GPS-Hopewell Beach

AUG 31 / Sunday Read Joshua 3:1-17 / Joshua 4:1-24

Overview: What happens at the beach shouldn’t just stay at the beach. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

SEP 01 / Mon – Bookends  |  Read Joshua 4:4-5 and 19-24 / Psalm 71:14-18

Their forty-year journey started when Moses dried up the Red Sea, leading God’s people to freedom. It continued until Joshua parted the Jordan River, bringing them into the land God promised. What memorial did Joshua build? What was it made from? This symbol would remind future generations of God’s mighty works. What memorial ‘stones’ are you leaving for those coming after you? You can start right now by choosing 3 significant things God has done in your life. Record them. Repeat them. Proclaim His goodness every chance you get. He deserves every ounce of credit.

02 / Tue – Labor Day revisited  |  Read Colossians 3:17

When you were a kid, did you fight doing the chores your parents gave you? Do you know that work is a holy thing in God’s eyes? Pope Francis once said: Work is part of God’s loving plan. We are called to cultivate and care for…all creation. Work is fundamental to the dignity of the person. How does the work you do make a difference? What could happen if you didn’t do your job well? When your tasks become drudgery, focus on the real Person you are working for and see how it blesses Him.

03 / Wed – Work that lasts  |  Read Psalm 127:1

Do you have goals you are pursuing? What are you working for…on your job, for yourself, or within your family? Your accomplishments may only last temporarily, but the way you achieve them can affect others for eternity. How involved is the Lord in your planning? Do you consult Him about the choices you make before you move forward? The work He has for you to do will have a lasting impact when He is the master builder. How will you work today with eternity in mind?

04 / Thu – Rest is imperative  |  Read Gen 3:17-19 / Matthew 11:28-30

Sin changed the nature of work from what God intended in the beginning. Now it can be difficult, and even exhausting at times. Physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally tiring. When Jesus lived on earth, he experienced those times and understood how you feel. That’s why his words here are so precious. You can rely on his promise. He’ll do what he says he will do. What difficult situation will you bring to Him today? He’ll meet you right where you are and provide the rest you need.

05 / Fri – Answering those who ask  |  Read 1 Peter 3:15-16

Others compare your words and your actions. God is not honored when we say we believe certain things but don’t live them out. When you live as Jesus did by genuinely caring about people, exhibiting kindness, patience, compassion, and integrity, others will notice. Some will even ask why. Are you prepared to answer? If not, ask the Lord to help you. You don’t have to say a lot, but the Holy Spirit will give you just the right words. Speak with gentleness and respect.

06 / Sat – Important questions  |  Read John 5:30

One ‘secret’ of how to live as Jesus did is emulating the consistent dialogue he had with the Father. Pastor Charles Stanley suggests four things we would be wise to ask God daily. First, what do You want me to do today? Second, how do You want me to act today? Third, when do You want me to act today? And fourth, how can I best represent You today? Asking these questions, listening for the answers, and then acting on them will help you live as Jesus did. And if you struggle to obey, the Holy Spirit is always available to give you strength in your inner being.