EXPANDED INSIGHTS
The following information is simply some basic information to help you get students thinking about thequestion, “I’ve spent time with God, now what?” and to drive home this one truth: Practice the presence of Christ throughout your day.
INTRODUCE THE TOPIC
We have spent the past few weeks talking about spending quality time with God. We have talked about whatthe nature of our hearts should be when we are spending time with God, and what time spent with Godshould look like. We even discussed some strategies that would help us side step a few landmines that mightprevent us from getting the most out of our quality time with God.But what is all of this extra time with God leading to? Is there an inherent benefit to spending this kind of time with God, or am I doing it just because He said I should? Well, yes, to both. Let’s not kid ourselves intothinking that everyone who spends a certain amount of time with God and does his best to maintain a habitof spending time with Him will find a secret formula for a physical, material world pay-off. What this personwill find, however, is a balanced approach to life designed by the Creator of life.Look at if from a different angle with something completely non-spiritual. Imagine that NASA has called andthey have elected you to be the first student leader in space. You have dreamt of this chance your whole lifeand cannot believe that it is finally going to happen. You are flown to the Kennedy Space Center to beginyour aerospace training for your solo flight, but instead of being greeted by rocket designers and veteranastronauts, you are greeted by former space monkeys. You know, the monkeys they send into space to testthe biological effects of space travel on living beings. Now which would you rather have training you—theguy who designed the rocket, or the monkey who has to be sedated before take-off?God has given us instructions in His Word about how to best live our lives. And those instructions clearlystate that we live best when we live in a relationship with God, His Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Today weare going to wrap up by discussing what happens after we have learned how to spend quality time with ourFriend, God.
POINTS TO FOCUS ON
1. Realize that God is always with you.
Talk about God showing up in a God-sized way – just look at the story of Joshua. God didn’t just barge intothis story; He had been there all along. Joshua had seen God perform so many great miracles. Joshua hadstood on God’s side when others wouldn’t, and he had experienced the positive aspects of being on theobedience side of the Most Holy God. But still, human doubt and insecurities can set in quickly – especiallywhen you’re in a leadership position.God, however, in His infinite wisdom and mercy – always knows what to say and how to encourage. Look athis words to Joshua:
Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the L
ORD
your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
God asked this rhetorical question because He knew well that Joshua would be comforted and reminded of allthe many times that God had come through for Him before and how this time would not be different. Joshuaneeded this encouragement as he stepped into the leadership role of God’s people. They had come to theedge of the Promised Land and now it was time to move across the Jordan and actually begin taking the land. There were certainly lots of uncertainties and questions about what would face them as they moved across.Notice that God didn’t spell out every detail of what they would face, He just reminded Joshua that He wouldbe with regardless. Because of God’s presence, Joshua had the foundation to be a fearless, strong, andcourageous leader. In the following verses and chapters we see Joshua confidently commanding his troops.Not suggesting. Not hinting. We see him leading with the confidence of God paving the way for him. Isn’t itextraordinary that subtle and simple encouragement from God can yield significant, God-sized, Kingdom
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