This word is submitted by Jana Alcorn (JALCORN@AOL.COM)

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The Spirit Of Joshua

In the first days of this New Year, I have been strongly impressed of the Lord of three facilitators that demonstrate the empowered leader for this year. The spirit of Caleb, the spirit of David, and the spirit of Joshua were permeated with qualities that God is going to exhibit with boldness through the leadership of the 21st century.

Caleb was a man of courage and made exclamations boldly to possess his possessions. David was a man with a heart for God in spite of his failures. And then Joshua....

I'd like to take a look at Joshua as a type of the compelling global leadership that God is bringing to the forefront of spiritual authority. Let's look at some characteristics of the spirit of Joshua.

1. JOSHUA WAS A MAN WHO KNEW HOW TO SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY

Deuteronomy 34:9 -- Joshua, the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom for Moses had laid his hands upon him.

So many times we think of conquerors as being like "The Terminator" or like "Rambo". Joshua was NO such military strategist. He submitted himself to the laying on of hands by Moses. The spirit of Joshua was a spirit of submission to leadership. This submission brought him tremendous wisdom. Here is a key for every leader apprehending their global call. Submission is freedom, not restriction!

2. JOSHUA WAS A WARRIOR WITH A SHEPHERD'S HEART.

Numbers 27:17 -- May the Lord appoint a man....so that the Lord's people will not be as sheep without a shepherd.

In other words, like Jesus, he knew how to be a Lion and a Lamb at the same time. Jesus talked about this ability when he talked about being wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The disciples had to know how to be both at the same time, even though serpents and doves have two distinct natures!!! It takes wisdom to be this kind of leader. The spirit of Joshua was not in war all the time! He knew tenderness as well as warfare. The spirit of Joshua is militant, but at the same time, humble.

3. JOSHUA WAS A MAN WHO KNEW HOW TO RECEIVE.

Deuteronomy 3:28 -- Commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him for he will lead this people.

God had commanded Moses to encourage Joshua. There are so many leaders who are fighting that are so "spiritual" that to receive encouragement from another would be unthinkable! Leader, it is time for reality! We need one another! To humbly receive encouragement from another is an earmark of one with the spirit of Joshua. Rise and take courage....there is someone near you with a Word from the Lord. Even Paul needed a Barnabas!

PROPHETIC WORD

This is my time of power and release, says the Lord. Notable miracles shall come forth in My Name. I am anointing you with a spirit of boldness that will cause the enemy to flee before you. Come now and be clothed in Me, says the Lord, and see what I will do. Saturate yourself in My Presence as never before.

Boldness to obey will surprise even you, says the Lord. This will bring a manifestation of my power. I will leave no room for doubt. I will show even the ungodly and the mockers the realness of My Spirit. Be ready and be available for My power to flow through you, for you shall sense the direction and the voice of My Spirit. Obey Me for a miracle awaits you, says the Lord!