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Ready for a Fresh Start? #2

How to have a fresh start:

1.  Let your past go
2.  Rise up and get going
3.  Cross over into new territory
4.  Be Strong & Courageous

Joshua 1:1-9

There are two postures we can take as we march into 2008:  Weak and Fearful vs. Strong and Courageous.

“It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.”   - Alan Cohen

“Courage is the foundation of all other virtues.”   - CS Lewis

It takes courage to try, to try again, to stand up for your convictions, to do the right thing when the wrong thing is easier.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.”   – 2 Timothy 1:7

Weak & Fearful will never serve us well – ever.

"Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.  Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.  This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:6-9

Joshua and Israel had entered a comfort zone.  They were living in 40 years of provision, but with no progress – manna showed up, their clothes never wore out… but they were wandering around in circles. 

We all have comfort zones.

Some comfort zones are good because they normalize life. However some can become very containing. When something within you cries out for a higher way of life, it’s time to overcome the fear of stepping out of your comfort zone.

Feelings of fear, insecurity, inadequacy, intimidation – these are enemies to your destiny.

Getting out of your comfort zone is not just about you, or your personality – it’s about the glory of God, the will of God, and the people who need what you have!

We will never have our fresh start if we let insecurity, inadequacy, and intimidation trap us.

“I've never known God to use a discouraged man.”   - DL Moody

“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.”   – Ephesians 6:10

“The joy of the lord is your strength.”   - Nehemiah 8:10