How To Possess Your Future

Date: 12 September 2008
Speaker: Sister Pamela
Venue: My Home

Possess = Taking ownership

Joshua 1:1-11
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’”

What is in Joshua's future? Just like everyone else', it is a mixture of blessings and battles.

How are we to possess our future?

1) Set up a plan.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

God spoke to Joshua.

Joshua 1:2-3
“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.

Joshua's reply of immediacy.

Joshua 1:11
“Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’”

The future belongs to those who prepares for it.

"Moses My servant is dead." = In order to advance, you must let go of your past.

2) Stay in the Word.

It is very easy to side-track from God's Word.

Joshua 1:7
Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

Place your vision infront of you as a guide and goal, and run towards it.

Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth (constantly encourage and edify each other), but you shall meditate in it day and night (think about His Word regularly), that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it (have spiritual obedience). For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

How much of your time do you set aside for God? Avail yourself for God.

3) Step out in faith.

Faith is an action, not just a belief.

"Be strong and couragous" was repeated 3 times through verses 6,7 and 9.

When you want to step out in faith, the devil will distract and discourage you. Therefore, be strong and courageous!

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Courage is moving ahead inspite of your fears.

Joshua was a great man because he was committed to a great God. God and us make the best team.