anyway, and God was with him.
00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:19.120
How did he do it?
00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:21.599
How was he successful?
00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:27.679
How was he brave enough to face what he was dealing with?
00:13:30.079 --> 00:13:38.000
How can we be brave enough to face what's in front of us and move forward?
00:13:39.599 --> 00:13:56.639
Well, let's examine the text because I believe there are four things that become evident that we can lean into as we answer our call from God.
00:13:58.879 --> 00:14:10.879
The first thing when God started talking to Joshua, the first thing he said was that Moses is dead.
00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:14.879
Moses is dead.
00:14:15.199 --> 00:14:28.079
And as I was reading that, I thought about Isaiah, when he said, The king, when King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord.
00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:39.839
King Uzziah was a mighty king, who no doubt many looked to for inspiration and for leadership.
00:14:40.319 --> 00:14:47.599
But once he died and was no longer on the scene, that's when Isaiah had to turn to the Lord.
00:14:49.599 --> 00:15:02.719
And maybe that's you, maybe someone in your life that you depended on to be there for you is no longer there, and you feel alone.
00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:21.039
Mother may be gone, father may be gone, a spouse, a friend, a confidant, a pastor, a coach, somebody that you could always lean on, but they're not there anymore.
00:15:21.360 --> 00:15:22.879
What do you do?
00:15:23.679 --> 00:15:25.679
What did Joshua do?
00:15:26.479 --> 00:15:28.000
Moses wasn't there.
00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:32.240
Moses was a mighty leader, a friend of God.
00:15:35.839 --> 00:15:44.879
But now Joshua had to talk to God for himself, and that's what we have to do.
00:15:45.279 --> 00:15:52.639
Turn to God, have a little talk with Jesus, tell him all about your troubles.
00:15:53.199 --> 00:15:58.399
And as the song says, he will answer by and by.
00:16:01.199 --> 00:16:06.799
So that's the first thing that we have to turn to God.
00:16:09.039 --> 00:16:15.199
And then we have to understand the cost and be determined to pay it.
00:16:16.959 --> 00:16:25.839
The rich young ruler, when he understood the cost, he wasn't willing to pay that cost to his detriment.
00:16:26.959 --> 00:16:38.079
He might have lived well, but I don't think he really lived well because he didn't live out his purpose, the thing that God was calling him to do.
00:16:38.959 --> 00:16:46.639
He was probably always in the back of his mind, he had that thing bothering him, worrying him.
00:16:47.199 --> 00:16:55.039
Just like us, when God is calling us to do something and we cannot rest until it's done.
00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:59.360
Joshua thought about what God was saying to him.
00:16:59.599 --> 00:17:06.559
He realized that it was a tall order, but he purposed in his heart to do it.
00:17:06.880 --> 00:17:22.799
Even the end of the book of Joshua, it says he calls the Israelites together and warns them to purpose in their hearts what they will do.
00:17:23.920 --> 00:17:31.519
He says, But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
00:17:32.319 --> 00:17:41.840
Joshua considered the price and counted up the cost of moving forward with the call of God, and he was focused and he was ready.
00:17:43.039 --> 00:17:49.279
Jesus talked about this in Luke chapter 14, verses 28 and 29.
00:17:49.600 --> 00:18:18.720
He says, For which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it, lest haply after he hath laid the foundation is not able to finish it, all that behold it will begin to mock him.
00:18:20.560 --> 00:18:25.680
Count up the cost, and it's going to be costly.
00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:32.320
But count up the cost so that you're not unprepared.
00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:39.680
This life is not a flowery bed of ease.
00:18:40.560 --> 00:18:51.600
God didn't promise that, but He did promise us that He wouldn't leave us, and so that's the third thing.
00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:55.680
Know God's promise and parameters.
00:18:56.080 --> 00:19:04.960
God said to Joshua, wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you.
00:19:05.440 --> 00:19:17.279
And he goes on, he goes on to say to set the boundaries.
