Strength and Courage in the Unknown

Joshua 1:1-9 - “Strength and courage in the unknown” As the year draws to a close there is much we can be thankful for as a community - in the midst of all the changes that have taken place this year, God has remained steadfast. For good or for bad, transition and change are, and should be, a regular part of life. Change and transition are a significant theme throughout the Biblical narrative, and that is what we find when we come to the book of Joshua. Standing on the edge of the Promised Land God comes to Joshua, the new leader of the Israelite community, and says, “…you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them…I will never leave your nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous…” The message God brings through Joshua to this next generation of Israelites is that they can look back and see the work of God and therefore can be strong and courageous trusting Him going forward into the unknown. This Sunday I will bring a short message from Joshua 1:1-9 and then we will once again like to open the conversation to the congregation for a time of “ask the pastor.” Are there questions lingering from the book of John or the Advent series? Do you have questions about the book of Joshua you would like to explore as we head into a new series? As well, tomorrow’s bulletin will contain a general outline of the preaching schedule for the first half of the year - I hope this acts as an "anticipation of what is to come" rather than a “pick and choose” what Sundays you will be there! Finally, we will have a financial update in the bulletin…spoiler alert: it is extremely positive! Stay warm this weekend! Tyler