Preparing for the New Year

In Joshua 3 and 4, God brought the people out of Egypt where they had been slaves. God has new plans for His people. In your life, be encouraged, for He has good plans for you. When you look back over the months, thank the Lord for the challenges and trials. In the midst of the storms, you depended more on the Lord, yielding to His guidance and leaning on Him for strength. God told Joshua to tell the people to prepare themselves for entering into the promised land. 

Today, God tells us to get ourselves ready. In verse 5, the people were told to sanctify themselves, “...for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” Repent of complacency, selfishness, wasting time, lacking in Bible reading and prayer, being critical, blaming, controlling. Sanctify yourself. Have a good attitude. Be grateful. Be kind, forgive. Put Christ first and love Him with all your heart. Sing songs of praise to Him and feel His love and peace. Do not dwell on regrets, but thank God for the past and enter into the new plans He has for you in the future. 

Joshua set up twelve stones as they passed over the Jordan river and in 4:21, God said they were to be a monument for all those who would ask what they were for. God said, “When you look at them, remember what I brought you through in the past and look forward to the way I will work in your life in the future.” There is hope and peace in believing and trusting in Christ.

Contentment

So many grumbling, complaining, longing, blaming. God wants us to be at peace and content. Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." 

Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on good and pure things. Fill your minds with thoughts of gratitude for all that Christ does for you. Count your blessings. 

Romans 8:6, "To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Be truthful with yourself and God and if you are not content, ask God to forgive you and change you.

Hear What the Spirit is Saying

Hear what the Spirit says, church. God has so much to tell us. 

"Be not distracted with the things of this world but fix your thoughts on Me." "Break out of your worries, fretting, selfishness, complacency and dullness and worldly pleasures. Don't miss what I have for you. I have plans that I want to speak to you about. There is an urgency. Do not waste time. I want you to be in my perfect will and timing so come into My presence and quiet your heart and hear; really hear."

A Word of Encouragement

Be encouraged today, for God is with you.

2 Chronicles 20:15, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he spoke to King Jehoshaphat. King Jehoshaphat had a big problem of a huge army planned on coming against them. These are the words that were spoken to this king and today you can be encouraged also. God said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army for the battle is not yours, but God’s; 16 march down against them. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.” 18 Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. 21,22 The battle was fought and won when people were appointed to the head of the army to sing and praise God. 

Whatever your concern is today know that God loves you and is all powerful to bring victory. Keep thanking and praising Him.

Power in the Voice

The voice of God created this world. Read Psalm 29 about the voice of God. 

Jesus spoke to the raging waves and they were stilled, Matthew 8:26. 

Jesus spoke to Lazarus in the tomb and said to come forth, John 11:43.

We are told in God's word to speak to a mountain (a problem) and see results, Matthew 17:20. 

Ezekiel spoke to the bones and they rose up Ezekiel 37:1-5.

Joshua marched around the walls of Jericho and gave a shout and the walls came down.

Isaiah 50:4, “The Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” 

Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is powerful. Use your voice to praise God. Use your voice to pray and know that those words go across the miles bringing change to hearts and lives. When you speak forth Scripture, know those words spoken bring results. The Holy Spirit can speak through you, setting captives free.