Sermon 8-2-17 : Joshua and the Trumpets

Electric Wine Opener

some things surprise us

we don’t know what to do with them; we don’t know how to figure them out

Summarize

Obstacles in our lives.

hard to see the direct application

I don’t chance upon many walled cities

apparently they hadn’t heard of detours

if you can walk around it, just keep walking

don’t often secure the help of ladies of the night - sometimes, but not often

how does this apply to me?

they’ve got an obstacle, and they need to overcome it

financial obstacles

marriage obstacles

work obstacles

stress is an obstacle

health obstacles

3 Ways to Conquer the Obstacles in our Lives

Remember that this is about what God is doing, not what you can do.

This story open with the revelation that everything that is about to happen is the work of God, not Joshua

It’s easy to want to rely on ourselves when we run up against obstacle

IGNITE’s early struggle and God speaking at the botanical gardens.

Keys to Relying on God

Prayer

Scripture

Fasting

Make it your first priority.

6:11-12

Studies show that people who wake up early tend to be more successful

People who make their bed first thing in the morning tend to get more done.

There’s something about making something your first priority in the day.

What Joshua shows us is that when it comes to seeking God’s help in overcoming obstacles, we have to make working alongside God our first priority

Example:

if you’re praying for your marriage to get better, a kind to your spouse needs to be the first thing out of your mouth in the morning

if you’re praying for improved health, exercise first thing, make sure that first meal is a healthy one, schedule a dr. appt without delay

if you’re praying for miraculous hair growth, call Hair Club today!

if you’re praying to grow spiritually, be disciplined about praying first thing, having your devo in the morning, so that nothing can get in the way

get up early if you have to

and if God speaks, then you can’t afford to waste a second

when God spoke to me in the botanical gardens, I couldn’t just go grab lunch, or watch a TV show, I had to jump into scripture and figure out what those words meant that very moment; it was my main focus

Are you making the things you pray for a priority?

Have ridiculous faith.

6:15-16,20

[Reenact how foolish it looked shouting a wall.]

How dumb would I look if I walked over to this wall and just yelled “ahh!”?

Wheelbarrow story.

Conclusion

Where are you going to have ridiculous faith?

Where are you going to trust God to conquer the obstacles in your life?

This is what Jesus does for us. If he can conquer the grave, he can conquer anything.

Maybe you’ve been relying on yourself too long.

Maybe you’ve been doubting God could do it.

Maybe you’re thinking, “yah baby, that’s my Jesus”

I want you to pray with me.