Today's Reading:
Deut. 34:1-Josh. 2:24
Acts 13:16-41
Psalm 60:1-4
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: Joshua 1:7-9
7 Be
strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant
Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that
you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do
not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day
and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.
Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have
I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do
not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you
go."
Insight:
The
torch of leadership was passed on from Moses to Joshua. God admonished
Joshua to be strong and courageous and to be careful to follow the
commands he received through Moses. Though they would face frightening
opposition and discouraging circumstances, God promised Joshua that he
would be with him wherever he went, giving him strength and success.
Response and Action:
I'm
no Joshua, but my life's journey requires strength and courage. Whether
it's big or small, we're all leaders in some way. We all have to take
the lead at some time. As a follower of Jesus, I take heart in knowing
that God will not forsake me in the times I need to be a leader. Like
Joshua, I will commit myself to knowing and meditating upon God's
written word. When I face difficult and discouraging circumstances, I
will look to God for the energy and confidence I need to keep pressing
forward.
O
God, thank you for the promise to be with your people. Give me an
awareness of your presence with me today. Grant me the strength and the
faith I need to face the challenges and circumstances of my life. When I
am frightened, guard my heart and mind with the peace of Christ Jesus.
Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me, by your Holy Spirit,
through your Word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful
and true. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Timothy 2:1-7
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And
the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses
entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Resources:
Serious Times: Making Your Life Matter in an Urgent Day
by James Emery White
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Be Strong and Courageous
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