Good morning,
Welcome to 2024. A new year and possibly a new start. This would be a good time to
reflect on what God has done during th e past year. When we think about God’s all
knowing, ever-present, all-powerful character, we have a place to begin our planning for
this year. Then we need to ask ourselves, “What can we do to grow closer to God this
year?” How can we glorify God more this year? What is our plan to get these things done?
What goals have we set for this year?
Joshua is preparing to go into the promised land. God spoke to Joshua. Joshua listened to
God’s plan. He made preparations to go. Then executed the plan.
We will study parts of Joshua 1-3 and see how Joshua accomplished this task.
This should be what we do this year.
Preparing for 2024
Joshua 1-3
The Lord says “Go…” (1:2)
Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all
this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
The Lord says where to go (1:3-5)
3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you,
as I said unto Moses.4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great
river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward
the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.5 There shall not any man be able to
stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee:
I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
The Lord says, “Be strong and of a good courage:”. (1:6)
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an
inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
The Lord says, “…observe to do according to all the law…” (1:7-9)
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do
according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from
it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou
goest.8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all
that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou
shalt have good success.9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good
courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.
The very first thing we must do in our planning process is listen to God. Then, read and obey God’s word. These two things will focus our attention on God and His will for our lives.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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