In Deuteronomy and Joshua, God repeatedly tells Joshua to be strong and courageous, offering reminders of His presence and promises, which were not just for Joshua but are relevant for us today.

Like the children who love collecting rocks, I find that certain symbols, like the rocks mentioned in the Bible, remind us of God's steadfast presence and the foundation He provides, even amidst life's challenges.

It’s fascinating how easily we can recall the lyrics to songs from decades ago, yet struggle to remember what we learned last week. Scripture, too, has the power to stay with us, especially when we commit it to memory—whether through music or simple repetition.

In Deuteronomy, Moses reminded the Israelites of God’s authority over all things, teaching them that some things are hidden in God’s wisdom. Our responsibility is to focus on what has been revealed to us, trusting that God knows best and will guide us through what we can’t yet understand.

As we face our own daily routines, we are called to recognize the possibility that God might use us to bring transformation and hope to those around us, just as He did with the resurrection.

Jesus made it clear that following Him requires a whole-hearted commitment, not divided loyalties. The Sermon on the Mount challenges us to examine where we compartmentalize our faith, urging us to surrender all aspects of our lives to His teachings and righteousness.

Jesus’ audience, familiar with the Shema, would have known the call to love God with all their heart, soul, and might. But Jesus expanded this understanding, teaching that our love for God must be reflected in how we treat others, calling us to embody God’s kingdom through compassion and forgiveness.

Imagine the scene of Jesus ascending the mountain to teach, echoing the moment when Moses went up to receive the Ten Commandments. But this time, a new message emerges—one of grace, blessing, and a new way to live in the kingdom of God.

Following Jesus requires a shift in focus; it's not just about personal preferences but aligning our actions and purposes with the kingdom of God.

The Israelites' repeated failures to obey God’s commandments serve as a backdrop to Jesus’ obedience, where He exemplifies the power of doing God’s word, even in the face of temptation.

In moments of fear or confusion, God calls us to stand still and trust that He will fight our battles for us. Too often, we rush ahead, trying to control outcomes, but sometimes God’s plan requires us to wait for His intervention. Trusting God’s sovereignty means acknowledging that He is in control, even when our instincts push us to act prematurely.

When Jesus began His public ministry, He did so with humility, not seeking power, but fulfilling God’s redemptive plan. For us as leaders, this challenges us to ask whether our leadership reflects self-service or submission to God's purpose.

The message of repentance in Matthew is a timely reminder that we must choose God’s kingdom over the kingdoms of this world. Repentance is not just about turning from sin, but about redirecting our hearts toward Jesus as our true King, above all other allegiances.

Just as Moses led God’s people out of Egypt, Jesus came to bring spiritual deliverance. Matthew’s gospel bridges the Old and New Testament, showing how Jesus fulfills the promises made to Israel, revealing God's grand plan for redemption.

In the face of fear and uncertainty, God's instruction is clear: "Be still and know that I am God." We must resist the urge to panic and instead sit quietly in God's presence, laying down our anxieties. In doing so, we find the peace that surpasses all understanding and are better able to hear His guidance for the future.

As I prepare to step down from my role, I want to encourage you to trust in God's leading, knowing that He is preparing others around you to carry forward the work He has called you to.

Join me for a transformative pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece, in October, as we follow the Apostle Paul’s journey, deepen our faith, and create lasting memories together!

Just as Moses was punished for not honoring God’s command, we must remember that it is not our place to define or execute justice but to trust God’s timing and sovereignty.

We must put 100% of our faith and confidence in God, just as Joshua and Caleb did, knowing that true unity and peace come from following His guidance and truth.

In the depths of distress, our longing for God often grows stronger as we face the challenges that make us turn to Him more deeply, just as the deer pants for water in times of thirst.