February 1, 2012
WHICH WAY TO GO

Israel spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness after they had crossed the Red Sea.  In fact, most of those who left Egypt died in the wilderness because of unbelief.  They were rebellious and hard-hearted and God had declared “they shall never enter my rest.”

The Book of Deuteronomy ends with the death of Moses and the selection of Joshua, Israel’s new leader.  The time of Israel’s chastisement is over and Joshua is ready to lead God’s people into the promise land.  But before they could enter that special land, deeded to Abraham years before, they had to cross the flood swollen Jordan River.

The Lord’s instructions were very clear.  “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which  way  to  go,  since  you  have  never  been  this  way  before.”  Joshua 3:3, 4.

In this new year we find ourselves living in uncertain times.  The waters are murky and the currents are treacherous.  A flood of trouble and sorrow looms on the horizon.  How will God’s people handle that which is before us?  The answer is in our text.  We are to follow our God.  His Word must be our compass.  We must position ourselves behind our God and His leading.  This is what Israel did and this is what we must do.

Israel was going to a place that they had never been before.  They were fearful and anxious.  The land of Canaan was filled with Godless nations who wanted no part of Israel’s God, except, Rahab the harlot.  Our future is filled also with the enemies of the Lord.  Many in America have joined the anti-Jesus crowd and are doing their best to tear down the walls of the church of Jesus Christ.  They want to eradicate Christianity from the land and replace it with a society void of morals and decency.  Not a land flowing with milk and honey, but a land filled with violence, perversion, and sensuality.

We Christians know which way to go.  It is the way of God.  It is the way of Bible preaching and teaching.  It is the way of personal holiness.  It is the way of boldness.  It is the way of prayer.

Israel was heading toward the Land of Canaan, which is a type of heaven, but it was not heaven.  Our eternal home, our ultimate Canaan, will be void of death, crying, pain, and tears.  There will be no more fear.  Let us position ourselves behind God and the things of God and move out.  This is the only way to go.

THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE

What a joy it is to see Christians grow as they serve our Lord.  Yes, we preach the Word!  Yes, we lead souls to Christ!  But to see new Christians grow in their understanding and be willing to be used in ministry, is soul satisfying.  We are seeing that in our churches in New Jersey. 

We want to thank you for your vital part in our ministry.  Your prayers and financial support helps us to realize that we are not alone in church planting here in the East.  Thank you for caring.  May God bless your every step as you serve Him.