A Fresh Start
\”So the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp; they did the same for six days.\”
Joshua 6:14— NASB
The plan of action would have sounded far out to anyone else. But Joshua, the head of the Israelite nation, was about to move into the Promised Land and take over. This land would be his, and his descendant\’s forever.
There was a problem, though…Jericho was a heavily secured city.
So what did God ask Joshua and the Israelites to do that would sound far out to anyone else? Did He tell them to begin making swords? Did He instruct Joshua to sharpen blades or train young men for war?
No, God doesn\’t require His people to do any of those things. By contrast, He issues a simple battle plan: Walk around the city walls with trumpets playing. There\’s to be no talking—not even a whisper. On the seventh day, the army is to give a mighty shout of praise.
Joshua follows God\’s orders, and on the seventh day, the walls fall. The Israelite nation enters and destroys everyone except for Rahab and her family. Wow! That was some action plan. Can you imagine the sight?
This was a new beginning for the Israelites. New beginnings sometimes involve us stepping out in faith. God asks us to walk in obedience, and as we do, sometimes it seems like nothing changes. Life seems to go on just as usual…
But don\’t discount what God is doing in your life. Even if you can\’t see it. Remember, he\’s working for our good and His glory. What looks so impossible to you is no challenge for the Almighty God.
Dear Father, help me to walk in obedience. Others might think I\’m silly or crazy for listening to You. But I believe You\’re at work here. In the meantime, just like the Israelites, give me the grace and strength to keep waiting for your new beginnings in any area of my life. In Jesus\’ name, Amen.
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Sweet Tea & Friends is a MONTHLY PARTY and will run from 1:00 am on the 1st of every month through 11:55 pm on the 21st of the month.
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Linking up this month with these great Blog Hop Link-Up party hosts Inspire Me Monday @ Anita’s Inspire Me Monday @ Create With Joy Friendship Friday Remember Me Monday #MondayMusings #TellHisStory InstaEncouragements Let\’s Have Coffee #AnythingGoesLinky Thankful Thursday Imparting Grace Grace & Truth Your The Star Encouraging Hearts & Home Hearth & Soul Sweet Tea & Friends Grammy’s Grid #PoCoLo
40 Comments
Jim Lee
Happy New Year Paula
Stephanie
Paula, Happy New Year! 😊 Thank you for hosting. Today I’m sharing my heart garland. I hope you have a great start to the new year.
Lisa Blair
I’m so glad He gives us a fresh start, Paula! Thanks for hosting!
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
You’re so very welcome Lisa.
Donna B Reidland
Happy New Year, Paula! I hope it’s filled with loads of God’s blessings!
Nancy Ruegg
No doubt everyone has prayers and hopes they desire fulfilled in 2023. You’ve provided a faith-filled word here, Pauls, to encourage endurance and diligence. Thank you for the reassurance that God is working for our good and His glory!
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
You’re so welcome Nancy.
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Dee | Grammy's Grid
Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 97. Shared.
Barbara Harper
I have a feeling that the more time goes by, the more Christianity will be seen as ridiculous and outlandish to the world. May God give us grace to remain faithful.
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
Amen Barbara.
Donna
Paula I am grateful for the reminder that God is always with us, and working on our behalf even when we can’t see it! Here’s to new beginnings together in 2023!!
Lauren Renee Sparks
Beautiful challenge, Paula.
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
Thank you Lauren.
Lois Flowers
Paula, thanks for these encouraging words. Such a comfort to remember God is always working for our good and His glory. Happy New Year, friend!
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
You’re most welcome Lois. Happy New Year to you too.
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Thanks so much for hosting, Paula. My entry is #59.
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
You’re welcome Dee.
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Thanks again, Paula, also linked up #61.
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Aritha
Thank you Paula,
I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the blog you have written. Your hard work and dedication truly shines through in every word, and I have learned from reading it. Thank you for sharing your thought (Gods words?) and insights.
I am sure it has touched many other people as well, when they take the time to read. Thank you for all that you do. Also for hosting the Link-Party. I’m curious how you are doing.
Lots of Love,
Aritha
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
Aritha, thank you so much for your kind words. You are so very welcome my friend.
Jeanne Takenaka
Paula, what a great Bible passage and message to ponder at the beginning of this new year. I’d never thought about Joshua and the Israelites defeating Jericho as a beginning of a new part of their story. Who knows what new beginnings God has for each of us this year. Thanks for this encouragement!
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
You’re welcome Jeanne.
Julie Briones
So happy to have found your blog AND link party, Paula… I’m adding it to my link party page. What time zone are your start and end times?
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
Hey Julie. I’m so happy to have you join me. The time zone is Eastern (New York) and it goes live at 1:00 am on the 1st of every month and ends at 11:55 PM on the 21st of the month.
Julie Briones
Loved reading your devotional, Paula, and really appreciate the party! Thanks for letting us share throughout the month! Have a wonderful January!
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
Thank you Julie. And you are so welcome. I appreciate you linking up and sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends.
Anita Ojeda
I love that! ‘Our good and HIS glory.’ very important words to remember in today’s self-centered world.
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
Thank you Anita.
Donna B Reidland
Paula,
God’s ways are definitely not our ways, are they? I read once that God’s world is upside down world compared to the natural way of thinking. But then He gets the glory when we step out in faith and act on His Word. Thanks for hosting each month for all you do to minister to others and help us all grow. Blessings, my friend.
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
Thank’s for sharing what you read, I’m going to have to remember that. Tou’re welcome and Thany You. {{Hugs}}
Linda Stoll
Thank you for welcoming us into your home as we kick off the new year! I’ve got alot of catching up to do when it comes to re-connecting. How fun to see so many old and new friends in one place.
Bless you, Paula, for being such a generous hostess.
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
Thank you Linda, and you’re so very welcome.
Debbie- Dabble
Paula,
Thanks again for hosting this charming party!! I truly appreciate the time and effort that goes into it! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Deb
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
You are so very welcome Debbie.
Debbie- Dabble
Paula,
Me again!! I wanted to thank you for all your kind comments and wish you a very Happy and Heealhty New Year!!
Hugs,
Deb
SimplyCoffeeandJesus;ByPaula
{{Hugs} sweet friend. I appreciate you.
Amy Johnson
That is one of my favorite Bible stories, and as someone who has been on a worship team most of my life, I always loved this story because the worship team led the “parade”. Thanks for the party.
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