Senior Sunday 2023

Move On, Be Strong

Well- you made it.

Look back at the season of life you are coming out of- and celebrate. Give thanks!

There’s been laughs- like bringing a dead snake to scare the ag teachers (McKynna). Doing donuts on the golf cart in the shop (Brett). When one of your friends brings her dad’s hipbone to school in her pocket (Hannah). Kidnapping a freshman trumpet player from their home at 6:30am (Mason). Sending school “fight week” videos to everyone (Lukas). And, simply put, all the senior pranks (Bailey).

There’s been good ‘ol memories- like making lifelong friends and having one another’s backs (Kaden). Or going on field trips with the special needs students (McKynna). Or even COVID was a good memory for one of you- because you “didn’t have to do anything” (Brett). Winning a “best stage management award” (Hannah). Winning state for one-act (Mason). Going to prom (Lukas). And senior skip day (Bailey).

Sure, your journey has had ups and downs, hills and valleys- but it’s helped forge you into the person you are today. And here you are, moving from one stage of life into the next.

Lately, on Wednesday nights, we have been tracking the Israelite people’s story when they crossed the Jordan River into the promised land.

I want to share a couple insights from the Scripture that I pray will serve as encouragement to each one of you. Today, I’m gonna tell you to be STRONG.

Joshua 1:1–9 NLT

After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

BE S.T.R.O.N.G.

Be strong as you go through each Stage (1:1-2)

God leads us in stages

There are stages in the journey (just as there were stages in the Israelite’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land)

God knows what’s next for you. Each stage is God-planned

It is OK to feel different emotions along the way. But remember God has this whole thing mapped out.

You can trust Him!

Be strong as you Tread the trail step by step (1:3)

Life unfolds in stages, but we take it in steps

Move forward by putting your foot down, one right after the other. Have faith in God.

Make sure your foot lands on a promise

Be strong in Relationship to God and others (1:5-6)

God leads us in Person. He is with us.

“If My people dwell in tents, so will I” | cloud by day, fire by night

Gospel message

Live in community with others- you need one another.

Be a leader who influences others for the better.

Call your mama. Come visit dad.

Be strong as you stay On course (1:7-8)

God guides us using His Word

God guided Israel through the wilderness with a cloud by day and fire by night

Listen: this is your cloud by day and fire by night

Meditate on this Word. Let it take root inside you. In this Book, you will have a living, breathing relationship with God Himself.

Be strong as God does something New (1:4, 8)

Following God is choosing adventure.

God is ready to do a new thing in your life and others’ lives.

What is success? Following God and obeying Him

Be willing to “let go and let God”

Hold on loosely

One day, God will make all things new

Be strong as you Go (1:9)

God intends for you to move forward

God intended for the Israelites to move forward and enter into the Promised Land

God intends for you to go out and tell others about who Jesus is. With your life, your actions, and with your words. Make disciples!

Keep moving. Keep trusting Him. He will be with you.