GOD HAS BLESSINGS FOR US IN 2013! 

Moses My servant is dead.  Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them-the children of Israel.  Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. (Joshua 1:2,3)

At the writing of this newsletter it appears that our nation may go over the "fiscal cliff."  This cliff can cause a hike in taxes, and also some people can lose benefits from existing programs.  The year 2012 has been difficult for many people, and the thought of more bad news is not very appealing.  After reading the passage above however, I am optimistic for the Christian community.  In that passage, Moses had died and God assured Joshua that as He was with Moses, He would be with Joshua as well. 

 God had new territory for His people, but they would have to do 3 things:  1.  They would have to get up;  2.  They would have to move forward; and 3.  They would have to claim their blessings.

God's "Word" to Joshua, is also a good "Word" for us today as we consider 2013.  We must "get up (arise)."  We will never get anywhere if we do not get up.  No matter what problems we have had in the past, we should look forward to the future. Sometimes we get depressed and just decide not to do anything. Wallowing in self-pity will get us nowhere.  God wants us to get up.  God will bless us if we just get up.

Next we need to move forward (go).  2012 is almost over.  We cannot go backwards.  We cannot change anything that happened in 2012.  The blessings are in front of us.  I believe God has something waiting for us if we keep moving forward.

Finally, we need to claim our blessings.  God told Joshua that He was giving them the land.  It was a done-deal.  I am standing on God's promises that He has some new territory available to me.  The key to all of us grasping our potential, is to "focus" on God.  We should not focus on our present circumstances, or on people. Circumstances can change and people can put obstacles in your way.  Do you believe that God has blessings for you in 2013?  Are you optimistic that things will get better for you in 2013?  Are you willing get up; move forward; and claim your blessings?  I hope so, because I surely am!