As we begin the New Year, some make resolutions, while others start fresh commitments. Whether it is striving for greater work-life balance, getting involved in a ministry, or having a closer walk with God, we can all learn from the experience of the Israelites in their crossing over to the other side of the Jordan River.

1. LOOK UP – “get ready to cross the Jordan River” Joshua 1:2 The command and approval comes from God. We must look up as a way of reminding ourselves that God always goes before us when we are doing His will in our lives.
2. LOOK IN – “Consecrate yourselves” Joshua 3:5 Before that first step of crossing over, each of us needs to examine our lives. We need to evaluate how close we are to God’s plan.
3. LOOK BACK – “just (as) what he had done to the Red Sea” Joshua 4:23 We look back so that we remember God has always helped us make the crossings in the past. Joshua's faith was further strengthened based on previous experience with God in crossing the Red Sea.
4. LOOK FORWARD – “tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you” Joshua 3:5 As we think about how to respond to “the crossings of life” that lie ahead of us, we can anticipate that God has many more miracles in store for us.

Let us therefore cross over with faith, courage and God’s strength in 2009!