The LORD's Day January 3, 2010

God's Word For This New Year

Joshua 1.1-18

New Years offer a chance to start anew, an opportunity to reflect, a time for making changes and a time to worry about what lies ahead! Given the time we are in it can be a time of anxiety and even dismay.

As always we need to hear what God's Word has to say. God's Word is for today. This verse speaks directly to us about things on the horizon in 2010.

1. These Words are Commands- not Optional Suggestions.

Have I not commanded you?

In Deuteronomy we are given naby commandsn concerning trusting the LORD.This was Moses' farewell address. His last act is recorded in Deuteronomy 34.

Now it is a new administration- new leadership humanly speaking, but God is still in control. What we are about to look at closely are His Commands.

2. Be Strong and Courageous.

We have all the promises of God. (and He is faithful to all His Promises!)

We have all we need for life and godliness (II Peter 1.3) because of Jesus.

We have the Presence of God. For the LORD, your God will be with you wherever you go.

We have the power of God- All power, His Divine Power, the sword of the Spirit, the shield of faith.

STAND YOUR GROUND. TAKE TERRITORY FOR GOD.

3. Do Not Be Terrified!

We are in a war on terror. Never before on US Soil have we had reason like we do now to be terrified. God is commanding us: Do not be terrified.

We are not to be in a defensive posture as believers, hiding out. On the contrary, the Book if Joshua points to us to be agressive, to follow the LORD into the land He has for us, to move in conquest, to be ready for battle and the reminder "The Battle is the LORD's."

Joshua 6.2 There are souls at stake today and God is looking for workers to go in and harvest them. Let's go!

4. Do Not Be Discouraged

We can easily come up with lots of reasons for discouragement in this new year. The economy for one, the loss of the culture and the rapid fire change we are experiencing. If we get discouraged we need to get out of that pit quick because it is deadly. My friend Jim MacPherson: "I'm not doing bad under the circumstances." "Well what are doing under there?"- (not much)

Do not let others or the enemy or circumstances get you down. Same have said it isn't a sin to be discouraged but actually it is. We are commanded not be by God. Repent if you are. (change of heart and change of direction)

Here's the Word of the LORD for this New Year 2010

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified.

Do not be discouraged.

For the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.