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The River Crossing

  • Now after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh,* Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying, 'Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go across this Jordan, you, and all these people, to the land which I am giving to them, even to the children of Israel. I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses. Joshua 1:1 WEB

    Painful memories came to Joshua's mind as the Lord told him to get ready and cross over to the promised land. Joshua was now about eighty years old. Forty years ago they had gone to explore this land but when it came time to cross over, instead of obeying God as they should have, the people became paralyzed with fear and wanted to go back to Egypt.

    God gave them a chance to enter the Promised Land, but they said 'We cannot do this!' So they wandered in the wilderness for forty years, until that entire unbelieving generation died off. Then the Lord brought the next generation to the river and told them to cross over.

    Joshua had to ask himself, 'Will the people actually go this time, or will we have to take some more laps around that mountain?' I am sure that he breathed a sigh of relief once they had crossed the Jordan river and were on the other side. At least they had made it across the river this time.

    "Now I desire to remind you, though you already know this, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who didn't believe." (Jude 1:5).

    If you feel that God is telling you to do something, do not let fear hold you back. You can go so far and accomplish so much if you will just step out in faith and trust Him. Be the one that trusted God and crossed the river. Our God is able to do what He said that He would do. Those who trust in Him will not be disappointed. Just don't give up and lay down your sword in the middle of the battle. See it through to the end.

    Prayer: Father, I choose to trust in You today for You are everything to me. Lead me and I will follow. Point the way, and I will go. Put Your words in my mouth and I will share them with others, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: Good morning! The highlighted group of the week is "Real Support for Military Families", dedicated to providing encouragement and prayer to those in service and the families who support them. If you are part of such a family or would like to help pray for them, you can find them under the "Groups" link on the site menu. ALSO, the Healthful Living group is hosting a challenge for May called "Faith Building". We will be posting scriptures, testimonies, stories, and thoughts that inspire our faith in God. If you would like to participate, please feel free to join the event. Have a blessed day!

