REFLECTION: As we enter a New Year, I am reminded about the wonderful opportunities and challenges that await us. Opportunities for love and laughter, testing and tears, lessons and "blessings" and a thousand more beside.
In Joshua 3 God gives the people directions through Joshua for crossing into the promised land. God records clearly the warning to pay attention and follow the Ark (Representing His Presence) because ..."Ye have not passed this way heretofore."

DIRECTION: The previous generation in Israel took their eyes and hearts off of God and so couldn’t claim the inheritance that God had offered them.
I fear that we may miss so very much of what God has planned for us if we don't learn the lessons of the past. You see God wants only our best. He reminded Israel (and us) of this when He said: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 The truth is that God has always had an "expected" or "desired end" in view for his people. Let's pause on the 'brink' of this year as we recognize things that may keep us from focusing on God and receiving his "expected end".

Point I. WE MAY MISS GOD'S DESIRES BECAUSE OF OUR DESIRES.

Point 2. WE MAY MISS GOD'S DESIRES BECAUSE OF OUR DISTRACTIONS

Point 3. WE MAY MISS GOD'S DESIRES BECAUSE OF OUR DISSAPPOINTMENTS.
You can't face the future while focusing on the past.

APPLICATION: Let's enter into this New Year with our eyes and hearts open for the opportunities God has planned for us.
1. Is your Desire God's Desire?
Psalms. 37:4,5 "Delight thyself,... Commit thy way"
2. Have you become sidetracked by Distractions?
Matthew 6:33 "seek ye first. . ."
3. Have you become Distanced from God through Disappointments?
Philippians 3:13,14 .