00:19:17.600 --> 00:19:22.080
God is speaking to you and giving you orders.
00:19:22.640 --> 00:19:32.880
But know this, he's not giving it to you all at once, because you can't handle it.
00:19:34.320 --> 00:19:37.519
So take it one day at a time.
00:19:41.120 --> 00:19:48.000
God promised Joshua some things, and he told him all that he would give him.
00:19:49.759 --> 00:20:09.200
But as you read through the book of Joshua, you will see battle after battle, fight after fight, ups and downs, but in the end he was successful.
00:20:12.800 --> 00:20:17.600
And finally, why was he successful?
00:20:18.800 --> 00:20:19.440
Why?
00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:34.480
Well, as we've said, that Joshua knew that he had to turn to God.
00:20:38.800 --> 00:20:43.120
He knew God's promises and parameters.
00:20:44.320 --> 00:20:46.160
He counted up the cost.
00:20:47.840 --> 00:20:54.560
And then he allowed God to quiet the fears inside of him.
00:20:56.000 --> 00:21:05.759
God said to Joshua, No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live.
00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:11.519
For I will be with you as I was with Moses.
00:21:12.640 --> 00:21:17.120
I will not fail you or abandon you.
00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:23.200
Some versions say, leave you nor forsake you.
00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:25.200
That's our God.
00:21:27.120 --> 00:21:29.440
He's right there with us.
00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:39.440
He's giving you a job to do, a mandate.
00:21:41.360 --> 00:21:46.240
He's telling you to fulfill the purpose for which you were created.
00:21:48.640 --> 00:21:49.920
You got this.
00:21:50.800 --> 00:21:52.400
You can do it.
00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:56.000
You can move forward in God.
00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:02.080
You don't think you know what God is calling you to do?
00:22:02.320 --> 00:22:03.440
Ask Him.
00:22:04.560 --> 00:22:06.720
Ask Him to make it plain.
00:22:07.920 --> 00:22:12.960
Perhaps you know that God is calling you, but you don't feel like you can do it.
00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:15.039
You're not capable.
00:22:16.160 --> 00:22:17.680
But oh, you are.
00:22:20.320 --> 00:22:24.400
Because you have the power of God inside of you.
00:22:27.600 --> 00:22:29.680
So the verdict today.
00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:35.920
Is that when God called Joshua, he was brave enough.
00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:38.560
He got the job done.
00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:42.320
And what about you?
00:22:43.360 --> 00:22:46.400
God is no respecter of persons.
00:22:46.800 --> 00:22:51.680
What he did for Joshua and for others, he will do for you.
00:22:54.240 --> 00:23:12.800
So on this noonday, August 7, 2024, put your chin up, straighten your back, focus your gaze on God, and be brave enough to answer the call of God.
00:23:14.240 --> 00:23:15.680
Let us pray.
00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:18.080
Lord, we thank you.
00:23:18.800 --> 00:23:35.759
We thank you for all that you're doing for us, all that you're showing us, for all that you put inside of us, the gifts and talents that we have, that we wonder, why?
00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:38.000
Why am I able to do this?
00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:41.039
Why do I desire to do that?
00:23:42.560 --> 00:23:54.560
And Lord, we know now that you, it's you nudging us, pushing us forward into our purpose.
00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:58.800
And we ask you right now to strengthen us.
00:23:59.519 --> 00:24:02.960
Give us the courage to move forward.
00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:06.800
Help us to count up the cost and be ready.
00:24:08.080 --> 00:24:19.039
Help us to realize that though those others that may have been with us in the past, even though they're no longer with us, Lord, you are here.
00:24:20.560 --> 00:24:23.360
And you alone are enough.
00:24:23.840 --> 00:24:27.759
And you've given us promises, Lord, that we can stand on.
00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:31.120
And we thank you for that today.
00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:35.120
We thank you for what you're doing.
00:24:37.120 --> 00:24:50.960
We ask you to show us, order our steps, guide our hearts and minds as we step out today.
