Devotional - December 31, 2025
Scripture: Joshua 1:9 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.”
Again, I enjoy getting the opportunity to write a note to you on this eve of 2026. Like all beginnings, it marks the end of 2025. Do yourself a favor, write off all that vexed you in 2025. Forgive if you need to forgive, forget things best forgotten, and cherish the good and worthwhile moments. One thing I am not doing is making resolutions. This year, I would invite you to join me in making plans, rather than resolutions. Pick a few things you are going to do this year and start the planning and preparation process to do them. But along with that, I would also encourage you to commit the year to God. Doing so does not mean you have to wear sack-cloth or clothing made from camel's hair. You can if you want, but it is not necessary. Instead, try being a little more mindful of your place in God's Kingdom and bringing that Kingdom to your life and those around you each day. Maybe one of your plans this year is to do a project for the church or one of our parishioners. Let the good you do be done mindfully. Do not do it to say you did, but as a ministry, a service, you are doing for God and God's Kingdom. Anything you do for the church helps us serve God better. Our text today was what God told Joshua as he prepared for the journey back to the promised land. When you read it, it sounds open ended, but the goal was clear. Return Israel to the land they once possessed. In doing so, Joshua was a savior to his people for God. To accomplish what he needed to accomplish, he needed to do it God's way. In doing so, they would redeem what was theirs and continue to worship and serve God in the place God had prepared for them. There is a lot of truth in that approach that continues to be true to this day. Going forward means doing so with God both mentally and physically, but it also makes us feel vulnerable and afraid. God knows that and tells Joshua not to be controlled by fear, but instead to push onward and meet each day knowing God was with him and the people. God is also with us (Immanuel). Happy New Year everyone! God Bless!!!
Pray with me..., Thank you God for all the blessings You provided for us and those we care about this year. Thank you for the good times and for getting us through the difficult ones. Thank you for the grace You showed to us. Thank you, Lord..., I so appreciate and am grateful that You will continue onward with us wherever our lives may go in the coming year. Hear my prayer for my loved ones. I ask Your blessing upon their lives. Bless our church O God, so we can be the blessing you call us to be, in Jesus' name Amen.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brian
