Watchnight Service

Does this sound like you? You can't remember where you put the car keys, and later on you can't even find the car in the car park? I know that we have a red car and sometimes I try and get into the wrong red car! And do people ever say to you: 'You've just said that', or 'Do stop repeating yourself', or 'I've heard that story before'. If that sounds like you, then it's a sure sign that you are getting older! And if you haven't reached that stage yet, then do be patient with other people and remember that one day you will be like that too!

Of course, its good to repeat yourself if it's important. It's a reminder... Of course, it's good to repeat yourself if it's important. It's a reminder. It says, 'This is important', 'Sit up and take notice', 'Don't miss what I'm, saying to you', 'This may change your life for ever'. Five times in the book of Joshua we hear the same words. Soon after he became the leader of God's people, God said to Joshua:

Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1.6).Be strong and very courageous (Joshua 1.7).Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1.9).

Later on, Joshua said the same words: "Be strong and courageous" (Joshua 10.25). And much later on (and shortly before he died) he said again: "Be very strong" (Joshua 23.6).

Be strong and courageous - is that something you need to hear as we move from one year to the next? A word from the Lord directly to you? 2016 is very nearly over - but what about the year ahead? We don't know of course. In some way or other, we are stepping out into the unknown. But, if we are Christian believers, we know that whatever the situation (however challenging and uncertain it might be) that God is with us, walking with us, being alongside us in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Empowering us and guiding us by the Holy Spirit. Remember that the divine Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) are with us.

In Joshua 23.6-11 there are four things that are worth noting - four things to take with us into the year ahead.

1. Be Strong and Courageous

Our strength is not in ourselves, but in the Lord. We may be fearful and afraid, uncertain and unsure of what the future might bring. But our strength lies elsewhere. In the New Testament, Paul puts it like this: "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6.10). In other words, 'be made strong, be strengthened' in him (Carson, Ephesians, p460). In the year ahead, put your trust in him. Have confidence in him. Rely upon him.

2. Be Careful to Obey God's Word

We are to be responsive and submissive to God's Word. If we believe that God speaks to us, then we need to read his Word, to hear what he has to say to us. He has entered into relationship with us and therefore we must develop that relationship. Resolve in the year ahead to read God's Word each day and to submit to his divine authority, and to obey his Word. In the year ahead, you could try and read through the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation.

3. Be True to the Lord and Remain Faithful to Him

We are to remain faithful and true to the Lord and to turn away from any alternative deity. To separate ourselves from all that would lead us away from the Lord. To remain faithful to him when others see us, and faithful to him when we are alone. And what are the modern idols? They are obvious - greed, hedonism, pride, vanity, self-seeking and self-pleasing - living as though we are the centre of the universe. In the year ahead, separate yourself from non-Christian influences. Ignore the attractions and temptations of the gods of your own making.

4. Be Careful to Love the Lord

That's an interesting way of putting it, isn't it? 'Be careful'. Be careful lest you are tempted and sin. Be careful in terms of your priorities and concerns. Be careful lest you are distracted. Be careful; don't let your love grow cold. Be careful and cultivate your love for the Lord. Since he has loved you, since he has made himself known to you in Christ. Then obey him. Trust him. Obey him. As John tells us, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4.9). In the year ahead, may our love for him grow and develop and mature and be strengthened as we are tested. In the year ahead, may that be our priority - to love and serve him more and more!

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