00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:56.000
These things we ask and pray in Jesus' name.
00:24:56.320 --> 00:24:56.960
Amen.
00:24:58.400 --> 00:25:00.720
Amen on today, everybody.
00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:05.920
I thank you again for joining us for the noonday service.
00:25:06.640 --> 00:25:27.200
I've missed all of you, and I feel like the Lord is doing some mighty work all around us as we look around in our world today, as we watch the news, we watch the Olympics, we watch everything that's going on, the storm, all the things that are going on.
00:25:30.080 --> 00:25:32.560
God is using his people.
00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:48.080
And so I ask you today to join in this fight.
00:25:48.800 --> 00:25:53.759
First, to make sure that you have given your life to Jesus Christ.
00:25:55.120 --> 00:26:12.240
And then once you have done that, his Holy Spirit will come inside to live inside of you, to lead you, to guide you, and to give you power to do the things that you need to do.
00:26:12.880 --> 00:26:14.720
So be encouraged.
00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:23.360
And I hope to see you again next week as we continue now that we've started back again our noonday service.
00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:41.200
Now unto him who's able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy to the only wise God, our Savior, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power both now and forevermore.
00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:44.320
Let us all say, Amen.
00:26:45.039 --> 00:26:48.800
I love you all, and you can't do a thing about it.
00:26:49.039 --> 00:26:53.279
Now go and be great for God.
00:01:54.640 --> 00:01:55.760
Yes, Lord.
00:01:56.000 --> 00:01:58.719
Yes, Lord, completely, yes.
00:01:59.040 --> 00:02:03.200
Good afternoon, and welcome back to our noonday service.
00:02:03.359 --> 00:02:13.439
We are so glad that you have joined us today, and it's good to be back together worshiping God in the middle of the week, in the middle of the day.
00:02:13.680 --> 00:02:23.920
And we just want to say welcome to everyone who's on the line, and let us begin our noonday service with prayer.
00:02:24.159 --> 00:02:31.280
Father God, in the name of Jesus, we come before you thanking and praising your wonderful and holy name, Lord.
00:02:31.519 --> 00:02:34.719
We have so much to be grateful for.
00:02:35.280 --> 00:02:42.319
We thank you, Lord, for protecting us throughout the week, throughout the storm, the wind and the rain.
00:02:42.480 --> 00:02:49.040
And Lord, we ask for comfort and peace and calm of the storm.
00:02:49.280 --> 00:03:00.079
And we ask you to be with those that that had damage and that uh are still recuperating from the devastation of the storm.
00:03:00.240 --> 00:03:02.319
We ask you to be with them, Lord.
00:03:02.480 --> 00:03:05.680
We ask you to be with the sick that are among us today.
00:03:05.759 --> 00:03:10.480
We ask for special prayers for Reverend C.W.
00:03:10.639 --> 00:03:19.600
Purnell and his wife, Sister Mildred Purnell, soldiers on the battlefield that have been on the battlefield for a long time, Lord.
00:03:19.759 --> 00:03:23.439
We ask you to heal their bodies, their minds, and their souls.
00:03:23.680 --> 00:03:27.600
We ask, Lord, that you be with the bereaved families that are among us.
00:03:27.839 --> 00:03:41.759
We ask for for help and peace and calm with the Maynard Hamilton family, with the Gantt family, and with others, Lord, whose names I don't know to call, but you know who they are, Lord.
00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:49.759
We ask right now that you be with our government on all levels, local, state, national, Lord.
00:03:49.839 --> 00:03:54.959
These are your people that you've called to serve in the form of government.
00:03:55.120 --> 00:03:57.120
We ask that you be with them.
00:03:57.360 --> 00:04:04.480
Give them wisdom, Lord, and help them to do what thus says the Lord.
00:04:04.639 --> 00:04:15.600
We bind any enemies today, anything that would hinder us from being on this line and saying what you would have us to say, Lord.
