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Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church
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July 9, 2017
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Questions for
Reflection
What moments in your life stand out as turning points or "breaks" between what came before and what came next? Looking back at those moments, can you see ways that God was working? If so, how did those moments differ from your expectations?
Whether or not you are aware of what God was doing, take a few moments to ask God, "Where were you working in my life at that time?" Take time to consider anything that comes to mind--thoughts, feelings, insights, words, music... Ask God to guide you.
From where you are in your life right now, what important events are you expecting? Depending on how you feel about them, invite God to give you confidence that God will go with you, providing what you need to face them with confidence or helping you be present to enjoy them and receive their blessings.
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Get Ready :: Go!
The Rev. Steve Whitney, preaching
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There are moments in life that stand out. Some stand out because they represent a break between what came before and what would come after. We see some moments coming, but other life-changing moments catch us by surprise--bringing blessing, trial, or both.
The people of Israel experience such a moment in Joshua 3--ending one chapter and beginning a new one. "Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you," God says. And what comes next does not disappoint. God does something wonderful, leading them into their new life with a demonstration of power and presence among them.
Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church is at such a moment. God has been preparing us for the next stage of our life together, and it's nearly here. What will it be like? We don't know yet. But what we can count on is that God has good plans for us.
I look forward to seeing you at one of our worship services on Sunday: 7:50 a.m. (contemplative), 10 a.m. (traditional), or 5 p.m. (contemporary).
Blessings,
Steve
P.S. Summer Community Dinners after 5 p.m. worship continue this Sunday. Bring a neighbor, bring a friend, bring your family, and come join us in Trinity Court for a relaxing meal and time in community.
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Theme for the Day
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Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. -The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Scripture Passages
Then Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." To the priests Joshua said, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass on in front of the people." So they took up the ark of the covenant and went in front of the people.
The Lord said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses. You are the one who shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, 'When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.'" Joshua then said to the Israelites, "Draw near and hear the words of the Lord your God." Joshua said, "By this you shall know that among you is the living God who without fail will drive out from before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites: the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is going to pass before you into the Jordan. So now select twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap."
When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest.
So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam,
the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground,
the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.
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