God Goes Before You
New Year's Eve 2023
1. Read Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV): "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” This verse tells us two things that we should be and two things we should not be and then gives us three promises: what are they?
2. Read Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV): "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” What does this verse tell us we should not be? What does it mean to you that God will not give you a command if He hasn't already equipped you to do it?
3. Pastor James said: “You can go forward trusting that God goes before you.” How does knowing that God goes before you encourage you? What does it mean to you?
4. Read Proverbs 16:9 (NLT): “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” God will guide you along the way. Looking back over your life, how can you see where God has guided you? Not knowing what tomorrow will bring, how much faith do you have that God will guide your future?
5. Read Psalm 32:8 (NLT) "The LORD says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'" Pastor James shared about how giving his five-year-old son keys to a car would not be good. The point is that God will not bless us before we are ready for it. Where are you hoping God will guide you in the future? What might you need to do to be ready for the blessing? (hint: see the following verse)
6. Read Matthew 6:33 (NLT): "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” What does it mean to you to ‘seek the kingdom of God above all else”?
God will provide you with a promise.
Pastor James shared several promises from Scripture. Which one of the following do you wish you had clung to the past year? Which of these promises will you hold on to going forward?
God will always be with you: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
God will grant you His peace: "I will give you peace that surpasses all understanding." (John 14:27)
God will provide for your needs: "I will supply all your needs according to My riches in glory." (Philippians 4:19)
God will strengthen you: "I will strengthen you; you can do all things through Me." (Philippians 4:13)
God will guide you: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8)
God will give you rest: "Come to Me, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
God Will love you unfailingly: "Trust in Me, and you will experience My unfailing love." (Psalm 32:10)
God Will grant you victory: "In Christ, I will give you the victory over sin and death." (1 Corinthians 15:57)
God will bless you: “I will bless you in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)
God will prepare an eternal home for you: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what I am preparing for those who love me.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
God will forgive your sins: "If you confess your sins, I am faithful and just and will forgive your sins." (1 John 1:9)