Happy in His Work

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for thought:
Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-- this is a gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19 (NIV)

It is such a joy to know that God isn’t against rich people. God has blessed and enabled us to enjoy the riches he given us.  I enjoy spending money for the glory of God.  How much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?  In everything, do to other what you would have them do for you.  Matthew 7: 11-12.

Doing things for others makes my heart happy. Just to help someone, with or without money. It is exciting to experience the joy that giving brings. It brings a smile to the face of some and tears of joy to others.

We are here on earth to serve others as servants of God.  I don’t have to think about what I need because God supplies all that I need.  It is a joy to do something as simple as giving in times like these when so many people are in need.  I enjoy going to the mall and buying things that I remember someone else seeing and saying “I sure would like to have that.”  It may be something as simple as food, clothes, or flowers, but the joy is greater than the gift.

Another thing that brings me joy is to go to the Daily Bread kitchen and help others by giving of my time. I am just thankful to be able to serve. I have learned to enjoy all of the riches that I have been given, it truly is better to give than to receive.  I have heard other say how depressed they are.  For me cure for this is giving to others.  That does not leave time to be depressed.  I find true satisfaction in a wealth of giving; whether it is time, talent, or money.

Let’s Pray:
Father God you are so awesome.  Thank you for all you have given us. Help us to use it for your glory.  Help us to not grow weary in well doing, but to continue to bring joy to the body of Christ.  In Jesus’s name!  Amen

Take the next step:
Do what you can to bring a smile and joy to someone new this week. It will light up your day also. God bless.

Gather Up the Fragments

by Shelia Gaines

Verses for thought:
When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. John 6:12-13 (KJV)

“Give him the fragments of your broken life, my friend.  The potter wants to put you back together again.” 

Over time and with continued use, the files and folders on a computer can break down or become fragmented.  When this happens, it causes the system to run slowly and experience processing problems.  In severe cases, some programs may stop running all together.  Thankfully, all computers come with some type of defragmenter tool and usually let the user know when something needs to be done.

Have you ever wished for a quick fix to a problem or situation that left you feeling broken and fragmented?  Perhaps you are struggling with a family problem, a broken marriage, financial insecurity or low self-esteem. If this is where you find yourself today, you are not alone.  The opening quote is from Tramaine Hawkins song, The Potter’s House.  She reminds us that no matter what broken situation we find ourselves in, there is hope, salvation and healing in the Potter’s House.  Isaiah 64:8 reminds us that we are the potter and our heavenly father is the clay.

Today’s verses for thought do not pertain to something that happened after a planned feast.  It was after thousands of people found themselves in need of a miracle.  Jesus not only performed the miracle of feeding five thousand people with so little, he also admonished his disciples to make sure they gathered up all the fragments that were left so that nothing would go to waste.  

Are you in need of a miracle today?  Why not allow Jesus to gather up the fragments of your life and make you whole again.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for being the potter.  Mold me and make me into everything you want me to be.  Help me to trust you even when I don’t understand the process and feel broken beyond repair.  Please take the broken pieces and make me whole again.
In the name of your precious son, Jesus.  Amen
  
Take the Next Step:
Why not take a moment and search online for the lyrics to The Potter’s House.  Let these words sink into your spirit.  Ask God to pick up the pieces of your fragmented life and watch miracles happen.

Too Blessed to be Stressed

by Belinda Blevins


Verse for thought:
I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.  Psalm 120: 1 (NIV)


I had only been on the job for a few days.   It was during a very stressful period of my life.  I was dealing with situations where I saw first- hand, children being charged with different crimes. I had no idea it would be so stressful, and I was having second thoughts about this job.  However, even in my distress I began to see an opportunity to encourage the children as they passed through the system.

The thought of someone going through difficult times made me realize that I could see the person rather than the problem.  Some were depressed and some had other personal problems.   At times I found myself in tears for these children.  I remembered those who go out weeping, carrying seeds to sow, thinking of the good to come for them in the future.  I consoled myself with these two verses from Psalms 130:1 and 128:1.  In the first verse the psalmist says “Out of the depth I cry to you Lord.”  The second verse lets me know that “blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.”  These verses helped me to stop and realize I was in that place “for such a time as this.”

