January 5 2014 God's Encouragement For 2014

GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENT FOR 2014

Joshua 1: 1-11 – Three days from now you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land the Lord is giving your for your own.

How To “Possess” Your Future:

1. Set up a plan.

Verse 2 & 3 – Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people get ready to cross the Jordan Fiver, I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.

Verse 11 – So Joshua ordered the people, get your supplies ready.

Proverbs 20:18 – Don’t go charging into battle without a plan.

Proverbs 13:16 – A wise man thinks ahead.

2. Stay in the Word.

Verse 7 – Be careful to obey all the law, do not turn from it to the right or the left that you may be successful wherever you go.

Verse 8 – Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

2 Timothy 3:16 – The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives, it straightens us out and helps us do what is right.

3. Step out on faith.

Verse 6, 7 & 9 – Be strong and courageous.

Verse 9 – Remember I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for I the Lord, am with you wherever you go.

Joshua 24:15 – Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

January 1 2012 Handling Obstacles

Handling Obstacles

Joshua 1:9 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you whoever you go.

Four Steps To Face Your Difficulties

I. Be willing to face your problem.
Verse 9 - Be strong and courageous.

How To Face Your Problems

1. Face them in spite of self doubts
Exodus 3:11 - But Moses said to God, who am I that I should go to the Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?
Jeremiah 1:6 - Lord, I said, I do not know how to speak, I am only a child.

2. Face them when their unfamiliar.
Acts 1:10 - They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going. 

3. Face them in spite of the effort it takes.

II. Be willing to keep an open mind.
Verse 9 - Do not be terrified.

How To Keep An Open Mind

1. Take time to investigate the problem.
Joshua 3:6 - Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people.
Joshua 2:1 - Sent two spies.

2. Keep an open mind through communication.
Joshua 2:8-11
Prov. 11:14 - Many advisers make victory sure.

III. Be willing to get others to help you.
Verse 9 - Do not be discouraged.

Hebrews 10:25 - Let us encourage one another.

Examples of Help
• Joshua 3:6
• Joshua 6:1-8
• Genesis 2:18
• I Kings 19:10
• Matthew 26:38

IV. Be willing to face your problems with God’s promises.
Verse 9 - For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Why Promises Are Important

1. Promises comfort us.
Isa. 40:31 - Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

2. Promises encourage us.
Romans 8:39 - Not anything else will be able to separate us from the love of God.

3. Promises motivate us.
Acts 26:19 - I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.

4. Promises help us hold steady.
Matthew 28:20 - And surely I will be with you always.