Caminando con Dios: 3 Factores para el 2026 | Pastor Eduardo Gonzalez

Introduction and Reflection on the New Year

Welcoming Remarks

• The speaker expresses joy in welcoming attendees and reflects on the uplifting time of worship experienced together.

New Year Reflections

• As the year 2026 begins, many people take this time for reflection, considering areas for improvement in their lives.

• Common resolutions include changing habits, lifestyle adjustments, and setting new goals to enhance various aspects of life.

Humor in Resolutions

• The speaker humorously discusses how individuals often try to improve their habits while still indulging in old ones, like eating tacos but adding healthier options.

• This light-hearted approach emphasizes a desire for gradual improvement rather than drastic changes.

Spiritual Growth and Prayer

Importance of Spiritual Advancement

• Emphasizes that alongside physical health plans, spiritual growth is equally important as we progress through the year.

Example of Faith: Hannah's Prayer

• The story of Hannah from the book of Samuel is referenced to illustrate sincere communication with God and recognizing His responses to prayers.

Power of Testimonies

• Attendees were encouraged to share testimonies and prayer requests, highlighting that prayer has miraculous power akin to physical exercise for one's spirit.

Community Engagement Through Prayer

Sharing Experiences

• The church community was invited to fill out papers detailing their prayer requests and testimonies, showcasing God's active role in their lives through answered prayers.

Acknowledgment of Miracles

• The speaker expresses gratitude for witnessing numerous testimonies reflecting God's healing, restoration, and faithfulness within the congregation.

Ongoing Series on Trusting God

Structure of Upcoming Services

• For January services, there will be dedicated time at the end for sharing testimonies and prayer requests as part of a series focused on collective experiences with God’s miracles.

Introduction to Joshua's Leadership

• The upcoming discussion will center around Joshua's leadership after Moses' death, emphasizing trust in God as the source of success and salvation beyond just an afterlife perspective.

Understanding Salvation

• Salvation is framed not only as a future promise but also as a present reality that encompasses much more than commonly perceived notions about life after death.

The Importance of Trust and Prayer in God's Plan

The Foundation of Salvation

• The speaker emphasizes the need to remember that "The Lord is salvation," highlighting that blessings, joy, and strength come from God.

• A call for the people of God to proclaim their faith in God's salvation and the unexpected blessings He provides, encouraging emotional connection with divine actions.

Key Factors for Success

• Three critical factors contributing to Israel's success during a prosperous period: trust in God's plan, obedience to His word, and His presence among them.

• The necessity of prayer as a foundation for these three factors; without prayer, one cannot truly trust or obey God.

Growth Through Prayer

• Encouragement for individuals to pray more in 2026 so that their faith can grow stronger and they can witness God's glory.

• Emphasizes that through prayer, believers will experience God's guidance, strength, and liberation.

Contextualizing Joshua's Leadership

• Introduction of Joshua 1:1 as a pivotal moment after Moses' death; it marks a transition where God commands Joshua to lead Israel into the promised land.

• Discussion on how this book narrates the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham regarding land possession based on Israel's faith and obedience.

Transitioning Leadership

• Reflection on Joshua’s background as a former slave in Egypt; his name change signifies salvation—a desire deeply rooted within the Israelites during their enslavement.

• Recognition of Moses’ role as a leader who communicated directly with God but now has passed away. This raises concerns about continuity in leadership among the Israelites.

Overcoming Challenges Without Moses

• Acknowledgment that while Moses was instrumental in past miracles (e.g., plagues, parting the sea), it was ultimately God who performed these acts.

• Assurance that despite Moses' absence, God's plans remain active; He raises new leaders like Joshua to continue guiding His people forward.

God's Promises and Our Trust

The Importance of Applause and Trust in God

• The speaker emphasizes the need to give applause to God, highlighting that nothing surprises Him and He always has resources available.

• It is stated that God is the only source of security and confidence, referencing His past miracles such as parting the sea and providing water from a rock.

Preparation for Future Challenges

• The speaker discusses the significance of preparation time, asserting that while we worry about today, God has already resolved our future.

• Change is portrayed as crucial for growth; however, people often resist it due to a desire for comfort and control.