00:04:15.839 --> 00:04:39.360
We ask that you be with us and help us not to have any technology issues, anything, any schemes, plans, plots of the enemy, we bind right now so that your word can come through clearly and be heard and be encouragement and inspire your people to be the people that you're calling them to be.
00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:44.480
We ask and pray that your Holy Spirit come into this place.
00:04:45.199 --> 00:04:46.480
Teach us, Lord.
00:04:46.720 --> 00:04:49.120
It's in Jesus' name we pray.
00:04:49.439 --> 00:04:50.080
Amen.
00:04:51.040 --> 00:04:51.600
Amen.
00:04:51.759 --> 00:04:55.520
Today, everybody, I'm so glad that you've joined us.
00:04:56.480 --> 00:05:02.640
Our word today will be coming from the Old Testament book of Joshua.
00:05:03.040 --> 00:05:12.560
Joshua chapter one, and I'm gonna read verses one through five, coming from the New Living Translation on today.
00:05:12.879 --> 00:05:16.319
Joshua 1, verses 1 through 5.
00:05:16.960 --> 00:05:29.280
It says, After the death of Moses, the Lord's servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua, son of Nun.
00:05:31.120 --> 00:05:33.120
Moses' assistant.
00:05:33.520 --> 00:05:38.000
He said, Moses, my servant, is dead.
00:05:38.720 --> 00:05:50.480
Therefore the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.
00:05:51.040 --> 00:05:54.720
I promise you what I promised Moses.
00:05:55.520 --> 00:06:20.400
Wherever you set foot you will be on land I have given you, from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.
00:06:20.879 --> 00:06:32.400
No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live, for I will be with you as I was with Moses.
00:06:33.040 --> 00:06:37.199
I will not fail you or abandon you.
00:06:38.319 --> 00:06:49.120
Our subject for this afternoon's noonday sermon is when God calls, when God calls.
00:06:49.920 --> 00:07:08.400
Throughout the Bible we see a host of people, just like you and me, that the Lord called, not just to become a preacher or minister as many of us think of the call today, but to do various things.
00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:16.720
God needs people in every arena of life doing all kinds of things.
00:07:17.680 --> 00:07:29.920
Some people in the Bible were called from birth, like Samson, some from a young age, like Samuel and David and Mary.
00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:37.840
Some received their calling as adults, like Abraham and Paul and the disciples.
00:07:38.560 --> 00:07:43.920
Some were very old, like Elizabeth and Sarah.
00:07:45.280 --> 00:07:57.840
They were called to go, to lead, to preach, to bear children, to fight, to prophesy, to show us the way.
00:07:58.560 --> 00:08:01.199
There were all kinds of callings.
00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:08.560
Some were called and didn't want to answer, like the rich young ruler.
00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:12.000
Some made excuses like Moses.
00:08:13.280 --> 00:08:16.319
Some rebelled like Jonah.
00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:29.600
But one thing we know is that God is still calling his people to take part, to make a difference, to live out their purpose.
00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:35.279
He is still giving us jobs and mandates of various kinds.
00:08:35.840 --> 00:08:44.480
And the one thing that unites all who are called is that the fulfillment of the call is never easy.
00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:52.639
I don't know what God is calling you to do today, but I can honestly say this.
00:08:56.399 --> 00:08:58.639
But it will be worth it.
00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:01.279
And here's the thing.
00:09:01.679 --> 00:09:05.679
You might say, well, God isn't calling me to do anything.
00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:07.279
Think again.
00:09:08.319 --> 00:09:15.919
What's in your hand, your house in front of you, in your way, whispered in your ear?
00:09:16.479 --> 00:09:19.360
You are being called.
00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:25.519
The question is, will you answer when God calls?
00:09:27.439 --> 00:09:29.439
Let's look at Joshua.
00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:38.639
Joshua is first introduced in Scripture as one of the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
00:09:39.279 --> 00:09:42.879
We see him emerge as an assistant to Moses.
