Praise, Rise Up, Stand Strong, Worthy of It All

Who are the most important young people in your life right now? What are you doing to invest in them and their future that will help develop them as godly and effective leaders?

Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, 2 “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. 3 Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. 5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

The apostle Paul tells young Timothy to not let others look down on his youthfulness (1 Timothy 4:12). Many young leaders have impacted the world throughout history. A leader is not a leader because he has the title – it is somebody who has influence, has followers. A real leader does not even need a title to make an impact for God’s kingdom. The future of the church does not depend on keeping young people entertained, but to call them to costly obedience to Christ (John Piper). Let’s see HOW GOD DEVELOPS LEADERS:

OBEDIENCE

One of CCF’s core values is “Obedience (to God and authorities).” We first encounter Joshua in Exodus 17:9-11. Later, Moses appointed him to lead Israel to fight in a battle. Meanwhile, Moses went up a hill to pray. Even before this battle, Joshua was always with Moses who was training him (Exodus 33:11). Joshua learned to submit to authority from his youth. A leader must first learn to obey before he can lead others effectively. Obedience implies a willingness to learn. Warren Wiersbe said that “Before God uses a person greatly, He trains them deeply in the school of obedience.”  Before any man can lead, he must first learn to be an excellent follower (US Navy SEAL). There are different authorities mentioned in the Bible:

1. God – Scriptures (Acts 4:19-20)
2. Parental (Ephesians 6:1-3)
3. Husband (Ephesians 5:22-24)
4. Government (Romans 13:1-2)
5. Employer (1 Peter 2:18)
6. Pastor-church (Hebrews 13:17)

90% of God’s will is revealed through His designated authorities. It’s not hard to know God’s will if we only learn to submit to authorities. Children are reminded by Scripture to obey and honor their parents in the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:1-3). When children learn this, they will submit to other authorities as they progress in life.

Joshua obeyed Moses and learned the importance of seizing the opportunity to exercise leadership (Exodus 17:9-11). As Moses kept praying with hands up, Israel’s army prevailed, overwhelming the enemy (vv. 12-13). Spiritual warfare was as real as the battle Joshua was fighting with swords. Moses’ raised hands was a picture for Joshua to see the power of prayer and teamwork, as Aaron and Hur supported Moses. Obedience taught Joshua so much, preparing him for his great future.

FAITH

Believers walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). When God asks us to do something, by faith we follow and obey. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and we must believe that God is who He says He is, and a rewarder of those who seek (Hebrews 11:6). We must seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Faith always has to have an object.

Like Joshua, good leaders have great faith in a great God. Moses sent twelve spies into the Promise Land before they entered (Numbers 13-14). They came back reporting about a good land flowing with fruit, milk, and honey. But ten out of twelve described strong inhabitants, with fortified cities, and that giants were in the land. They concluded that they will not be able to go up against them. These ten gave bad reports, focused on the big problems and obstacles! What we conclude about what we see depend on our perspective: by our own human ideas, or in accordance with what God sees. The ten spies compared themselves with the giants, whilst the two (Joshua and Caleb) compared the giants with God” (FB Meyer). The object of faith should always be God’s character and promises! Joshua and Caleb spoke in a contrarian perspective (Numbers 14:6-10) exhibiting great faith in the Lord. The people responded by wanting to stone Joshua and Caleb! Lack of faith and unbelief is a very serious sin, and the people experienced heavy consequences — they will die in the wilderness, not making it to the Promise Land (Numbers 14:27,29-30). Are we always complaining and grumbling, or thankful to God at all times and in all circumstances?

COURAGE

Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the inner strength to do what is right. It is a decision to act in faith despite fear, trusting in God’s faithfulness and power and leaving the consequences to Him. Many of us fear different things – and fear can be paralyzing. The apostles prayed for boldness and courage, and the power of the Holy Spirit filled them to speak God’s Word with boldness (Acts 4:29). Joshua needed courage to lead after Moses died. God gave Joshua the mission and His promises, especially His presence and victory (Joshua 1). God encouraged him to be STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. If we follow His ways, He will give us success. The first obstacle to the Promised Land was Jericho – they must conquer the city, and God gave Joshua a plan to circle the city once every day for 6 days (Joshua 6:2-5). On the 7^th day, after going around 7 times, they gave a shout. The wall fell, and they infiltrated the city. Courage is the willingness to follow God – and the wall exactly fell on the 7^th day after going around it on the 7^th round as God declared! By faith, the walls of Jericho fell (Hebrews 11:30).

CONSECRATION

Joshua was defeated in the next battle (Joshua 7). To consecrate is to set apart, dedicate, devote, and surrender one’s life fully to God. Joshua didn’t give up; God commanded them to CONSECRATE themselves – they can’t stand against their enemies until they surrender the things that were not pleasing to God. Consecration is surrendering everything to God, living in obedience, faith, and courage (Joshua 3:5). Throughout Joshua’s life and leadership, they saw God’s faithfulness at work (Joshua 23:14-15). His full conviction is to choose to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). We always serve something, or someone. Will we run after our temporal idols, or run and follow God, committing to live for His glory and lead with His purpose in mind?

Pray for the Lord to bless our families, church, government institutions, workplaces and campuses with godly and qualified leaders.

Help raise up the next generation of young leaders by discipling youth in your families, in church, etc.

Share about Jesus to a young person in your life this month!

• Worship God for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do in our lives.

• Upright and moral governance of public servants; repentance and salvation for government leaders and citizens for a Christ-centered Philippines.

• For legislators to promote and support bills and laws aligned with God’s Word.

• War in Ukraine to end, loss of lives prevented.

• For the rest of the Israeli hostages to be restored to their families safely. For Israel’s war with terrorists to end according to God’s purpose and for His glory.

• Pray for Jewish people worldwide who are experiencing a surge of antisemitism; may this lead them to the Messiah, Jesus as they turn to God for help and comfort.

• For protection of Iranian, Syrian and Lebanese Christians and other minorities, and freedom from oppression. Pray for the gospel to spread rapidly throughout their region.

• Pray for Sudanese and Nigerian persecuted Christians; earnestly seek God’s intervention to stop the bloodshed. Pray for freedom from oppression, that God’s word and His people bring them comfort and hope.

• That CCF Members would honor and love God and make disciples.

• Elders, pastors, dleaders, and families (holy, humble, harmonious, happy, heart-working).

• Ministries and churches expand worldwide.

• Worship and Training Center

• Prayer Mountain

• Deeper intimate relationship with God.

• Righteous living.

• Salvation of family and friends.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”