Breaking Walls To Advance God's Kingdom

Walls are helpful.  They secure and keep the bad elements out.  However, in an organization walls can impede and slow down progress.   Walls of tradition - we've never done it before that way, walls of doubt - we don't have enough to make that happen, and walls of apathy - maybe i can skip church this sunday, these are some walls that needs to be broken down.   When God was about to settle His children to the promised land, He led Joshua and the Israelites how to overcome the great walls of Jericho.  Here are three things that displayed the majesty and greatness of God.

• The Presence of God.  Joshua 5:13-15.  Joshua was ready to do his own thing, but God had greater plans.  He is neither for them or his enemies.   First, the General Joshua had to know who the real person in charge is - I am the captain of the army of the Lord.  Second, General Joshua need to nurture his relationship with God through worship - take off your sandals.  Before he can break any walls, he needs to break you.   

• The Word of God.  Joshua 6:1-5.   What breakdown walls is by listening to God's word.  God word to Joshua was specific.   Meditating on it and asking the question, "how does this apply to me?" are important steps when in His word.     Information is good, but transformation is God's design for his word.  

• The Partnership of God's people.  Joshua 6:6-26.   The miracle can only happen through God's people.  They do the work at dawnbreak.  They marched more than what was done from the previous six days.   And when the horns blared, the people joined in with a shout.  God can mysteriously destroy every barrier that slows your church down.  He can even just do it through you.  But, God's plan of advancing His kingdom involves all of His people.  

Every church face great walls.  What will break those down?  His presence, His word and His people working together.   The church needs to prioritize worship, preaching of the word and the work of the Lord.   Don't run away when you see a wall - let God rumble it down.

Discussion:  What walls are your church facing that's hindering its progress?   Can God break down those wall?  How?

Prayer:  Father, help us to understand how important for the church to be in your presence through worship, to prioritize what you say through your word and to work together.   We pray that your work will advance through us.   In Jesus Name.  Amen.