The nation of Israel had just left bondage in Egypt. Pharaoh however had second thoughts about letting them go. His army was in hot pursuit. Our text comes at a time when Israel was at a complete loss. There was the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army behind them. It looked hopeless. What were they to do? They cried out to the Lord and He told them to go forward. Yet, how could they? We know that God provided a way supernaturally by opening a path through the Red Sea. What is God’s plan for us in this new year? What does it have in store for us and how should we face it not knowing what to expect? Look for God to provide supernaturally as we follow His guidelines. I would like to share three ways we are to go forward:

To increase is to add to or to give more of something, to proceed to a higher level. The disciples looked to Jesus to develop their faith. He told them even a small measure of faith can bring supernatural results. How can we increase faith today? First, look to Jesus. Heb 12:2, "Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith." He is the object of our faith. He gives substance to our faith. His promises, His finished work on the cross, His offer of salvation, His coming again to take us to Himself is the sure hope of our faith. We build on that foundation by knowing and applying His will. Rom 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." Studying the scripture and allowing God to speak to us through His word strengthens our faith. The Christian faith is built on historical facts. Faith is not a hope so attitude, but a complete confidence in all God has revealed. Are you growing in your faith? Also, we are to

The word walk means "manner of life". The Christian is to have a lifestyle that pleases God. In other words, we are to live for Him and not for ourselves. Gal 2: 20 says, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Putting God in His proper place as Lord and Master is the key to spiritual growth. The more we learn about Christ and abandon ourselves to His revealed will, the more we will understand His plan . We are to act on that plan abounding or excelling in His will through obedience to His word. 1 Pet 2:2, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" God help us to feed on His word daily. Then finally we are to

To be stedfast is to be settled. Christian work is not a sporadic, occasional thing. It is a planned program of ministry. We serve God with spiritual gifts in the church. We serve God by giving to help others. Ministry requires time, money, resources and effort. Jesus is our example of service. Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister," Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. Our encouragement in Titus 2:14 is to be "zealous of good works", that is to earnestly desire them. We are not saved by works, but we are saved to do good works. Has God been speaking to you about some way you can be more involved in serving? God has a plan for each of our lives, and His plan is best. May God help each of us to know and act on it.

A farmer often prayed in prayer meeting. "I’m not making much progress, but I’m well established." One day a deacon in the church happened to see the farmer’s wagon stuck on the road. It was mired deep in mud. The farmer was doing his best to get the wagon out, but with little success. The deacon said to the farmer, "Well, I see you’re not making much progress, but you are well established." Unfortunately there are some today who are stuck in the mud regarding their spiritual progress. With God’s help, may we follow the pattern given by Paul in Phil 3:14, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus". May God help each of us to go forward to His honor and glory in this new year, and experience His supernatural work in our lives. God bless.