Good morning,

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr gave his “I have a dream” speech on 28 August 1963. His dream was to see the unity of the black and white communities.

Joseph dreamed dreams in his day. God allowed him to interpret the dreams of others. His dreams caused his brothers to hate him and his father to rebuke him. Little did they know that those dreams would be fulfilled in their lifetime.

We will look at six dreams. Two are Joseph’s, two are prison, and two are Pharaoh’s. We will see how Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams saved both the nations of Egypt and Israel from a disastrous famine.

I HAVE A DREAM

And Joseph dreamed a dream… (Genesis 37:5)

Introduction 2 dreams: Joseph, Prison, Pharaoh

Joseph’s dreams (Genesis 37:2-11) (v 2,5,7,9,10)

These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:7 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Prison dreams (Genesis 40:1-23)

Dream prelude (Genesis 40:1-4)

And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

Butler’s dream (Genesis 40:5-11) 

And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.7 And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:11 And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.

Joseph interprets the Butler’s dream (Genesis 40:12-15)

And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

Baker’s dream (Genesis 40:16-17)

When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head:17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.

Joseph interprets the Baker’s dream (Genesis 40:18-19)

And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.

Interpretations confirmed (Genesis 40:20-23)

And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand:22 But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

God is looking for us to grow in 2024. We ask ourselves, “Does God have a plan for us?” The answer is a resounding YES. What does God want us to do in 2024. This week we will learn some things that God wants us to do in 2024. As we study and meditate, God will help us develop a plan uniquely designed for each of us. 

Things God wants us to do in 2024 

7. Be ye merciful Luke 6:35-37 (v 36) 

³⁵ But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.³⁶ Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. ³⁷ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 

8. Be thankful 1 Thessalonians 5:11-22 (v 18) 

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.¹² And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;¹³ And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.¹⁵ See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.¹⁶ Rejoice evermore.¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.¹⁸ In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit.²⁰ Despise not prophesyings.²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.²² Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

God is looking for us to grow in 2024. We ask ourselves, “Does God have a plan for us?” The answer is a resounding YES. What does God want us to do in 2024. This week we will learn some things that God wants us to do in 2024. As we study and meditate, God will help us develop a plan uniquely designed for each of us. 

Things God wants us to do in 2024 

5. Worship the Lord Revelation 4:8-11 (v 8, 11) 

 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.⁹ And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,¹⁰ The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. 

6. Obey God’s commands Genesis 12:1-4 (1, 4) 

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:² And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:³ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.⁴ So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

God is looking for us to grow in 2024. We ask ourselves, “Does God have a plan for us?” The answer is a resounding YES. What does God want us to do in 2024. This week we will learn some things that God wants us to do in 2024. As we study and meditate, God will help us develop a plan uniquely designed for each of us. 

Things God wants us to do in 2024 

1. Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with thy God Micah 6:1-8 (v8) 

Hear ye now what the Lord saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.² Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.³ O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.⁴ For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.⁵ O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord.⁶ Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?⁷ Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?⁸ He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? 

2. Fear God, keep His commandments Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 (v13-14) 

Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.⁹ And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.¹⁰ The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.¹¹ The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.¹² And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.¹³ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.¹⁴ For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. 

3. Trust in the Lord, in all thy ways acknowledge Him, lean not on thine own understanding Proverbs 3:1-10 (v5-6) 

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:² For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.³ Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:⁴ So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.⁸ It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.⁹ Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:¹⁰ So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 

4. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, soul, and might Deuteronomy 6:1-7 (v 4-6) 

Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:² That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.³ Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:⁵ And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.⁶ And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:⁷ And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 

5. Worship the Lord Revelation 4:8-11 (v 8, 11) 

 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.⁹ And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,¹⁰ The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. 

6. Obey God’s commands Genesis 12:1-4 (1, 4) 

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:² And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:³ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.⁴ So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. 

7. Be ye merciful Luke 6:35-37 (v 36) 

³⁵ But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.³⁶ Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. ³⁷ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 

8. Be thankful 1 Thessalonians 5:11-22 (v 18) 

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.¹² And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;¹³ And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.¹⁵ See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.¹⁶ Rejoice evermore.¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.¹⁸ In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit.²⁰ Despise not prophesyings.²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.²² Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

Good morning, 

God is looking for us to grow in 2024. We ask ourselves, “Does God have a plan for us?” The answer is a resounding YES. What does God want us to do in 2024. This week we will learn some things that God wants us to do in 2024. As we study and meditate, God will help us develop a plan uniquely designed for each of us. 

Things God wants us to do in 2024 

3. Trust in the Lord, in all thy ways acknowledge Him, lean not on thine own understanding Proverbs 3:1-10 (v5-6) 

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:² For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.³ Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:⁴ So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.⁸ It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.⁹ Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:¹⁰ So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 

4. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, soul, and might Deuteronomy 6:1-7 (v 4-6) 

Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:² That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.³ Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:⁵ And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.⁶ And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:⁷ And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com 

Good morning, 

God is looking for us to grow in 2024. We ask ourselves, “Does God have a plan for us?” The answer is a resounding YES. What does God want us to do in 2024. This week we will learn some things that God wants us to do in 2024. As we study and meditate, God will help us develop a plan uniquely designed for each of us. 

Things God wants us to do in 2024 

1. Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with thy God Micah 6:1-8 (v8) 

Hear ye now what the Lord saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.² Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.³ O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.⁴ For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.⁵ O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord.⁶ Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?⁷ Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?⁸ He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? 