I could have allowed those situations to keep me stressed.  But, instead I chose to concentrate on the reasons “I am too blessed to be stressed.”   God is always in control, even when he is working through you to help others. We must be confident and glad to do what we have been called to do. It may seem stressful at times and you may want to quit.  However only you can do what is ordained for you. God has deposited in us a boldness, so be courageous, not stressed.  We are called to make a difference in situations by trusting God and walking by faith.

Today I am glad I got that job and feel confident that several lives were changed because of the fruit I continue seeing today.


Let’s Pray:
Father, thank you for blessing me to be a blessing!  Thank you for fruit of the seeds sowed in stressful times.  Father, help me to continue even when I don’t know what to do. Thank you for the faith to be the confident woman you created.  Help me be an encourager in the body of CHRIST.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take the next Step:
Yesterday is gone.  Today is all we have.  Tomorrow is not promised.   So in the stress of the day, remember you are too blessed to be stressed.   Share what God has invested in you. You can!!!  JUST do it.  Be Blessed.

Where's Your Resting Place

by Stephanie Gaines

Verse for Thought:   Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28 (NIV)

We all have those days where we’re counting down the hours until we can sit down and relax.  For me, I think, I’m going to go home, turn on some music, turn off the lights and my phone, and curl up in my bed.  Others may curl up with a good book while others draw themselves a nice, hot bath to rest.  About a month ago, I was dealing with a lot of stress spiritually and emotionally and this scripture came to my mind. I was thinking to myself, I’ve been trying to rest but I still don’t feel quite rested.  Right after I said that I heard a distinct voice respond with, “Because you won’t come to me to rest.”  Ouch.

Sometimes, we get that way.  Life is getting hectic and stressful so we decide to have time to ourselves.  We shut out the world to finally get some peace, but sometimes we shut out God in the process.  So I ask you. Where is your spiritual resting place?

Let’s Pray:
Dear God, please help me to stay mindful of your presence during the weary times in my life. Help me to look to you to find rest and peace.  Comfort me with your embrace and give me the strength to continue on.

Take the Next Step:
Whenever you feel like you just need a break, try to intentionally find rest in God’s arms. Go to that secret place where you can tell God how weary you are.  Let him know that you want to be comforted and reassured.  If this is a normal instinct for you in weary times; be sure to encourage fellow Christians.  It’s comforting to know that there are others out there finding comfort, peace, and rest.

Walk This Way

 





by Belinda Blevins


Verse For Thought:
Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4b (NKJV)

When I get a new pair of shoes, I can’t wait to get all dressed up and put them on. Most of the times I may not have anything that will match them, but I go ahead and get them anyway.  I love looking forward to wearing them for the first time.  I don't always know how they will feel to wear them all day or even for several hours.   Even though they look good, they may be uncomfortable to walk in.  I just want to wear them even if they make me clumsy.  It usually takes a little while to get use to them be completely comfortable and walk right. It is amazes me that many women will buy new shoes that are pretty, knowing the heels are too high or too low or they just don’t fit.

When shoes are uncomfortable, we can't walk as well in them because they make our feet hurt. Hurting feet are a high price to pay for a pretty pair of shoes.  As a new Christian, God does work in us to give us a new start, but to walk in the way of the Lord according to Deuteronomy 11:22  requires time, effort, and lots of practice. The way we walk shows how mature we are in our relationship with the Lord. Being a changed person means giving up our old way of walking , and learning a new way to walk on our journey.
A new pair of shoes doesn’t make your walk better, that requires a changed heart and changed behavior.

Let's Pray:
Father God, I thank you that I no longer walk in darkness.  Help me to look closer to see what you have done to bring about a great change in me. Thank you for my new life. Teach me to stay in step with your purpose and plan. In Jesus' Name Amen.
Take the next Step :

The next time you get a new pair of shoes, think about both your physical walk and your spiritual walk.  If your spiritual walk is a little less than "pretty", try asking God to order your steps (Psalm 37:23).