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39 comments
  • 2
Mari Kaufmann
Mari Kaufmann Amen
May 2, 2016
  • 2
Tracy Carroll
Tracy Carroll WOW!!! What a great message this morning!! I know God wants me to do something in my life and I'm trying, but, that FEAR keeps holding me back from completing what He wants from me. I will over come,,, I wont lay down my sword this time!! God bless!!!  :)
May 2, 2016
  • 2
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen!
May 2, 2016
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, I surely understand how you feel, I guess sometimes we just have to let go and let God have His way, thats what I am trying to do in my search for the journey and the path that I feel God is taking me on. God bless you.
May 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Mike OBryan
Mike OBryan               Good Morning!!! Great Teaching Pastor,,, Support for Military!! Hum my life story!! I shall keep this in mind!! I'm presently healing from a major hit to My body,.. In that been Praying for healing of all of Me!! Seems I've been shut down for some time--after the true Me, getting through different issues!! Generally as the event-healing truely takes hold of Me geat excitment and His all truly pumps through Me! I'm a over comer indeed!!!!
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen, Mike, You are an overcomer in Christ Jesus.
May 2, 2016
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, you surely will be an overcome. God bless you.
May 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Linda Cella
Linda Cella Amen
May 2, 2016
  • 2
Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr Amen.
May 2, 2016
  • 2
Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr Amen.
May 2, 2016
  • 2
Dorene Glaze
Dorene Glaze GOOD MESSAGE
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Kath Paro
Kath Paro Hello Dion ~ I really had to think before I responded to this message.  I am in the middle of a struggle.  In my heart and soul I feel I am following Jesus's direction.  It feels like the right thing to do.  People important to me are challenging me saying I am doing is only for myself and not for the other person.  I am getting nothing from this except satisfaction that I am carrying Jesus's word and helping another person who needs to have his faith deepened.  I am being told I am meddling and doing the wrong thing, I have stood firm in my position.  My spiritual adviser is saying I am just trying to justify my self and I really know I'm doing wrong.  I don't feel I am!  I'm a lone wolf in this struggle.  I doubt one minute and then Jesus renews my faith and the feeling disappears.  Your input would be valuable.  Thank you Dion.
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Kath, You serve God and not man, It doesn't matter what man says. You are not serving man but God. God will let you know what to do, through the Holy Spirit. God says be still and know that I am God. God does not give us a spirit of fear. He promices us a life of joy and peace. If you have fear about something, wait on God to show you what He wants you to do, then step out in faith and do it.
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Dion Todd
Dion Todd Hi Kath, I really have no idea what you are facing there but if you want to send me a private message, I would be glad to answer you in a more detailed way. Or you can just reply to the devotional email that you get from us. Other than that, don't let things grow too big in your mind. Soon all of this will be a memory. 
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Kath Paro
Kath Paro I tried to send you a message but couldn't yet, we aren't friends yet!  I've discussed the situation with my husband.  I asked him to listen to me all the way through with no interruptions and he heard what I said!  He finally agreed that I did what I felt Jesus had directed me to do and he would probably do just what I did in the same situation.  The weight of it all is off me now.   Praise the Lord!  Jesus just told me to wait, the right time would come and it DID!!  Thank you Dion.
May 2, 2016
  • 2
Kathie Byram Lopez
Kathie Byram Lopez Thank you for the message .I have to let go of this Fear .And have more Faith.
May 2, 2016
  • 2
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen, I do think that fear holds us back from serving God like we should, I to pray for peace in serving my God.
May 2, 2016
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
May 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Prayers for you going up, that your fears will be gone and will be replaced with hope and joy and peace.
May 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Pastor Dion, this is such a good devotion. God wants us to trust Him ans step out in faith. We will never know what God has for us until we are willing to step out in faith. I believe I serve a BIG God, and He can do anything He wants with me IF I will just trust Him/ The Holy Spirit speaks very loud, and I want to listen to what He tells me to do. He will guide me into all truth, and I serve a God that can.
May 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Amen.
May 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Audry Reddy
Audry Reddy Thank you!I really needed this today!
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;. I have found that when I obey that still small voice and trust In the Lord, no matter how unsure I am of myself, He always helps me to perform the task. Not just finish the task but to finish it well! God is so good!
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli AMEN!!
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Amen pastor!  
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Nicole Summers
Nicole Summers Amen.
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝ Amen!! I have many painful memories that do paralyzed and cause fear. It got worse after my operation in 2010. Then a lot more happen. I'l been talking to Jesus a lot daily and in bed at night. I've been taking some srops forward. Saturday night I wanted to take a shower and was anxious. I've been getting baths and washing my hair in the wash tub for a long time now due to my balance. I told my husband I was going to take a shower listen in case I would fall. I placed a large wash cloth on the tub floor to be safe. My husband didn't want me doing this and the doctor told me baths until i'm done dropping medication. Well I did it anyways I just had this strong feelings I wanted a shower. I got into the shower washed my hair then I got washed after. I was anxious but would keep saying Jesus, your with me I know your here. I never stopped taking to Jesus. Then I started to think about Peter, when they saw the Lord walking on water. He Lord is that you and Jesus, said yes Peter. He told Peter, to step out of the boat. Peter, thought about it then he did. Once he was on the water he got scared lost faith and he went down. I was telling Jesus, i'm anxious but i'm in it until the end of my shower. Well I did finish then after my shower I was tired from being anxious. I wiped the shower down then combed my hair out. I was dryed off then put on my Pj's and went into my bedroom. I did well and I was very thankfull to my Lord. It helped me feel good about myself seen how far I've come with the Lord. I felt like that was a big blessing from the Lord. Amen Last night I dropped again 2 mg. but it's a drop. I was at 27 mg today i'm at 25 mg. i'm taking it low and slow to be safe.  I feel getting on here daily and reading the groups verses and prayers helps me a lot. Amen. Thank you Pastor Dion for the beautiful devotions you write daily. <3 
May 2, 2016
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member God is so good, I am so happy for you, please always be careful and always let someone be there with you, when you do something that makes you anxious. I know that its very hard to keep dropping these meds, but I am believing for a miracle and that things are going to quickly be over and you will feel like yourself again. Love you so much my precious friend. You are daily in my thoughts and prayers. Good things are going to happen.
May 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝ Tamara, i'll be dropping this into Fall. I'm dropping low doses every 25 to 30 days and  i'm only at 25 mg. now. It's going to be the 4th. summer doing this and at the lake I stay to myself. I don't even go out on the boat. I love my neighbor who lives there years round. She's the one who's daughter and husband was killed by the son in law. It was in Abbeville, S,C. remember I told you the story. She's from the lake was born there but lived in the soucth until 2006 when it happen. I love her and spending time with her. She lifts my spirts up and I lift her up. <3 I just love her so much. Oh and sice I just dropped i'll be back to my baths I have to say it was hard on me but it was nice that I did it. Felt good the warm water on my neck. :-)
May 2, 2016
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member I will be praying for you my sweet friend. I pray this summer at the lake will be better for you, that you will be able to get out and enjoy doing things you want to do. But just take care of yourself, take one day at a time and don't over do yourself. You are so precious to my heart and sou. Love you bunches.
May 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝ Tamara, thank you love you too and pray your summer goes well. You take one day at a time too. You know what i'm going threw I feel for you but can't say I know what your going threw but I do know bad pain. That's all I can say that would relate to you. God Bless You!!! Jesus, I pray you keep carrying Tamara until she had a complete healing. I pray for her pain to get better every day. Jesus, keep your hands in the midst with her medical staff and anyone who cares for her while healing. I pray in Jesus, Name. Amne. <3 May my prayers go up and blessings come down upon, Tamara. Love You!!! <3 ***hugs***
May 2, 2016
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Thank you so much, Diane for your love and care and for all your precious prayers. They touch my heart and soul every day, because I know you are praying for me and all the wonderful prayers that have been prayed for me have been what has kept me going and helping me through each day. Together we will all stand in prayer for each other that whatever is hurting us or troubling our hearts or making us feel bad, we will believe together that Jesus is going to heal and make the way for all of us. Love you so much my precious friend.
May 3, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝ Amen!!! I agree, Tamara. The withdrawal feelings started to kick in today. If I text something wrong forgive me. I am trying to reast and let it take it's course. I love you my dear friend and i'll be praying while I pray for many everyday as I sit in my room. Love You!!! <3 ***hugs*** 
May 3, 2016
  • 1
Kathie Byram Lopez
Kathie Byram Lopez Forgive me for jumping in ,but I have been reading post's and realize I am not the only one with the same problem.I am praying for you please pray for me .
May 3, 2016
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member A wonderful message of faith and hope and trusting that everything will work out. Lord lead and guide me to the places that You would have me to go and may I be that willing servant.
May 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Janet Marsh-Lord
Janet Marsh-Lord Thank you Pastor Dion for this message of trust and hope for the future. Point the way Lord and I will go.... Thank you. Amen.
May 2, 2016
  • 1
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thanks! Pastor Dion!  Lord, Put Your words in my mouth and I will share them with others, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
May 3, 2016
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus Amen!
May 3, 2016
  • 1
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh Amen.Lord help me to be bold in sharing your word and love with others,and give me the wisdom and your word to speak to others,and to be lead by The Holy Spirit,in all that I do and say.In Jesus name I pray .
May 3, 2016