Promise for Today - Follow Commands

This devotional was written by Pastor Alan Neel, senior pastor of Life Community Church, La Porte, TX

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Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:8-9

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!

When God tells us to be strong and courageous, we need to immediately buckle our seatbelt and prepare our heart! God desires for us to lead great endeavors and have incredible victories. But, there aren’t legendary victories without legendary battles. [emphasis mine] 

The only reason God would tell Joshua to not be afraid or discouraged is because there were going to be many opportunities to be afraid and discouraged. Leading people through change is always challenging! If we freeze up, we keep everyone else from advancing. 

THIS IS MY COMMAND—BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS! DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISCOURAGED. FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.

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Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for Your Word that always leads and guides us. Thank You for the promises that reassure us that You go before us and make the crooked ways straight, that You surround us on all sides. And for the armor in Ephesians 6 that teaches us how to be properly prepared for battle. Thank You that You have promised to always be with us and to never leave us. Thank You for the peace that comes with knowing that no matter where we are or what we face, You are Immanuel - God with us. Holy Spirit, help us always to remember that first. In Jesus' Name we pray.. Amen