Til Death Do Us Part

guest post by Rachel Evans

Verse for Thought:
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:12

My husband and I were married in 2008.  On the day we registered for our marriage license, the clerk seemed surprised that both of us listed our parents as still married.  We were very blessed to have good godly examples of marriage. However, we still had a lot to learn on our own.

Many couples assume that just the act of getting married will make life better.  They marry on the premise that their partner will “complete them” and unrealistically expect that partner to take up the slack for all imperfections they possess. Brides and grooms all across America spend as much as a year or more planning a wedding that usually last less than an hour.   Unfortunately, not many of them put in that kind of effort into building a lasting relationship with one another.  After the music fades, the presents are opened, and the guest leave, reality sets in for most couples.  The fairy tale ends with the daily stresses of life.   Sadly, many marriages fail because the couples do not realize that learning to handle those everyday trials is what will make their relationship stronger.  Instead of working on the relationship, they either give up and end the marriage or go through the motions for years, pretending that everything is okay.  These are the very ones who committed so much time, energy and money in order to create the perfect wedding.

This concept also describes how some Christians view their relationship with Christ.  They feel that when they make a commitment to Christ they are signing up for a fairy tale life.  He will give them new jobs, cars, houses, and anything else that they think they deserve.  When life throws them a curve ball, they think God has failed them and that the fairy tale is not going to come true.  When trials and tribulations come, remember God gives us those experiences to test our faith.  The next time you face a tough time in your marriage or in your life, ask yourself if you are really committed to Christ or are you using him as fire insurance.

Let’s Pray:  
Lord, in this season of wedding preparation, I pray that couples and families prepare not just for the wedding but also for their future lives together.  I pray that they will always allow you to be the third member of their relationship.  In Jesus’s name, Amen

Take the Next Step:
Read Psalm 34:19-22.  Ask God to show you how to apply this to your marriage and your everyday life.

Unecessary Burdens

by Shelia Gaines

Verse for Thought:
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29         

When I was younger and my mother would see us carrying heavy loads, she would tease us and say laziness will kill you.  She was not so much questioning our willingness to carry a heavy load but the wisdom (or lack thereof) in having to bear the additional burden caused by all the added weight.  I often tease my son-in-law about carrying heavy loads of luggage when we are traveling.  He would rather make one trip weighted down with more bags than one person should carry rather than make two trips. Some people would prefer to have a lighter load and make two trips, but he did as we all often do from time to time.  We choose to carry a heavy load when we don’t have to.

In 1 Peter 5:7, we are reminded that we can cast all our cares upon the Lord because he cares for us.  However, we often willingly weigh ourselves down with the cares of this world.  We try to take carry things that Christ has already died on the cross to take care of.  How many people do you know who spend their lives weighted down with fear, guilt, or shame?     I am learning more and more to live free of life’s burdens.  Not by living in denial but by knowing that while we will have troubles in this world, we also have a means of dealing with those things (John 16:33).  Christ has not left us comfortless.

We used to sing a song, Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there.  This is not always easy to do, but take my word for it, God really can do a better job handling those things than you can.  So, instead of spending your time carrying burdens you weren’t meant to carry, try spending your time “casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Let’s Pray:
Dear God.  Thank you for being there to bear our burdens and share our heavy loads.   Help us to trust you with all our cares and acknowledge you in everything we do, trusting that you will direct our paths as you have promised in Proverbs 3:6.  Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Do you know someone who is burdened down?  Why not share the story of the burden bearer with them?   Keep them in prayer even as you grow in your own faith.

Extreme Makeover

 






by Belinda Blevins

Verse For Thought:
Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel, Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart. 1 Peter 3:3-4a (NKJV)

Early in my marriage, I loved to move my furniture in our apartment.  I would do it every month. It was something I looked forward to. I just liked to seeing it in a different place. However, before the end of the year, everything would always end up back in its same place.

Thinking of that leads me to the things people do today such as changing their looks, adding body parts, face lifts, a tuck and nip, plastic surgery, liposuction, sex changes, and whatever else they want to change.  No one seems to be satisfied with their looks. God's word reminds us that we all are fearfully and wonderfully made by our creator (Psalm 139:14). In our mother's womb we were on his mind. However, for some people that does not seem to be enough. They try different diet plans and surgeries, only to find out it is not working for them. Honestly, I am afraid of any surgery that is not absolutely necessary.