Moving Forward with God's Plan

• To live within God's plan, one must relinquish control and allow Him to guide their steps towards new directions.

• Despite Moses' death, God's promises remain intact. Trusting in God's plans means believing in His provision regardless of circumstances.

The Call to Action

• Joshua is instructed by God to prepare the Israelites to cross into the promised land, emphasizing that they must actively pursue what God has given them.

• A reminder is made that although Israel was promised land from desert to Lebanon, they failed to claim it fully due to their lack of faith.

Consequences of Disobedience

• Israel's failure to trust led them not to possess all the territory promised by God; their attitude affected their fulfillment of His promises.

• After sending spies who returned with negative reports, Israel expressed doubt about entering the promised land, leading them away from obedience.

Rebellion and Its Impact on Promises

• The people's complaints against God reveal a heart ungrateful for deliverance; they wished for return rather than facing challenges ahead.

• As a consequence of rebellion, none over 20 years old would enter the promised land except Caleb and Joshua; this illustrates how disobedience delays fulfillment.

Continuation of God's Covenant

• Despite Israel's rebellion, God remains faithful to His covenant with Abraham. He continues His promise with those who are obedient.

• In encouraging Joshua, God reassures him that no one will stand against him throughout his life if he remains strong and courageous.

God's Promises and Our Faith

The Assurance of God's Presence

• God reassures Joshua of His unwavering presence, stating He will not abandon him. This reflects the faithfulness of God despite human infidelity.

• The speaker emphasizes that God's promises transcend our attitudes and limitations, highlighting His limitless nature in fulfilling His commitments.

The Unchanging Nature of God's Promises

• Regardless of changing circumstances or personal challenges, God's promises remain valid and applicable to our lives today.

• The fulfillment of God's promises is independent of our abilities or resources; it solely relies on His love and power.

Understanding Salvation

• Salvation encompasses more than eternal life; for the Israelites, it meant freedom from physical dangers as they faced real enemies in battle.

• The concept of salvation also extends to liberation from various forms of oppression and temptation in daily life.

Freedom from Temptation

• True freedom involves being liberated from temptations that lead us away from God, including neglecting prayer and community.

• The speaker discusses the need for deliverance not just from sinful actions but also from complacency in faith practices.

Deepening Relationship with God through Prayer

• A strong relationship with God is cultivated through prayer, which helps believers understand their dependence on Him and resist temptation.

• As believers pray more earnestly, they experience a deeper understanding of God's love and witness transformative changes in their lives.

The Promises of God and Our Response

Trusting in God's Promises

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and praying to witness God's glory in our lives, families, homes, and churches as we approach 2026.

• The promise of God is described as secure and certain; it is presented not as a future possibility but as a past reality, indicating that God has already given us what we need.

• Reference to Joshua's assurance that God has already delivered the land to His people highlights the necessity for believers to conquer their personal challenges by trusting in God's promises.

Conquering Personal Challenges

• Believers are encouraged to conquer aspects of their character such as emotions, fears, and doubts. The speaker reassures that prayers are heard and answered by God.

• Emphasis on being proactive in faith: prayer should be coupled with action. Believers must prepare themselves for what they seek from God while maintaining trust in His timing.

Crossing Over into Freedom

• "Crossing the river" symbolizes leaving behind past struggles (Egypt) and moving towards freedom. This requires obedience to God's word even when it's challenging.

• The desert represents a waiting period where one receives provision from God but also faces delays due to disobedience or rebellion against His will.

Obedience as an Expression of Faith

• True faith is demonstrated through obedience; aligning one's life with God's will is essential for receiving His promises.

• The speaker discusses how personal habits or relationships may need reevaluation according to biblical principles for spiritual growth.

Preparing for God's Blessings

• Crossing over requires courage and trust in God’s ability to guide us through challenges. It involves taking actionable steps toward our goals while relying on divine support.

• Practical examples include preparing for job opportunities or relationships by actively engaging rather than passively waiting for divine intervention.

• Encouragement is given to pray about various aspects of life (health, family harmony, finances), while also allowing God to work within those areas through personal responsibility and integrity.

God's Promises and Our Courage

The Call for Strength and Courage

• God emphasizes to Joshua the importance of being "strong and very courageous," highlighting that true courage requires significant effort.