00:09:43.759 --> 00:09:54.000
But in this book, named after him, this Old Testament book of Joshua, we see that he takes center stage.
00:09:56.159 --> 00:10:06.959
God is calling him out of the shadows and into the marvelous light.
00:10:08.079 --> 00:10:15.279
Joshua, he says, You are going to lead my people into the promised land.
00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:21.599
Wow! Do you think Joshua was ready for that?
00:10:21.759 --> 00:10:25.839
Do you think he was expecting that when he woke up that day?
00:10:26.159 --> 00:10:29.599
That the Lord would give him this mandate?
00:10:30.479 --> 00:10:35.439
Was Joshua brave enough for this job, for this calling?
00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:37.679
What about you?
00:10:38.959 --> 00:10:42.639
What call has God placed on you?
00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:57.279
Maybe it's something that you never expected to face, but nevertheless, God has extended the requirement, and you must decide if you will move forward.
00:10:58.240 --> 00:11:08.000
When Jesus called the rich young ruler to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, he went away sad.
00:11:09.199 --> 00:11:12.559
He refused to answer God's call.
00:11:13.039 --> 00:11:20.399
He may have lived a grandiose life on earth, but when he died, he took nothing with him.
00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:31.519
Not having given his life to Christ, he couldn't even look forward to anything more but pain and suffering.
00:11:32.639 --> 00:11:36.000
Is it worth it to turn God down?
00:11:37.360 --> 00:11:39.039
Absolutely not.
00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:52.319
The truth is that each of us is called to face every single day that we open our eyes, not knowing what new challenge we will face.
00:11:53.360 --> 00:11:54.559
But do this.
00:11:55.519 --> 00:11:59.199
Think for a moment about something you fear.
00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:03.439
Think about something you fear.
00:12:04.159 --> 00:12:07.519
What if you come against this thing today?
00:12:08.639 --> 00:12:10.879
Will you be brave enough?
00:12:11.360 --> 00:12:15.839
Can you answer the call to move beyond that thing?
00:12:19.199 --> 00:12:37.599
So as we look at Joshua, we see an ordinary person just like you and me, who faced a very difficult challenge head on, and in the end he was successful.
00:12:39.919 --> 00:12:43.360
Joshua did what God called him to do.
00:12:45.360 --> 00:12:46.240
Get this.
00:12:47.199 --> 00:12:49.439
He might have done it afraid.
00:12:59.360 --> 00:13:01.120
But we do it anyway.
00:13:01.679 --> 00:13:16.000
He might have been shivering in his core, nervous to the bone, with doubt knocking on his door, but he moved forward anyway, and God was with him.
00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:19.120
How did he do it?
00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:21.599
How was he successful?
00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:27.679
How was he brave enough to face what he was dealing with?
00:13:30.079 --> 00:13:38.000
How can we be brave enough to face what's in front of us and move forward?
00:13:39.599 --> 00:13:56.639
Well, let's examine the text because I believe there are four things that become evident that we can lean into as we answer our call from God.
00:13:58.879 --> 00:14:10.879
The first thing when God started talking to Joshua, the first thing he said was that Moses is dead.
00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:14.879
Moses is dead.
00:14:15.199 --> 00:14:28.079
And as I was reading that, I thought about Isaiah, when he said, The king, when King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord.
00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:39.839
King Uzziah was a mighty king, who no doubt many looked to for inspiration and for leadership.
00:14:40.319 --> 00:14:47.599
But once he died and was no longer on the scene, that's when Isaiah had to turn to the Lord.
00:14:49.599 --> 00:15:02.719
And maybe that's you, maybe someone in your life that you depended on to be there for you is no longer there, and you feel alone.
00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:21.039
Mother may be gone, father may be gone, a spouse, a friend, a confidant, a pastor, a coach, somebody that you could always lean on, but they're not there anymore.
00:15:21.360 --> 00:15:22.879
What do you do?
00:15:23.679 --> 00:15:25.679
What did Joshua do?