I know someone who had surgery to change their looks, only to become more depressed after the surgery than before.  The outward appearance changed but inside there were still mixed feeling. I know we can make a change in our life, but it must be a matter of the heart. It begins inside not outside our bodies. For me it was a matter of my heart. Looking in the mirror daily I love to see me . I expect others to be glad to see me. The creator's creation that is fearfully and wonderfully made. Nothing can be better. I heard a joke about a woman who went into the hospital. They could not find anything wrong with her. After many test were done, she prayed for God to help her. While there she had several surgeries making lots of changes. The day she left the hospital she got run over by an automobile. No one recognized her after she changed his creation. Imagine that..

No matter how I change my outward looks, my heart can still be broken, I can cover up with make up, a hat, or sunglasses. The bottom line is God sees my heart and knows all my desires. Since I have given him my heart my life has changed. I am no longer the same!  There has been a true extreme makeover in my life.

Let's Pray:
Father, thank you for creating me in your image. Help me to love me as you do. When I look in the mirror help me to see that I am beautifully and wonderfully made.   In Jesus' name Amen

Take the next Step:
Encourage someone today to see the beauty within themselves. Remind them that God does see our heart and that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder

To Have the Peace of Christ

 





by Belinda Blevins


Verse for Thought:
My Peace I give to you. John 14:27

The kind of peace that brings inner serenity that fills our mind and heart no matter what is going on in our lives is a beautiful thing.   Sadly, today many people live life without consistently experiencing Gods peace.  We know that God works all things according to his good and perfect will. He loves us and will see us through all situations. It may be painful and difficult but all you have to do is yield to him. That means letting go of your will to experience his peace.
When Jesus left heaven to become human, his goal was to bring us peace. While we are here on earth we will have troubles (John 16 :33). However, God is constantly helping us to conform to his image when we get stressed out.
Gods word is our foundation for peace. It increases our trust and assures us of his promises. His peace is a gift to us. When there is turmoil just let go and trust him. It will not be easy, but if you walk in the spirit and confessing any sin that you are holding on to, you can have peace. That peace that surpasses all understanding. He is our Prince of peace. Today I believe it is our only hope. To know his peace is my daily prayer. Do you want to experience it too?

Let's Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for being in control of our peace. Help us to yield to you in all situations. Teach us to trust you when we don’t know what to do. Remind us of your sovereignty. In Jesus' name amen.

Take the next step:
Try setting aside time each day to fix your focus and your eyes upon Jesus
You will know his peace and discover a tranquil rest in your life.

Finding Strength in Weakness

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought:
Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Oh Sovereign Lord, remember me. Oh God, please strengthen me just once more, Judges 16:28a (NIV).

I wonder what would have happened if Samson had turned to the Lord before he found himself entangled with Delilah. I think the outcome would have been different. We are often confronted with sin daily. How do we resist temptation? Sometimes I turn to family, friends, co-workers, or spouse. Other times, I follow what I think is best for me, forgetting that my only defense is to turn to a Holy God. When I turn to him, the Holy Spirit teaches me and guides me so I will not lose hope. Personal situations distract us, causing our mind to be our own personal battlefield. We must put on the Helmet of Salvation daily for protection (Ephesians 6:17). When we go to God first, it is less painful. I know this week he was with me and I thank him.
If only Samson had called on the Lord before his flesh took over. Just remember our flesh is weak and carnal, wanting its own desires. Do you remember how your life was before you were saved? I know I felt like I was “looking for love in all the wrong places.” Remember King Solomon tried everything under the sun. He built beautiful building, bought slaves, and spent money on the finest wines and other fleshly desires. None of those things satisfied him. In the end, he realized he only needed to reach out to Jesus. Remember others are watching you. It is so important that even in weakness, we share what God is doing and has done for us on our journey. There is no compromise with God, only obedience to our ABBA. The Best is yet to come! Praise God!!

Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank you for being strength in our weakness. Thank you for allowing us to come to you for strength, help us to continue to trust you as we call on you. I pray that we find peace as we wait. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Find someone to pray with today. If they are weak, encourage them that there is hope and strength. Share what God has done and is still doing for you. God Bless.

The Company We Keep

by Stephanie Gaines

Verse for Thought:
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. I Cor. 15:33-34 (NIV)

Being a Christian in high school or college can have its challenges. In high school, our Christianity may take a backseat to popularity. Even at a Christian college, busy schedules can overshadow spiritual commitments. Confident in our faith and determined to do even more for Christ, we immediately connect with a church home, hoping to maintain our passion. We start out with good intentions, but pretty soon we become faithful members of Bedside Baptist (a.k.a. sleeping in on Sundays with Pastor Pillow and Reverend Comforter; Jlet the church say Amen!) and we substitute watching a sermon on television and listening to a few gospel songs for attending services. I, myself have fallen victim to such behavior and I know what you’re thinking. How can I break this cycle that’s so easy to slip into? I’m glad you asked. Put on some comfy walking shoes and journey with me down the path of the company we keep. I’m sure many of us can think of a close friend or group of friends that we tend to gravitate to. These friends tend to relate to us and are often there during darkest times. That said, we could all agree that these same friends can also have a negative influence on our actions. It’s so important to surround ourselves with others who will not only push us to remain steadfast in our walk with God, but also be there to encourage and lift us up during our moments of weakness. It’s always great to have a plethora of friends with different personalities, but I want to challenge you to examine the company you keep. Are they building you up or pulling you down?

Let’s Pray:
God, thank you for friends that you have placed in my life and for the chance we have to influence each other. I pray that we would have a godly influence on each other. Give me wisdom to know how to deal with difficult friendships and to know which friends I need to separate myself from.

Take The Next Step:
Take some time to evaluate the friendships you have. Ask yourself if you are being influenced in a positive or negative way. If you are being influenced in a negative way, take some time to rebuild and regroup your morals and values. Think of ways you can influence these friends more and create a healthier friendship.

The Face of God

by Shelia Gaines

Verse for thought:
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.   John 13:35 (NIV)

“When we love someone, we are really loving God.  Look in wonder at those you love, for they are the face of God.”  These lines are from the movie, The Preacher’s Wife.   The character in the movie did not just wake up one day and have this revelation.  He was a pastor who had gone through a very difficult time and was faced with losing his church.   He was struggling with his faith because many things were happening that made him feel like his work was somehow in vain.  After he prayed, God sent help through an angel.  The troubled pastor did not immediately accept that God was indeed answering his prayers.   An angel in human form was not how he thought the answer would come.  I think this happens with us sometimes.  We think God has not answered us when the answer does not come as we think it should.  Just like the character in the movie, we continue to search desperately for what God had already provided.   By the end of the movie, the pastor realized how much he was taking for granted.  As a matter of fact, he reminded us that sometimes we forget to cherish the ones we love most.

I was reminded of that line from the movie as I watched my grandson sleep.  There is something so pure about how a baby touches you.  You see all goodness and beauty and it draws you in a way that nothing else can. God’s love can do that for you.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you, God for all the love that you have placed in my life.  Thank you for your unconditional love for us.  Help me to model that agape love for those who need it the most and not take a single day for granted.  Amen

Take the next step:
Why not take the opening quote literally?  Take a few minutes today and look in wonder at those you love.   See some of what God’s love has shown you.  If you are not blessed to be able to do that in your own home, take a walk through the mall or sit in any public place and marvel at the beauty of human nature.   No matter what is going on in your life, or what circumstances or difficulties you may be facing, God’s love is all around you.

