Have you noticed how some people are comfortable going along with what others decide, some people are ready to criticize the actions and decisions of the leader, but few want to be the leader; the one who opens him or her self up to being questioned and criticized; the one who is responsible for the group, and to the group for the results.

This phenomenon happens in all types of groups, at work, at social functions, clubs, at church, in our families, and out in public.

When the Israelites arrived at the Promised Land after wandering in the desert for 40 years, God made Joshua the leader. In Joshua 1:6 God told him, “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.”

God told him he was the leader, the final decision maker, and the one responsible for the chosen people, to get them to follow God’s direction, and the one to deal with the complaints, criticisms and challenges the people would undoubtedly have.

God’s guidance to Joshua was written in Joshua 1:9, “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.”

For all who lead, I am sure you have had fears, doubts and discouragement. These words to Joshua are guidance for us as well. “Be strong and courageous, God is with us wherever we go.”

Dear Lord, your power exceeds any challenge we could have. Help us rely on your promise, to be with us, so we can be strong and courageous leaders for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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We put time, energy and care into protecting and providing for those that we love; parents and children, siblings, friends that need help, and those less fortunate who cannot provide for themselves. So we watch over those who we love.

An interesting verse to think about is Psalm 145:20, which says, “The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.”

It would seem to make more sense if the verse said, “the Lord watches over all whom he loves,” but the verse turns it around and says He will watch over those who love him. So when we love God we affect God’s response to us.

Dear Lord, help us show our love for you by putting your will first in our lives, and following your guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Paul writes, Hebrews 11:1 “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.”

Paul goes on to list many bible stories where people did great things by faith, for example, “by faith Noah built a boat to save his family, by faith, Abraham moved his family to the land God sent him, by faith Moses led the people out of Egypt”. In Hebrews 11:33,34 he writes, “By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.”

In the same way, “by faith,” we can be healed of our illnesses, raise our families in Christ, witness to our friends, solve our financial concerns, and anything other hope we have in our hearts.

Dear Lord, thank you for the assurance that you will respond to our faith that you will answer our prayers. Help us know your will for us and have faith that you will answer our prayers. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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At the end of most worship services, the pastor sends the congregation out with a blessing. In Numbers 6 God tells Moses how this blessing should go. You have probably heard these words many times. Verses 24-26 say, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” ESV

In the Living Bible, verse 27 says, “This is how Aaron and his sons shall call down my blessings upon the people of Israel; and I myself will personally bless them.”

We need to remember these amazing words when receiving this blessing. God said, “and I myself will personally bless them.” What a comfort this can be to those who believe, that God has personally blessed each of us.

Dear Lord, we thank you for the blessing of your love and care for each of us. Help us live lives in bold faith, knowing that you are always there to guide and protect us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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You may have heard it said, “God gives you what you pray for or something better.” People who put their faith and trust in God can believe this and see it in their lives. People who do not believe often only see the times that “bad” things happen to people who believe in God, and use this to question believers.

Psalm 25:14 in the Living Bible translation describes one reason why this happens, “Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises.” It sheds some light on why people who don’t believe cannot understand faith.

When we first put our trust in God, surrender ourselves to his will, we then can know that he is guiding and protecting us. It may not be exactly in the ways we want or ask, but we know his ways are better. David says in Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation–so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble.”

Dear Lord, thank you for the confidence we can have that you are always there for us. Help us share this faith with others so that they may come to you and experience this confidence that leads to peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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