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Southend on Sea Seventh-Day Adventist Church

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Message from Elder Chris Khuoge

Announced by Southend SDA on Nov 20 2009

The "Joshua and Caleb Moment"has come!

 As the children of Israel approached the Jordan River, just when they were on the verge of getting into Canaan, the land that was promised to be theirs, they sent out 12 spies to go, view the land and bring a report of what they saw.

 But we notice that although they all looked at the same thing, yet they perceived different things. They discerned different things. Many a time, it does not matter what you look at. But your faith and belief will determine what you see.

And therefore ten of the spies saw danger, disaster, imminent slaughter, failure if they were to inhabit the very inheritance that they were promised. They looked at themselves, and saw themselves like grasshoppers.

 But Joshua and Caleb, in their eyes of faith, saw a different picture. They captured a snapshot of themselves swimming in the milk and honey as it flowed. They did not focus and their size and weaknesses. Instead, Joshua and Caleb focused on God the Almighty and so their report was; "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it, God is with us." Numbers 13:30

 The last few months have been hard for the Southend church family. We have had to deal with deaths and difficulties in relationships. It continues to be a greater struggle for those families and individuals that are directly involved. It is therefore tempting to look at the future and our goal as hard to reach and unattainable.

 But take heart, "God is with us" Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning" Psalm 30:5 God has already fought the war, the battle is already won, and we are only here to claim the victory.

 And so as we move forward decisively, let us focus not on our infirmities, but on the power of God. We do not fight a visible war, and therefore it is not my human might, prowess, nor human power or human influence, but it is by the Holy Spirit. "Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts" Zechariah 4:6 NASB)

Are we going to make it? I say, yes. Can we be found on the Lord's side when He comes? I say "Yes, We can!"  How? You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Let us therefore enter the New Year with renewed vigour and reclaim what is already ours in all areas of our lives. And we can, by all means, pray the prayer of Jabez, who prayed to God, "Oh that You would bless me indeed, and expand my territory". 1 Chronicles 4:10

 This is indeed our "Joshua and Caleb Moment" of claiming God's Promises.

 May God bless us all!

But take heart, "God is with us" Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning" Psalm 30:5 God has already fought the war, the battle is already won, and we are only here to claim the victory.