Facing the Flood Tide - Trusting God in 2024

Scripture Reading

Joshua 3:1–5 KJV 1900

And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore. And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you.

Introduction

Reflecting on the collective journey of the past year.

Anticipation and preparation akin to the Israelites before entering the Promised Land.

Standing on the brink of a new beginning.

Reflection on the Past Year

Acknowledging challenges, uncertainties, and God's faithfulness.

Moments of joy, trials testing faith, and God's undeniable presence.

Standing on the verge of a new chapter and tangible realization of God's faithfulness.

The Symbolism of the Jordan River

Excitement and trepidation as the Promised Land comes into view.

Lessons, victories, and challenges carried from the past year.

The Promised Land—a land flowing with the goodness of God's promises.

The Call to Consecration (Joshua 3:3)

The central role of the ark of the covenant in the Israelites' journey.

Consecration tied to the sight of the ark—God's abiding presence.

Moving from comfort zones to the Holy Spirit's leading.

A Fresh Consecration: Setting Aside Distractions

Consecration as a continuous process, not a one-time event.

Intentional effort to set aside distractions and redirect focus toward God.

Aligning priorities with God's will and making space for the Holy Spirit.

Crossing the Jordan: Embracing the Unfamiliar (Joshua 3:4)

The Jordan River as a formidable barrier and metaphor for life's challenges.

Trusting in the face of the impossible—an invitation to embrace trust.

Discovering new dimensions of faith at the point of the impossible.

Maintaining a Respectful Distance (Following the Ark)

Resisting the impulse to rush towards perceived goals.

Adopting a pace aligned with God's leading, maintaining reverence.

Creating space for God to work in and through us.

The Power of Consecration (Joshua 3:5)

Directives to the Israelites to consecrate themselves for amazing things.

Consecration as a preparation for the extraordinary.

A sacred dedication and setting apart for divine purposes.

Consecration Beyond Ritual

Consecration involving a deep, internal commitment.

Surrendering and setting ourselves apart from distractions.

Acknowledging that we belong to the Lord.

Trusting in the Lord's Leading Through Consecration

Positioning hearts to trust in God's guidance through the new year.

Linking consecration to anticipating the amazing things God will do.

Consecration as an act of faith and surrender.

Conclusion

Invitation to a significant consecration in the new year.

Trusting in the Lord's leading through uncharted territories.

A renewed consecration, deepening trust, and an extraordinary journey with God.

Eager anticipation of the amazing things God will do in and through us.

Blessing for abundance in the new year. Amen.