00:15:26.479 --> 00:15:28.000
Moses wasn't there.
00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:32.240
Moses was a mighty leader, a friend of God.
00:15:35.839 --> 00:15:44.879
But now Joshua had to talk to God for himself, and that's what we have to do.
00:15:45.279 --> 00:15:52.639
Turn to God, have a little talk with Jesus, tell him all about your troubles.
00:15:53.199 --> 00:15:58.399
And as the song says, he will answer by and by.
00:16:01.199 --> 00:16:06.799
So that's the first thing that we have to turn to God.
00:16:09.039 --> 00:16:15.199
And then we have to understand the cost and be determined to pay it.
00:16:16.959 --> 00:16:25.839
The rich young ruler, when he understood the cost, he wasn't willing to pay that cost to his detriment.
00:16:26.959 --> 00:16:38.079
He might have lived well, but I don't think he really lived well because he didn't live out his purpose, the thing that God was calling him to do.
00:16:38.959 --> 00:16:46.639
He was probably always in the back of his mind, he had that thing bothering him, worrying him.
00:16:47.199 --> 00:16:55.039
Just like us, when God is calling us to do something and we cannot rest until it's done.
00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:59.360
Joshua thought about what God was saying to him.
00:16:59.599 --> 00:17:06.559
He realized that it was a tall order, but he purposed in his heart to do it.
00:17:06.880 --> 00:17:22.799
Even the end of the book of Joshua, it says he calls the Israelites together and warns them to purpose in their hearts what they will do.
00:17:23.920 --> 00:17:31.519
He says, But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
00:17:32.319 --> 00:17:41.840
Joshua considered the price and counted up the cost of moving forward with the call of God, and he was focused and he was ready.
00:17:43.039 --> 00:17:49.279
Jesus talked about this in Luke chapter 14, verses 28 and 29.
00:17:49.600 --> 00:18:18.720
He says, For which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it, lest haply after he hath laid the foundation is not able to finish it, all that behold it will begin to mock him.
00:18:20.560 --> 00:18:25.680
Count up the cost, and it's going to be costly.
00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:32.320
But count up the cost so that you're not unprepared.
00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:39.680
This life is not a flowery bed of ease.
00:18:40.560 --> 00:18:51.600
God didn't promise that, but He did promise us that He wouldn't leave us, and so that's the third thing.
00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:55.680
Know God's promise and parameters.
00:18:56.080 --> 00:19:04.960
God said to Joshua, wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you.
00:19:05.440 --> 00:19:17.279
And he goes on, he goes on to say to set the boundaries.
00:19:17.600 --> 00:19:22.080
God is speaking to you and giving you orders.
00:19:22.640 --> 00:19:32.880
But know this, he's not giving it to you all at once, because you can't handle it.
00:19:34.320 --> 00:19:37.519
So take it one day at a time.
00:19:41.120 --> 00:19:48.000
God promised Joshua some things, and he told him all that he would give him.
00:19:49.759 --> 00:20:09.200
But as you read through the book of Joshua, you will see battle after battle, fight after fight, ups and downs, but in the end he was successful.
00:20:12.800 --> 00:20:17.600
And finally, why was he successful?
00:20:18.800 --> 00:20:19.440
Why?
00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:34.480
Well, as we've said, that Joshua knew that he had to turn to God.
00:20:38.800 --> 00:20:43.120
He knew God's promises and parameters.
00:20:44.320 --> 00:20:46.160
He counted up the cost.
00:20:47.840 --> 00:20:54.560
And then he allowed God to quiet the fears inside of him.
00:20:56.000 --> 00:21:05.759
God said to Joshua, No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live.
00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:11.519
For I will be with you as I was with Moses.
00:21:12.640 --> 00:21:17.120
I will not fail you or abandon you.
00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:23.200
Some versions say, leave you nor forsake you.
00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:25.200
That's our God.
00:21:27.120 --> 00:21:29.440
He's right there with us.