• The call to bravery is linked with obedience to God's law, as success is promised only when one adheres strictly to His commandments.

• Obedience is presented as a crucial element for Israel's success, paralleling its significance in personal lives today.

Facing Challenges with Faith

• Life will present challenges; however, God's presence offers assurance amidst difficulties. Jesus acknowledges worldly tribulations but encourages faith in His victory.

• Believers are reminded that despite adversities, they can find strength in God's promises of victory for those who remain faithful and obedient.

Understanding God's Will

• Many seek clarity on God's will regarding life decisions; the key lies in adhering to His word rather than seeking specific directions alone.

• Micah 6:8 outlines what God expects: practicing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Him—this encapsulates His overarching will.

Living Out Faith Daily

• While specific guidance may vary, believers are called to embody justice and humility wherever they go, reflecting Christ-like character.

• God may provide clear direction at times but often desires believers to make choices while upholding His values in their actions.

Embracing Spiritual Growth

• The journey of faith involves striving for spiritual growth through prayerful anticipation of God's work in the coming year.

• A desire for deeper connection with God includes openness to transformation and sensitivity towards the Holy Spirit’s leading.

The Power of Scripture

• Engaging with the Bible should be approached as listening to God speak; it is vital for spiritual nourishment and understanding His will.

• Joshua is instructed to meditate on the law day and night, emphasizing that adherence leads to prosperity and success under God's guidance.

Assurance of Divine Presence

• Throughout commands given to Joshua, a consistent promise emerges: "I will be with you," providing comfort against fears or uncertainties faced by believers.

• No matter the circumstances—pain or fear—God assures His presence remains constant, instilling confidence needed for each step forward.

The Importance of God's Presence in Our Lives

The Promise of God's Presence

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of God's promise to be with His people, referencing biblical figures like Moses and Gideon who received reassurance from God: "I will be with you."

• This promise extends to Christ's disciples, highlighting the continuity of divine presence throughout scripture and its importance for believers today.

Living in God's Presence

• Emphasizes that experiencing God's presence should influence every aspect of life, including decisions, actions, and spiritual practices.

• Discusses how God's presence brings peace and guidance in various areas such as work, studies, and personal relationships.

Spiritual Life and Relationship with God

• Warns against a dry spiritual life devoid of genuine connection with God; prayer can become a mere routine rather than a heartfelt conversation.

• Highlights the danger of approaching scripture reading without expectation or openness to hearing from God.

Community and Transformation

• Stresses the communal aspect of faith; being part of a church means engaging together towards eternal goals while being transformed individually by prayer.

• Quotes Philippians 1:6 to illustrate that God is continually perfecting believers until the return of Christ.

Personal Testimony and Divine Guidance

• Shares personal experiences about seeking God's direction over pursuing personal ambitions; highlights the tension between following one's dreams versus divine calling.

• Reflects on past aspirations in music education but acknowledges a deeper calling to pastoral ministry, illustrating how surrendering plans can lead to fulfilling God's purpose.

God's Timing and Personal Calling

The Journey of Preparation and Service

• The speaker reflects on their journey in music, serving as a musician and sound technician within the church, expressing a commitment to continuous learning for future service.

• They share thoughts on God's timing, noting that divine plans often unfold more quickly than anticipated, contrasting personal expectations with reality.

• Upon being called to ministry at Nueva Vida, the speaker emphasizes their immediate acceptance of this calling without hesitation, highlighting trust in God's plan.

• The speaker discusses sacrifices made in pursuing ministry over musical aspirations but notes that God allowed them to continue engaging with music through various roles.

• A significant moment is shared where they conducted a symphony orchestra again after believing it was no longer possible, illustrating God's provision.

Trusting in God's Promises

• The speaker encourages surrendering life plans to God, asserting that doing so leads to fulfilling dreams in ways beyond human imagination.

• A biblical reference from Joshua 21:45 is cited, emphasizing the faithfulness of God’s promises and their fulfillment for His people throughout history.

• The connection between Joshua (Jesúa) and Jesus is made, reinforcing the idea of salvation and guidance provided by Christ as central themes in faith.

• As worship begins, the speaker invites reflection on gratitude towards God for His goodness and faithfulness while encouraging attendees to submit their lives into His hands.