INTRODUCTION

2010: End of first Decade of 21^st Century

TOPIC: A JOURNEY WITH GOD

JAN –DEC IS A JOURNEY

Ø Refer to Children of Israel’s journey from Egypt.

1. God did not take them through the shortest route

2. Led by Pillar of light by day and pillar of fire by night

Ø THEIR PROBLEMS

1. Fear/Worry- at the sea despite the many miracles witnessed in Egypt

2. Dissatisfactions

3. Complains- hunger, bitter water, thirst (Exodus 14:22-26)

4. Grumbling

5. Disobedience and Idol worship

Ø (Ezra 8: 21-23,31)

· Background:

v Judah in exile for seventy years in Babylon

v Ezra and Nehemiah started a Spiritual

v movement of rebuilding Jerusalem

v Ezra’s priorities were- studying God’s word

· Living God’s word

v Journey from exile to Jerusalem was 900 miles on foot and took 4 months

· Requirement:

1. Physical preparation

2. Spiritual preparation

· fast- more time with God

· humbled before God

· prayer for safe journey and Protection

In 2010 we need a journey with God

Ask for God’s guidance and protection

Have faith that God is in control

Know that we are not strong enough to make the journey of 2010 without God

Ø (1Kings 19:7) Elijah told by Angel “ Wake up and eat for the journey is too much for you.

v Elijah was fatigued and discouraged after his 2 great spiritual victories (defeat of Baal’s prophets and prayer of rain)

v What was he to eat?????

Ø (Ezekiel 3:1) the Scroll- digest it and then Go! –

1. It makes you stronger in faith

2. Gives wisdom

3. Sweetens life

Ø (Luke 9:1-10)- (a journey with God)

1. Jesus called the 12

2. Gave them Power And Authority

3. Sent them out – to preach and to heal

CAUTION: Take nothing- not a walking

Walking stake

§ Not a traveler’s bag

§ No food

§ Nor money

§ Not even an extra coat

§ Be a guest in only one place

They set out, they preached and healed

· Note Herod heard the success (Satan hears and does not take vacation but is out to kill as he did with John the Baptist

· On return they gave Jesus an account of what they did.

WHAT ACCOUNT ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE AT THE END OF 2010?????????

If you take the journey with God in 2010 the Hand of our God will be on you , He will protect you from enemies and bandits along the way.

Rev Michael Ngeru