"Now what I am commanding you to do is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach....No, the word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it."  (vs. 11,14)

     Forty years has passed since the Israelites were delivered from Egypt. Moses is 120 years old and realizes that he is unable to continue leading the Israelites. He is about to hand his leadership over to Joshua. Joshua would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land - the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Gen 34:4)

     Moses knew what it would take for the nation to successfully possess the land - faithfulness and obedience to God. God would always be with them - his power, protection, and provision - but only as they walked in his will and in his ways. They had already learned hard lessons by not following God. The enemies in the land they were about to enter would be bigger and stronger than any they had ever faced. If they strayed from God, even slightly, it could prove disastrous.

     To prepare the Israelites for the next phase of their journey, Moses stands before the people and renews the covenant God made with them. The covenant offered righteousness from God through faith in what God could do. The most difficult part of taking the land promised to them would not so much be the physical work that it would take but the discipline of listening to God and obeying him - even when it did not make sense. (as with the battle of Jericho)

     God wanted more for the Israelites than deliverance form Egypt. He wanted more for them than wandering through the wilderness for 40 years. God wanted his people to possess their own land and to be prosperous and productive. God wanted a people for himself. A people that would point the rest of the world to him.

     Moses tells the people that what he is commanding them to do is not difficult or impossible since they already have what they need placed within them. The Word of God had been placed within them. They had heard, seen and experienced God in some very miraculous ways. All that they needed they already had - they just needed to use it.

     They had the Word of God which is the Word of faith! Their belief and trust in God must be in their hearts and come out of their mouths as well. One of the biggest problems the Israelites faced in the wilderness was not its enemies but themselves - their unbelief - their grumbling about their situation - and their attempts to do things their own way.

     Our family is heading in a new direction as I take time away from pastoral ministry and focus on evangelism in our community, jails, prisons, nursing homes and - well, wherever God sends us. The leadership of Byrd's Chapel and Wesley chapel will be handed over to another pastor. Lots of changes are about to come. But - we have the Word of God within us. Everything we need in order to move into a new time and place has been placed within us through God's word. God has promised to always be with us. He has promised to always lead us and guide us when we look to him. He has given us principles to live by. And he has instructed us to live by faith. God is trustworthy and we can trust in him.

     I am grateful for the four years we have been given at Byrd's Chapel and Wesley Chapel. God has greatly blessed us with many good experiences, many new friends, and with a wonderful community. Saying goodbye is never easy but as Christians we can simple say "see you later". The new pastor, Larry Pickering, and his wife, Brenda, are wonderful people and will serve you well. It is good to know that both churches will be left in such capable hands. My last Sunday to be at Byrd's Chapel and Wesley Chapel will be on the 20^th (Father's Day). Larry's first Sunday will be on the 27^th.

I leave you with the following blessing:

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)