PREPARING FOR THE NEW YEAR

                                                    Joshua 3:1-8; 14-17

  Introduction

       A.  As the Israelites prepared to enter the “land of promise” under the leadership of

             Joshua, they received instructions as to what to do.  Joshua 3:1-3

       B.   While I  don’t want to sound as though I’m telling you what to do,  I think it’s

              apropos to think about a few principles.

  Body

   I.  Let’s be prepared to make the necessary adjustments.  Joshua 3:4, “You have not

        passed this way before.”

        A.  Change is a part of life.  Examples:

        B.  Are we prepared to make any spiritual adjustments in 2010?  Hebrews 5:12-6:3

 

        C.  Quotation: “I Shall Not Pass This Way Again.”

   II.  Let’s focus on God.  Joshua 3:3

        A.  The ark of the covenant symbolized the presence of God. 

        B.  Today we have the presence of God through the Holy Spirit.  Acts 2:38; 3:19

              1.  Let’s be prepared to obey the Spirit.  Romans 8:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

  III.  Let’s be determined to be faithful.  Joshua 3:3-5;  poem by Effie Perkins

        

  IV.  Let’s trust in God.  Joshua 3:14-17

         A.  We can depend on God to do His part.  Philippians 1:3-6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-

               24

  Conclusion

         A.  Let’s be prepared for this new year.

         B.  “A New Leaf”