2. Fear God, keep His commandments Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 (v13-14) 

Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.⁹ And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.¹⁰ The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.¹¹ The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.¹² And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.¹³ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.¹⁴ For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

Welcome to 2024. A new year and possibly a new start. This would be a good time to reflect on what God has done during the past year. When we think about God’s all knowing, ever-present, all-powerful character, we have a place to begin our planning for this year. Then we need to ask ourselves, “What can we do to grow closer to God this year?” How can we glorify God more this year? What is our plan to get these things done? What goals have we set for this year? 

Joshua is preparing to go into the promised land. God spoke to Joshua. Joshua listened to God’s plan. He made preparations to go. Then executed the plan.  

We will study parts of Joshua 1-3 and see how Joshua accomplished this task. 

This should be what we do this year. 

Preparing for 2024 

Joshua 1-3 

Joshua speaks to the people (3:9-13) 

And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the Lord your God.10 And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.12 Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap. 

Waters part, people cross over Jordan on dry ground (3:14-17) 

And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;¹⁵ And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)¹⁶ That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.¹⁷ And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan. 

CONCLUSION 

Go 

Be of good courage 

Obey God’s word 

Prepare 

Set ourselves apart for God’s use 

Obey God’s leading 

Execute, execute, execute God’s plan 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

Welcome to 2024. A new year and possibly a new start. This would be a good time to reflect on what God has done during the past year. When we think about God’s all knowing, ever-present, all-powerful character, we have a place to begin our planning for this year. Then we need to ask ourselves, “What can we do to grow closer to God this year?” How can we glorify God more this year? What is our plan to get these things done? What goals have we set for this year? 

Joshua is preparing to go into the promised land. God spoke to Joshua. Joshua listened to God’s plan. He made preparations to go. Then executed the plan.  

We will study parts of Joshua 1-3 and see how Joshua accomplished this task. 

This should be what we do this year. 

Preparing for 2024 

Joshua 1-3 

Joshua commands the people to “…Prepare…” (1:10-11) 

Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,¹¹ Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it. 

Joshua sends two men to spy out the land (2:1, 23-24) 

And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there. 

So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:²⁴ And they said unto Joshua, Truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us. 

Officers prepare people for passing over Jordan (3:2-4) 

And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;³ And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.⁴ Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore. 

Joshua commands the people to “…Sanctify yourselves…” (3:5) 

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. 

Joshua speaks to the priests (3:6) 

And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. 

The Lord speaks to Joshua (3:7-8) 

And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. ⁸ And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan. 

The next step is preparation. Joshua commands his officers to prepare the people. Joshua has two of his men reconnoiter the area. He prepares the priests. He has the people sanctify themselves. The plan is set for execution.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning, 

Welcome to 2024. A new year and possibly a new start. This would be a good time to reflect on what God has done during the past year. When we think about God’s all knowing, ever-present, all-powerful character, we have a place to begin our planning for this year. Then we need to ask ourselves, “What can we do to grow closer to God this year?” How can we glorify God more this year? What is our plan to get these things done? What goals have we set for this year? 

Joshua is preparing to go into the promised land. God spoke to Joshua. Joshua listened to God’s plan. He made preparations to go. Then executed the plan.  

We will study parts of Joshua 1-3 and see how Joshua accomplished this task. 

This should be what we do this year. 

Preparing for 2024 

Joshua 1-3 

The Lord says “Go…” (1:2) 

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 

The Lord says where to go (1:3-5)  

³ Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.⁴ From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.⁵ There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 

The Lord says, “Be strong and of a good courage:”. (1:6) 

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 

The Lord says, “…observe to do according to all the law…” (1:7-9) 

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest^.8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.⁹ Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 

Joshua commands the people to “…Prepare…” (1:10-11) 

Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,¹¹ Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it. 

Joshua sends two men to spy out the land (2:1, 23-24) 

And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there. 

So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:²⁴ And they said unto Joshua, Truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us. 

Officers prepare people for passing over Jordan (3:2-4) 

And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;³ And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.⁴ Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore. 

Joshua commands the people to “…Sanctify yourselves…” (3:5) 

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. 

Joshua speaks to the priests (3:6) 

And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. 

The Lord speaks to Joshua (3:7-8) 

And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. ⁸ And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan. 

Joshua speaks to the people (3:9-13) 

And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the Lord your God.10 And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.12 Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap. 

Waters part, people cross over Jordan on dry ground (3:14-17) 

And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;¹⁵ And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)¹⁶ That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.¹⁷ And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan. 

CONCLUSION 

Go 

Be of good courage 

Obey God’s word 

Prepare 

Set ourselves apart for God’s use 

Obey God’s leading 

Execute, execute, execute God’s plan 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Welcome to 2024. A new year and possibly a new start. This would be a good time to
reflect on what God has done during th e past year. When we think about God’s all
knowing, ever-present, all-powerful character, we have a place to begin our planning for
this year. Then we need to ask ourselves, “What can we do to grow closer to God this
year?” How can we glorify God more this year? What is our plan to get these things done?
What goals have we set for this year?

Joshua is preparing to go into the promised land. God spoke to Joshua. Joshua listened to
God’s plan. He made preparations to go. Then executed the plan.

We will study parts of Joshua 1-3 and see how Joshua accomplished this task.

This should be what we do this year.

Preparing for 2024
Joshua 1-3

The Lord says “Go…” (1:2)

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all
this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

The Lord says where to go (1:3-5)

3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you,
as I said unto Moses.4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great
river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward
the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.5 There shall not any man be able to
stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee:
I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

The Lord says, “Be strong and of a good courage:”. (1:6)

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an
inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

The Lord says, “…observe to do according to all the law…” (1:7-9)

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do
according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from
it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou
goest.8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all
that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou
shalt have good success.9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good
courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.

The very first thing we must do in our planning process is listen to God. Then, read and obey God’s word. These two things will focus our attention on God and His will for our lives.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com