Before opening God's Word, Pastor Micah encouraged the congregation to grab a handful of door knockers for the upcoming 65th Anniversary Sunday—a milestone celebration of God's faithfulness in Mountain Home.
"Everything's free down here at the House of God—truth, grace, and the gospel of Jesus Christ!"
Members were challenged to take 10–15 invitations and hang them on nearby doors, praying that friends, neighbors, and families would come hear the good news and be saved. Whoever brings the most guests will even receive a small gift as a thank-you—but the real reward is seeing souls added to the Kingdom.
Scripture Reading — Joshua 18:1–2
"And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh… And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance."
Shiloh means a place of rest. Pastor Micah reminded us that church should feel like that—a calm place to meet with God, not a battlefield of stress or conflict. It's where we lay down our burdens and let the Spirit speak.
But in this passage, seven tribes had arrived at Shiloh… and stopped. They had settled into rest without moving forward in obedience. God had already given them victory, but they had failed to claim their inheritance.
When God Says, "How Long Will You Slack?"
Joshua asked a piercing question:
"How long are ye slack to go to possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you?" — Joshua 18:3
The same challenge echoes today. Many believers aren't defeated—they're drifting. We've heard thousands of sermons, read thousands of verses, yet we're parked in neutral.
The Gears of the Christian Life
Pastor used the illustration of a gear shift:
- Park (P): You're comfortable. You're not moving. You've told God, "I'm fine right here."
- Reverse (R): You're going backward—sliding into old habits, revisiting sin.
- Neutral (N): You're easily pushed by others, coasting downhill with no control.
- Drive (D): You're moving forward, fully surrendered, foot on the gas for Jesus.
"God would love for you to be in drive—and definitely with the gas pedal mashed down!"
Signs of Slacking
- Sinking – like quicksand, when prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship disappear.
- Stuck – content with excuses instead of change.
- Relaxing Spiritually – wanting a "break" from serving, which leads to drifting.
- Slump – losing motivation, joy, or consistency in worship.
"True repentance will get you out of everything—but most people would rather stay stuck because excuses feel safer than obedience."
The 60 Percent Reality
Seven out of twelve tribes had slacked off. That's nearly 60 percent—a sobering statistic that often mirrors today's church.
Many believers attend faithfully but haven't yet taken hold of their personal calling. Every Christian has a spiritual gift meant to build up the local body. When we don't use it, the whole church feels it.
The Remedy: Refocus and Refire
Joshua's instructions in verses 4–5 provide the way back.
1. Refocus
"Go through the land and describe it…"
Take another look at what God has already given. Revisit His goodness. See again the beauty of serving, giving, fellowshipping, and worshiping together.
2. Refire
"Divide it again…"
Get back to work. Do what God told you to do back in chapter 13. Get fired up again about the ministry He placed in your hands.
Even a tiny ember can reignite when God breathes on it.
"If your worship logs are soaked, step out and let God dry them off. He can make the fire burn again."
Living It Out
- Pick up your Bible daily. Don't let it gather dust.
- Plug back in. Join a class, ministry, or outreach.
- Pray before you drift. Prayer keeps you out of spiritual quicksand.
- Invite others. A moving church is a growing church.
Anniversary Challenge
Let's make our 65th Anniversary Sunday a celebration of faith, not familiarity. Grab your door hangers, invite your neighbors, and let's fill the house for the glory of God.
"Don't get caught in park. Don't drift in neutral. Don't backslide in reverse. Put it in drive and go forward for Jesus!"