00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:39.440
He's giving you a job to do, a mandate.
00:21:41.360 --> 00:21:46.240
He's telling you to fulfill the purpose for which you were created.
00:21:48.640 --> 00:21:49.920
You got this.
00:21:50.800 --> 00:21:52.400
You can do it.
00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:56.000
You can move forward in God.
00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:02.080
You don't think you know what God is calling you to do?
00:22:02.320 --> 00:22:03.440
Ask Him.
00:22:04.560 --> 00:22:06.720
Ask Him to make it plain.
00:22:07.920 --> 00:22:12.960
Perhaps you know that God is calling you, but you don't feel like you can do it.
00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:15.039
You're not capable.
00:22:16.160 --> 00:22:17.680
But oh, you are.
00:22:20.320 --> 00:22:24.400
Because you have the power of God inside of you.
00:22:27.600 --> 00:22:29.680
So the verdict today.
00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:35.920
Is that when God called Joshua, he was brave enough.
00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:38.560
He got the job done.
00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:42.320
And what about you?
00:22:43.360 --> 00:22:46.400
God is no respecter of persons.
00:22:46.800 --> 00:22:51.680
What he did for Joshua and for others, he will do for you.
00:22:54.240 --> 00:23:12.800
So on this noonday, August 7, 2024, put your chin up, straighten your back, focus your gaze on God, and be brave enough to answer the call of God.
00:23:14.240 --> 00:23:15.680
Let us pray.
00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:18.080
Lord, we thank you.
00:23:18.800 --> 00:23:35.759
We thank you for all that you're doing for us, all that you're showing us, for all that you put inside of us, the gifts and talents that we have, that we wonder, why?
00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:38.000
Why am I able to do this?
00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:41.039
Why do I desire to do that?
00:23:42.560 --> 00:23:54.560
And Lord, we know now that you, it's you nudging us, pushing us forward into our purpose.
00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:58.800
And we ask you right now to strengthen us.
00:23:59.519 --> 00:24:02.960
Give us the courage to move forward.
00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:06.800
Help us to count up the cost and be ready.
00:24:08.080 --> 00:24:19.039
Help us to realize that though those others that may have been with us in the past, even though they're no longer with us, Lord, you are here.
00:24:20.560 --> 00:24:23.360
And you alone are enough.
00:24:23.840 --> 00:24:27.759
And you've given us promises, Lord, that we can stand on.
00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:31.120
And we thank you for that today.
00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:35.120
We thank you for what you're doing.
00:24:37.120 --> 00:24:50.960
We ask you to show us, order our steps, guide our hearts and minds as we step out today.
00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:56.000
These things we ask and pray in Jesus' name.
00:24:56.320 --> 00:24:56.960
Amen.
00:24:58.400 --> 00:25:00.720
Amen on today, everybody.
00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:05.920
I thank you again for joining us for the noonday service.
00:25:06.640 --> 00:25:27.200
I've missed all of you, and I feel like the Lord is doing some mighty work all around us as we look around in our world today, as we watch the news, we watch the Olympics, we watch everything that's going on, the storm, all the things that are going on.
00:25:30.080 --> 00:25:32.560
God is using his people.
00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:48.080
And so I ask you today to join in this fight.
00:25:48.800 --> 00:25:53.759
First, to make sure that you have given your life to Jesus Christ.
00:25:55.120 --> 00:26:12.240
And then once you have done that, his Holy Spirit will come inside to live inside of you, to lead you, to guide you, and to give you power to do the things that you need to do.
00:26:12.880 --> 00:26:14.720
So be encouraged.
00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:23.360
And I hope to see you again next week as we continue now that we've started back again our noonday service.
00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:41.200
Now unto him who's able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy to the only wise God, our Savior, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power both now and forevermore.
00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:44.320
Let us all say, Amen.
00:26:45.039 --> 00:26:48.800
I love you all, and you can't do a thing about it.
00:26:49.039 --> 00:26:53.279
Now go and be great for God.
