TGIM Life Group The New Normal by John Lindell

James River Church Life Group - Sheri Smith

Lesson #1 The New Normal - by John Lindell

Foreward and Prologue

Points:

Book of Joshua in the Old Testament

Foreword

pg. xiii The boundaries of the lands and frontiers we are called to occupy are not created by human hands but authored by a generous and loving heavenly Father, who desires to bless His children.

pg. xiv

2 Corinthians 6:11–13 (The Message)

11 Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. 12 We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. 13 I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!

Don't settle! There is more!
It's not what people can do for us, but what God can do through us!

pg. xv

today is the day to start living it!
when you take ground the enemy loses ground
Joshua saw possibility where others saw obstacles
through faith in Jesus Christ

pg. xvi - strength and courage are required to occupy the land

Prologue

pg. xviii

don't stay in what you are used to if it isn't God's best, we can get used to anything even in the wilderness
stop talking about the problem, past hurts, obstacles and find the Word of God that brings life to the issue and see the Promises of God
See future through lens of faith

pg. xix

don't just visit the promised land, but dwell in it
imagine a different kind of life and week, see the vision God has for you and take the steps necessary to enter into it.

The Israelites thought the enemy was too strong, too great, to fight. Sometimes we wait to do battle until our life is "better" or we feel up to it. The Lord told me not to wait until I "feel" up to it, that I'm to do what He has told me to do while I am in the midst of healing.

I had brain surgery in Jan. 2021. A brain tumor was found on Jan. 11, 2021, and was removed on Jan. 26th. As I recovered from the entire ordeal, the Lord told me to serve Him in the midst of my recovery, not to wait for me to feel up to it, not wait for me to have energy, not wait for me to have the zeal and the drive like I once did, but instead to serve Him in my weakness, in what I thought wasn't able.

We need to remember that the Holy Spirit that dwells in us is always capable while we may seem incapable. That in our weakness He is strong. God reminded me of the widow's mite in Mark 12:41-44. I may not have as much to share physically as many others. I'm not jumping around, acting wild and excited, but I have the Holy Spirit that is a calm in a storm, peace in turmoil, and the Healer of hurts. I may not have much to give, but He gave it all.

Mark 12:41–44 (NKJV)

41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

pg. xxi & xxii

Moses died. Something had to die for Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promised land.
Often times we stay where we've always been until tragedy displaces us and moves us forward.
It's time to stop living in the past and live a new story.
It's time to stop walking in circles in the desert and instead walk prayer circles around our obstacles in the promised land to see deliverance (Jericho)
stop walking circles in the wrong place over things that are in the past, same dead ends.
new land, a new place where we have to go spiritually, emotionally, and maybe geographically
stop living a story you inherited or that was given you and start living a story of your own that God has given you walking in faith, following God.

James 4:8 draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Bible Reading Numbers 13 & 14. Question: As we look at the promised land, do we see giants and problems that we think are too hard to overcome or do we see God's promise and ability in making a way for our future?

Bible Memory. Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Below you will find the link for the sermon from Ch. 1 of The New Normal book. This was preached at James River Church and is a great add-on to reading the book.

It will be Lesson #3 before we get to this chapter, but I recommend taking the time to watch it before then.

Below is a link for the book and study guide to follow along with the studies.

The Only Way

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TGIM Life Group The New Normal by John Lindell - Intro

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