In the sermon she delivered on January 2, 2022, Pastor Betty Marshall explained that every person in this world is faced with a multitude of choices in their lifetime. She outlined six of them.

Read Joshua 1:1-9

1 – CHOOSE TO BE COURAGEOUS

As we see in this passage, Joshua had to make a choice and it terrified him. As Moses’ successor, and in order to fulfill God’s plan, he was required to be both strong and courageous. Joshua needed encouragement. Likewise, we are all in need of encouragement from both God and from each other.

Initially, when God instructed Joshua to prepare, he had no idea how they would cross the Jordan River. The same is true today. When God directs us to act, He does not always provide clear instructions on how to do so. God commands us to walk by faith and not by sight.

We see in verse 8 that God encouraged Joshua. When we read and meditate on the Scriptures, we too are encouraged. Our lives can be transformed by the Bible if we allow it to speak to us.

Read Joshua 3:15-17

The Israelites had obeyed the Lord and He had performed another miracle. It is also God’s desire that we obey Him irrespective of our circumstances. In so doing, we shall be victorious. Challenges are inevitable. Throughout our lives, we will face hurdles and obstacles, but God will help us through them all. The key is to remain strong and courageous, and He will empower us to triumph. 

2 – CHOOSE TO RELY ON GOD FOR STRENGTH

Life cannot be lived on our own power. It’s simply impossible. The strength of the Lord is required. 

Joshua was appointed to lead the people after the death of Moses. As Moses’ assistant, Joshua saw the miracles and witnessed the trials and difficulties Moses faced. He was no doubt deeply affected by Moses’ passing. Perhaps you have lost a loved one or have experienced a divorce. You may have suffered the repercussions of a broken relationship, or you may have lost your job. Throughout life, we are faced with many challenges, but God is always available to help us overcome them.

Read Isaiah 41:10-11 and Isaiah 40:29:31

In these passages, the Lord promises to renew our strength. The second verse states that “they will soar like eagles”. When a storm occurs, an eagle soars above the clouds, guided by the winds. It rises above every obstacle. Similarly, we are to focus on God, and not on the circumstances of our lives, and strive to persevere no matter what.

3 – CHOOSE A GOOD ATTITUDE

This is an appropriate resolution for 2022. The way in which we respond to the events and circumstances of life will determine whether or not we have a year of victory or a year of defeat. A positive attitude is essential for maintaining healthy relationships, while a negative attitude can adversely affect our physical and mental health. A person’s attitude can either lead to success or failure. Furthermore, a positive attitude may lead to additional friends, whereas a negative attitude could result in more enemies. It’s our choice.

Read Proverbs 17:22

Pastor Betty encourages us to recognize and acknowledge one another’s positive qualities. As opposed to taking each other for granted, we should express our appreciation for one another. Pastor Betty suggests that when we feel overwhelmed by negative emotions, we should turn to God for help. If we ask the Lord for assistance, He will provide it. We may initially feel very angry about something when we begin to pray, but as we give it to God, our attitude will change and He will provide us with the love we need. We must not suppress our emotions or deny them, as they will inevitably resurface. Emotions must be dealt with as they arise. Further, we should not limit what God wishes to accomplish in our lives. As followers of Christ, we are to live a life that is based on faith and hope. We should not allow past experiences to inhibit or paralyze our spiritual growth. Rather, we must let them go for our Heavenly Father has great things in store for us.

The apostle Paul wrote many letters and sang praises to the Lord during his imprisonment. Through his writing, he encourages us to put to good use the time we have and the circumstances we are given. Paul encourages us to maximize every opportunity.

Pastor Betty urges us to maintain a positive attitude throughout 2022. Let’s follow Paul’s advice and forget our past, learn from it, and move forward. (Philippians 3:13-14)

4 – CHOOSE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Pastor Betty invites us to be sincere, honest, and trustworthy, and to not let our flaws cause us to doubt ourselves. During difficult times, we are encouraged to share our challenges with someone we trust and to pray with that person. Although we may not always be able to resolve every issue that arises in our lives, we can always provide one another with encouragement.

Read John 16:33 

Peace is the theme of this passage. Our peace comes from God. There is a natural desire and craving for peace among humans, but the world’s peace is fleeting. The only source of lasting peace is God. It is encouraging to know that we are members of God’s family, and that He will help us.

5 – CHOOSE TO BE USED BY GOD

Read 1 Samuel 3:10

Young Samuel incorrectly identified God’s voice as Eli’s at the beginning of this chapter, but he later heard God’s voice and listened to it. It is God’s desire that we be prepared to listen and obey. As disciples of Jesus Christ, it is our privilege and duty to serve the Lord and to be used by Him.

Read Matthew 11:15 and Luke 11:28 

It is not sufficient to merely read God’s Word. It must be applied to our daily lives. Those who fail to obey the Bible disobey the Lord and deprive the Body of Christ. Therefore, we should always be available to God and willing to serve Him in whatever way He chooses.

Read 1 Timothy 4:12-13

As believers, we are to be exemplary in speech, in life, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity every day of our lives. It is the Lord’s desire for each and every one of us to be an example to the world.

Read Numbers 22:21-39

As recorded in the Book of Numbers, God spoke to Balaam through the mouth of a donkey. If God can use a donkey, He can use us as well. The time has come for us to mobilize, to work together, and to reach out to others. Numerous people are suffering in a world inundated by Covid. Although many of them feel abandoned and alone, we can help. God’s anointing allows us to do so. 

Read Philippians 4:13 

Do not let negative emotions or doubts discourage you. God will provide you with the strength to overcome them. The Lord desires to use you every single day, but the question is, “Are you willing?”

6 – CHOOSE JESUS

Since accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour is the most important decision one will ever make, Pastor Betty invited those who desired to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour to pray the sinner’s prayer she led them in as she concluded her sermon. 

Have you given your life to Jesus Christ? 

Watch video here: