Introduction

Friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, I greet you with the warmth and love of our Savior. We gather here today, not as strangers or mere acquaintances, but as a family, bound together by the unyielding cord of faith. We are all children of the Most High, drawn together by His divine love and grace.

Our Scripture reading today comes from the book of Joshua, Chapter 1, Verse 9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

This passage, my dear friends, is a powerful testament to the enduring strength and infinite love of our God. It is a beacon of hope, a promise of divine companionship, and a call to courage in the face of adversity.

Boldly Beginning Anew

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments when we are called to step into the unknown, to leave behind the familiar and comfortable, and to embrace change. This is not an easy task. It requires courage, faith, and a willingness to trust in God's plan for us. But it is in these moments of transition and transformation that we truly begin to understand the depth of God's love and the strength of His promises.

The story of Joshua is a powerful example of this. Joshua was tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, a daunting task that required him to step out of the shadow of Moses, his mentor, and to step into a new role as a leader. This was a significant change, a new beginning, and it required Joshua to be bold and courageous.

But what does it mean to be bold? It's not about being reckless or fearless. Rather, it's about having the courage to face our fears, to confront our doubts, and to move forward despite the uncertainties and challenges that lie ahead. It's about trusting in God's promises and believing that He will be with us every step of the way.

And what does it mean to begin anew? It's not about erasing the past or forgetting our experiences. Rather, it's about learning from our past, drawing strength from our experiences, and using them as a foundation for our future. It's about embracing change, welcoming new opportunities, and stepping into the future with faith and hope.

In the context of Joshua's story, being bold meant trusting in God's promise to be with him wherever he went. It meant stepping into a new role as a leader, despite the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead. It meant leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, despite the obstacles and opposition they faced.

Beginning anew, for Joshua, meant leaving behind the familiar and comfortable, and stepping into the unknown. It meant embracing a new role, a new responsibility, and a new future. It meant trusting in God's promises and believing in His plan for him and for the Israelites.

This is a powerful lesson for us today. We are often faced with moments of change and transition, moments when we are called to be bold and to begin anew. These moments can be daunting and challenging, but they are also opportunities for growth and transformation.

Bracing for Blessings

As we step forward into the unknown, we must also prepare ourselves to receive the blessings that God has in store for us ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO