Be Strong and Courageous
Monday’s Verse:
From Joshua 1:9 ESV
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua was scared.
Moses was no longer alive. The one who led Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness for 40 years. Joshua was now tasked with leading the children of Israel over the Jordan River and into the promised land. There were enemies across that river.
God said to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous"
But what does that courage come from? God didn't say Joshua be confident in yourself. Be courageous because you know you can do it.
God told Joshua. The LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
This is where Christians courage comes from. We know there are scary things in life. But we know we are not going to face those things alone.
God sent His Son to Earth. To die for our sins and rise from the dead. He will never leave his children. "I will be with you always even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20
We are going to face our versions of Jordan Rivers. We won't always know what is on the other side. We will fail to be strong some days.
Joshua 1:9 can encourage us during those times.
We can be courageous because we know we are not alone. Not because we know we are strong enough.
Next time you are faced with something you don't know what is coming. You can be courageous. Because God will be with you.
Today’s Prayers
Heavenly Father, when I am frightened by what lies ahead, keep me from trusting in my own strength. Fix my eyes upon Jesus and remind me that You have promised never to leave me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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