Message for June 22, 2025 from Pastor Shirley

You have not been this way before-

As I heard those words, I am reminded of the Scriptures in Joshua 1:9, where God told Joshua,  “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”                                  
Moses had died, now Joshua was to lead the people into the land promised by God. Then we read in Joshua 3:3-4: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.”  

An entire generation is standing on the edge of a great shift.  After 40 years of living in the desert, the Israelites are finally moving to the land God has promised them.                                                                                                                        
The “ark of the covenant” mentioned in the above Scripture was a special, gold-plated wooden chest that housed the presence of God. God instructed the people that when the ark moved forward (by a Levitical priest carrying it), they were to move from their position. 

I translated God  saying to the Israelites, “I know you haven’t done this before,” “but if you keep your eyes on Me (the presence), I’ll show you the way.”

Praise and thanks be to Jesus, we no longer need a chest to carry God in our midst to know which way to go.  The moment we accepted the salvation that Jesus, our Savior, offered, the Holy Spirit moved into us and guides our every step. 

Many times in life, we are called to step out into unfamiliar places. In those times, we step out in faith and follow His Presence. Following His Presence is obedience to His Word. When the ark moved forward, (His Presence), they were to move from their position. Could God be saying to you, You have stayed there long enough, it is time to move? I know you have not been this way before. Trust ME! I will go with you.  

The Presence of God is what leads us to the will of God and the purpose of God.   Your blessings are waiting for you there.