August 18, 2025
Hello, Beloved!
Maybe yesterday’s impromptu message about taking our positions was a necessary precursor to stepping into tomorrow’s promises with faith, hope, and readiness. During yesterday’s time worshipping God, I sensed the Father say, “Lance, you need to be in position. Step forward.” Even though I was surprised by this, I know it was true. I don’t fully understand it, but I did not allow my uncertainty to keep me stuck. I took a step forward as a physical act of saying “Yes.”
Joshua 3:3 says, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your position and follow it.”
If we’re out of position and unprepared, we risk missing opportunities, feeling discouraged, and potentially isolating ourselves from others. This can lead to a life without purpose and the dangerous belief, “Perhaps I’m not meant for greater things. Maybe God works through others, but not through me.” The converse is true. Suppose we are in position and as prepared as possible. In that case, we are ready for opportunities, feel encouraged, and experience the momentum of collaborative work with God and others. This can lead to a life filled with meaning and purpose.
The passage in Joshua highlights important realities that, by God's grace, we all need to accept, embrace, and embody (1 Cor 15:10).
The ark is the visible sign of God’s presence, throne, and covenant faithfulness. Seeing the ark before them means recognizing that God is leading them. In addition, the ark is a foreshadowing of the Messiah. King Jesus goes before us through his life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to open the way for all people to be reconciled to God, as a Father, to have peace with God and each other, and to live within the inherited promises of God. Follow King Jesus boldly, even into flood waters, trusting He can make a way when things are illogical and unreasonable.
Israel had to wait three days (v. 2) before moving, a test of patience, surrender, and discernment. Waiting well is essential to being in the proper position, both in heart and mind. It was three days between Jesus’ death and resurrection. In our waiting season, what needs to die? What needs to rise again?
Positioning is consecration, a steady readiness to follow God into His future for us. Remember who we are as God’s children. Have faith and believe. Worship is a weapon that will enable you to stand in victory. Remember God’s faithfulness when you struggle to see and hear the Father. Lastly, keep showing up and remain steadfast in your assignment and calling. We are not grasshoppers. Humbly, we are God’s children called to co-labor with the Father in His mission to save others, do good, and build His kingdom family.
Gateway, ask the Father about your positioning. Listen, receive, and respond.
May the Lord and His peace be upon you!
KENYA UPDATE:
I received some messages this weekend from the Kenya team. They are doing great. God is moving powerfully in their ministry time. They are returning with many stories of God’s greatness and power.
GATEWAY EVENTS: Click here.
WHERE TO ENGAGE:
Gateway Groups (a community where you can experience, be family, and share the love of Jesus with others)
SUNDAY SERVICE:
Take Your Position - Entire service or teaching only
CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT:
Giving Report: (*weekly income needed $22,500)
August 3: $22,473.10
August 10: $19,361.17
August 17: Financial Office Closed
August 24:
August 31:
Greater Things YTD 2025: $47,432.36
Current Mortgage Balance: $401,105.69
To learn more about Greater Things and participate, click here.
Stay hopeful and healthy. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Transforming Lives Together,
Lance and Darlene Bane
Lead Pastor
Phone: 203-934-0880
Email: office@yourgateway.com