ARE YOU IN THE PROMISED LAND?

Let's start off with these questions:

What is the promised land to you? Are you there now? Or you waiting to enter in?

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The promised land in the Old Testament was a literal place. It represented God's abundance, fulfillment and a place to dwell with Him.

When I prompted this question at a SAVOR Dinner, most of the ladies signaled that they are still waiting to enter into the promised land. I would've raised my hand with them if it was just a couple days prior.

God began to unravel certain areas of my heart on why it can feel as though I haven't yet "arrived."

The simple way to describe my "promised land" would be:

no battles, no opposition, just pure bliss and fulfillment in God.

In so many ways I feel like I'm experiencing God's promises, but why does it feel like I'm struggling to still overcome in certain areas? How can these two co-exist?

The Lord led me to the book of Joshua. This is where they were about to enter into the land God had given them. All they needed to do was enter in.

Just as they were at the cusp, they saw that there were giants in the land.

Intimidation, fear, doubt, insecurity and hopelessness entered their hearts.

Even though the promised land was given, it was up to them to possess it.

Joshua and Caleb were filled with faith and were able to encourage the others. “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” — Numbers 13:30

They didn't deny the giants, they just refused to magnify them above God.

Jesus Is the Promised Land

I share this story, because I'm sure myself and many others can feel like we are outside of the promised land just hoping to enter in, but intimidation, fear, insecurity, and hopelessness are staring you right in the face. The truth is, whatever giant is in front of you, you can take courage because of those who have found themselves in Jesus can enter into His REST. To rest is to experience the promised land a.k.a "The Promised One."

His presence dwells within every believer, which means you HAVE fully entered in. In His presence, there is freedom, healing, contentment, peace, love and so much more. It's time to possess the land!

Will you occupy it?

"1 Now the promise of entering into God’s rest is still for us today. So we must be extremely careful to ensure that we all embrace the fullness of that promise and not fail to experience it. 2 For we have heard the good news of deliverance just as they did, yet they didn’t join their faith with the Word. Instead, what they heard didn’t affect them deeply, for they doubted. 3 For those of us who believe, faith activates the promise and we experience the realm of confident rest! "

Hebrews 4:1-3

"Yet, they didn't join their faith with the word"

Where have we not joined our faith with the Word? Where have we heard the enemies voice- "Did God really say?"- Genesis 3:1

Next time we hear that voice, combat it with the Word and remind yourself that, in Jesus, His promises are Yes & AMEN! -2 Corinthians 1:20.

Types Of Land

Now that we know the "land" is indeed ours. What land do you need to possess?

1. Land in your mind.

2. Land for family and your future generations.

3. Land in your jobs, projects, ministries and businesses God's appointed you to.

What is the giant that is intruding that land? And how will you fight it?

I'm going to make it really simple! If you haven't figured it out yet, you can't fight that giant in your own strength and I wouldn't suggest trying.

The only way that giant will leave your land, the only battle you need to focus on winning is:

THE BATTLE FOR INTIMACY

When you win that battle-

giants are removed,

faith grows,

strength is given,

&

love fills the heart and casts out all fear.

Then, and only then will we see clearly who our God is. The name above every name!

Just like Joshua and Caleb didn't deny their giants but instead they refused to magnify them above God.

When we win the battle of intimacy. God is magnified and we get the beautiful privilege of knowing Him. He didn't give bits of himself, He gave All of himself.

Let's not be people who are in the promised land and still live beneath it. It takes courage and consistency to FULLY occupy what God has given.

Now...

"Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” — Numbers 13:30

Prayer:

To every person reading this, I bless your ability to not settle for partial land. I bless your heart to desire to be with the Promised One. Where discipline turns to delight. I bless your mind to be fully occupied by the mind of Christ and His thoughts towards you. That you would experience the freedom that was freely given by Jesus perfect sacrifice. May hope arise in areas where you feel defeated. It's not about perfection, its about persistence. Beloved, you have all that you need to overcome. I speak to every giant in your life, may they scatter by the glory and majesty of your God. You have been freely given a gift, enjoy it!

In Jesus name, Amen!

Activation:

What does it look like to win the battle for intimacy? I know for me, the giant of DISTRACTION has absolutely hindered me from this place too many times that I would like to admit. To fight, is to get back up every single time. You stay persistent and you remind yourself that you are loved by God. Actually, say it out loud, " God, thank you that you love me. Thank you that it's not about my performance but about a heart that's willing, and I am willing."

However you best connect with Him, do that! If you don't know how, here are some examples that can help:

*Reading the Word is always going to be nourishing, these examples are not replacements. They are to enhance the joy of being with Him. Whatever you do, leave space to listen. Be still and KNOW He is God.

1. Two way journaling- Ask Him a question or share your heart and then switch pens and wait and write down what comes to mind. His nature is Love so if you need to go read 1Corinthians 13:4-10 to know what filter to hear from, I would encourage you to start there.

2. Go for a walk or drive, then just begin to thank Him. Come with a heart of gratitude. Talk to Him like you would a friend and ask Him to reveal Himself to you.

3. Pray out loud ( This especially helps me, it doesn't allow my inner list of "to-do's" to take over)

4. Draw/Get creative with the arts- Ask God to give you a scripture or pick one that you been wanting to meditate on and begin to give it some color or design.