2016 Destiny Is Calling Spring Issue

JOSHUA–DESTINED SPIRITUAL
LEADER
The success of a leader must be measured over
time. You cannot accurately gauge the effectiveness of
the a persons leadership abilities by a single moment. In
the eyes of my 3 year old son I am a leader. To get to
our destination, the ball field, we must cross the parking
lot. We had to wait for the Car to pass by before we
could cross over to the other side. How often do our
moments within our life look like we are standing still
and doing nothing only to find out that was the best
course of action at that moment. If we put our hands in
God's omniscient hands we are sure to reach our destination
safely and no sooner than we need to be
there. Looking back, all my son remembers is that we
had a great time at the ball field. The moments that we
were not moving now have purpose and aided us in
achieving our destiny.
The Bible tells us, in 2 Peter 3:9, not to confuse slowness
with patience. God has good thoughts for those
who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior. As
Lord over our life, we willfully accept Him as our spiritual
leader and endeavor to obey His commands. We
must trust Him, as our navigator, as we journey toward
our destinies. Yes, I said destinies. You see, Jeremiah
29:11 speaks of 'plans/thoughts' not just a 'plan/
thought'. As we go through life we will encounter many
destinations along the way. Not all of the destinations
will bring about the same joys and excitement, but all
are essential to us growing in the knowledge and in understanding
the love of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). As
we grow, we serve as a model for those around us. They
are witnesses to a life that is devoted to serving God and
allowing Him direct their paths. As they embrace this
way of living, the success of the leader begins to take
shape. Keep the faith, continue serving, stay on the
path, and remember that with God all things are possible.
As we do these things a radical transformation can
take place in the lives of those around us.
A level of trust/faith builds that will stand the test of
time. A level That will endure the setbacks and moments
that appear contrary to forward progress towards
the destiny God has in store for them. In closing I leave
you with this: " Israel served the Lord all the days of
Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived
Joshua, who had known all the works of the Lord which
he had done for Israel." (Joshua 24:31 NKJV) Wow!
What a statement to sum up a leaders life. God Bless.
'Min. Cedric Swinney
ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?
1corinthians 2:9 9 but just as it is written [in Scripture],
“THINGS WHICH THE EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND THE EAR HAS NOT
HEARD, AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,
ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE
HIM [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him,
and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed].”
(AMP)
Not only do you have and inheritance but your whole family
has an inheritance. Gen 13:15, But you cannot lead your family
into the promises, visions, and dreams that God has given
you if they don't believe. They may repeatedly ask you questions
such as when will God move on our behalf? Where are
you leading us? How long will it take for us to reach our destination?
As leaders, let's face it we don’t always have all the
answer to everyone questions. So it is wise to just say I don't
know. Be honest and let them know that you are praying
about all of their concerns as well as your own. Remind
them of what God has said to you and assure them that as
long as we follow the Holy Spirit, He will indeed direct our
path and make things clearer to us as we continue to follow
Him. He is the revealer of all truth, John 16:13. God is counting
on you to lead your family, to lead your congregation
into a land flowing with milk and honey Exodus 3:8.
No matter what people may think, there is always a process
and a time to move out in faith about what God has told you
to do. We see this in Joshua 1:2 Moses had died and now it
is Joshua time to lead. As believers, we all have a rich inheritance
in Jesus Christ Ephesians 1:11-14. God always keeps
His promises don't be moved by what you don't see in the
physical realm yet! You have to trust God enough to know
that He is doing something that you can't see 1corinthians 2:9
and that He is working things out for your good Romans
8:28.You must believe that God is all powerful and no matter
what God has shown you or told you to do, nothing is too
hard for God Jeremiah 32:27.
Like, Joshua, you have to trust God and believe what He says
is true. Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous!
Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD
your God is with you wherever you go.” He will walk with
you every step of the way. Sometimes you have to reflect on
all the things that God has already done in your life and the
lives of others to motive you to keep moving forward.
Joshua knew personally the miracles that took place during
the leadership of Moses. This made Joshua’s faith in God
strong. If you say that you believe that God is all-powerful,
that alone should build your faith. Don't let doubt keep you
from what God has for you in this season. Be a courageous
go-getter!2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of
fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I strongly
encourage you today be courageous and go get what God has
waiting for you!
Prophet Pamela Swinney