The Giver and Sustainer of Life

Text: Joshua 1:3-5 Theme: It is God who initiates and perpetuates our journey home. Key verses: “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebenon, and from the great river…to the Great Sea.” (v. 3-4) “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (v. 5) What God said to me: I did, I will, I was, I will. I did promise Moses. I will keep that promise to you. I was with Moses. I will be with you… I, I, I, I. Dwayne, your life isn’t really about you; As strange as that may sound, as paradoxical as it is, life – your real life, to be exact, is all about me. Before the foundations of the earth, I choose you and predestined you to be with me. While you were still in your mom’s womb, I carefully formed you so nothing got overlooked. You were perfectly prepared to fulfill the life I had determined for you. Before Joshua needed to hear any words about his responsibilities or his part in this thing called life and leadership, he first of all had to clearly understand Who started it all and Who will finish the process. That was not ever meant for Joshua’s shoulders. No man alive will ever have that privilege or that ability. The role of Author and Finisher of your faith is mine and mine alone. I have much for you to do. There is much for which you will be held accountable. We will get to all that. But first, get this: I will lead you every step of the way and will empower you beyond your most ambitious requests and dreams. Accept this by faith with joy in surrender. Dwayne, your life is hidden with me in my Son. When it comes to whether you experience real life and abundant fulfillment, it is my way or else the highway…to destruction. What I said to God: Father, I am extremely glad and thankful to be calling You that this morning. You gave me life and commissioned me to Your service. I acknowledge that I have no life at all without You. And I know that any leading I do among Your people will be because You ordained it. And any effective leading and influencing from me will be because You are with me anointing me and guiding me. Hallelujah to the King, the Giver of all real life! My First and Last, Lord – that is truly what I joyfully and humbly accept You to be in my most abundant version of life.