Prayer Changes Things

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought:
Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thess. 5:17, 18 (NASB)

Have you ever prayed and felt like your prayers were not going any further than the ceilings? It gets hard when we pray and the answers don't come right away. However, there is only one thing that can change our walk. That is in our praying time. We need our secret place and a chance to be still so that we can hear God and he can hear us. God tells us to keep on praying. He already knows our every need, he is just waiting to hear us voice that need, so he can free us from the anguish we go through in our daily walk. In times of confusion, weakness, and doubt, he tells us he will be our strength and fortress. He would never leave us or forsake us (Joshua 1:5). God wants us to be specific about what we are praying for. It brings praise and honor to God when we pray believing that he will do what we ask. Specifically, we can pray to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in any situation. It is not enough to just know his will; we must apply it to our lives. Godly wisdom is nothing like the world’s wisdom. When we pray to do what he desires for us, it can change every situation. Even when you don’t see results, just praise him until your break through comes. I have found that my hands are weapons against spiritual warfare when they are lifted up in praise. It reminds me of the prodigal son coming home and seeing his father waiting with open arms to receive him back. Remember David said, “My lips will praise thee.” God does not want our hearts to be troubled, he wants us to cast our cares on him! I am amazed at all the thing that he has done in my life and is still doing today. Gospel recording artist, Dottie Peebles’ signature song tells us “He is an on- time God. He may not come when you want him, but he is always on time.”

Let’s pray:
Father God, please help us to trust as we pray to you. Open our hearts to you and you word as we pray. Help us trust your desire for us. Teach us to praise you as we wait for change to come. Father we bind our mind to your mind and our will to your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Take the Next Step:
It is exciting! Today, I am encouraging you to pray without ceasing. God Bless you as you see what happen when you pray!

But I Like Me

by Cynthia Edwards

Verse for thought:
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful and I know that full well.  Psalms 139:14-15 (NIV)




The past couple of years have not been easy ones for me.  However, as I think about things that I will share in future devotions, I also think of the continued blessing of God.  Through it all, his grace has sustained me.  In times of loneliness and self-doubt, he gave strength and assurance.  I believe we live in a world where our greatest undercover pass time is  making ourselves into something other than what God created.  Instead of asking ourselves, “what is it that God wants me to do to show his love to the world,  we spend our time trying to figure out is what we can do differently in order to become to be part of someone else’s world.  We never consider whether or not that is where God wants us to be.

Thankfully, God has shown me that there is only one of me in this whole world.  I want to be the best me that I can be because I now realize that if I become anything other than myself, the world will be missing a major piece of it’s wonderful puzzle of life.

Let us Pray:
Dear God,

Help me to always remember that you made me and for that reason alone I am perfect in my own right.  Help me to realize that any changes that need to be made should be those to better glorify you and not solely to please someone else.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the beauty of this world.

Amen

Take the next Step:
When you look in the mirror each day, ask God to let you see yourself as He sees you.  Look past any physical flaws or imperfections (we all have them) and see the beauty of God.  As you “find the good” in yourself, begin to look for it in others and praise God for it.  Trust me.  You will begin to see beauty everywhere.

Facing the Giants with Faith

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; Do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.   Joshua 1:9 ( NKJV)

Have you had to face challenges that left you feeling afraid? I have been reading about the challenges Joshua had to face. He was a strong military leader who had to fill Moses' shoes. I wonder if he felt like he couldn’t do it. Sometimes when I am faced with challenges and tasks, I think someone else may be better qualified.  However, God chooses whom he wants. When it was time for God to call Moses to eternal rest, he needed someone else to pick up the mantle. He chose Joshua and told him to be encouraged for the task. The strength Joshua needed was not going to come from positive thinking, nor relying on his own strength.  It had to come from God.

I realize that God always goes ahead of us. He tells us in his word he will never leave us or forsake us. The confidence for any God-given challenge doesn't come from anything I have on my own. I have to believe him and rely on his word instead of my feelings. Trusting that God is faithful to what he calls me to do. He has given me the ability and courage to accomplish his will.

I have walked by faith for a long time now and when I am faced with storms, and the trials of life get rough, I rely on God.

The Lord has enabled me to walk boldly by faith through impossible situations. You can do it too if you trust that he will do what he says he will do. You will be strengthen.
So my challenge to you is Be strong and courageous!

Let's Pray:
Father, as we go through this day we ask that you help us to be strong and courageous in doing all you have for us to do. Thank you for your word that tells us you will never leave us. Thank you for your protection. We love you and Bless you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Take the Next Step:
There are not any giant you have to face alone, rely on God, trust him. Life will be easier when you do. It works for me !! Try it.  It will work for you too.