Strength from His Word

Do you have a favorite go-to verse in times of uncertainty? The first verse I memorized as a new believer was Joshua 1:9.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (NKJV). 

This verse became my lifeline as I ventured out into the intimidating world around me. As an introvert, I needed to dwell on the fact that God was with me even though I might be shy and backward in my witness for Him. I found courage as I repeated this verse. Over the years I gained strength as I relied on Joshua 1:9 and other scriptures.

Several years ago, we moved to a new city. My search for a job resulted in rejections and hopelessness. Anxiety filled every part of me. As another interview approached, I looked to Joshua 1:9 and found Deuteronomy 31:6, a similar verse.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them;
for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.
He will not leave you nor forsake you (NKJV). 

I read this verse in “The Message.”

Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated.
Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God,
is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you.
He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you. 

What had been a general encouragement to me to remember that God is always with me, became specific. The verse in Deuteronomy added that the Lord is with me when I talk to people, and He promised to prepare my way.

I repeated multiple times the added explanations, “don’t be intimidated,” and “don’t give them a second thought.” I rejoiced in, “God is striding ahead of you,” and “He won’t let you down.” Prepared for my interview, I proceeded in confidence, because the Lord was with me every step of the way. Through the Word of God, I gained courage and met with a recruiter, completed a multitude of tests, interviewed with the manager, and secured the position. God prepared my way and guided me through the process.

Deuteronomy 31:6 was my go-to verse when I resigned that position and applied for another. I focused on this verse and believed the promise that God goes before me. After my interview, sure I’d messed up, I prayed for the Lord’s guidance. But when the offer came, I praised God that He blinded the eyes of my interviewers to notice what He wanted them to see. They saw a confident and intelligent woman ready to succeed in their company. God’s goodness amazes me. 

When our focus is on the Lord and we call upon Him, He’ll bring us through those times of anxiety and uncertainty. His Word is a storehouse of promises which brings us strength and courage. He is always with us and prepares our way.

What is your favorite go-to verse when you face the unknowns in your life?

Photo by Aaron Burden - Unsplash

7 Reasons to Attend Church

A believer friend of mine doesn’t attend church. She told me she feels uncomfortable when she goes. She believes others in attendance look down on her. Our conversation caused me to ponder this question: why attend church? I’ve listed seven reasons that are important to me.

God Asks Us To

People in Old and New Testament times gathered together in temples to worship God. God’s Word calls us to do the same.

Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see
the Day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:25)

Worship God

We could stream our favorite preachers and worship services, but as we read above, the Lord wants us to come together to worship Him.

So the name of the Lord will be declared in Zion and his
praise in Jerusalem when the peoples and the kingdoms
assemble to worship the Lord.
(Psalm 102:21-22)

Hear God’s Word and Grow Our Faith

Paul gave instructions to Timothy. If Timothy was told to publicly preach, Paul expected people to hear. Through hearing the Word, our faith grows.

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,
to preaching and to teaching.
(1 Timothy 4:13)

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the
message is heard through the word about Christ.
(Romans 10:17)

Grow in Our Walk with the Lord

As we hear and apply God’s Word, we grow in righteousness. The more we grow, the better we prepare ourselves to serve others.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
(2 Timothy 3:16) 

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up.
(Ephesians 4:11-12)

Use Our Gifts to Serve Others

Each of us is an important part of the body of Christ. God planned for us to come together to use our gifts to help one another. There is a satisfaction and fulfillment that comes when we serve others and use our spiritual gifts.

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
(1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT)

Fellowship with Other Believers

Church offers us a community of fellow believers. We gather to not only worship together and serve one another but to encourage, pray, and love others. Even though we may not always agree with one another, we learn to work through our differences and bring glory to God.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
(Acts 2:42)

Teach Our Children to Love the Church

Growing up, my family did not attend church often. This is something my parents regretted when they grew older and accepted Christ into their lives. I am the only one of four children who attends church regularly.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when
they are old they will not turn from it.
(Proverbs 22:6)

What are your reasons to attend church? Please share below in the comment section.

Scripture is from the NIV unless noted.

Photo by Leah S. Terrell

It's All Good - Part Two

My travels this past week didn’t allow me time to write. So, I’ll share an overview of our trip and photos. 

Who knew Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming were so beautiful? If you’ve visited or lived there, you knew. But since this was my first trip to these three states, it amazed me. My husband and I flew to Denver, picked up a rental car, and drove from Colorado to western Nebraska. Here we saw two bison herds.

Next, we traveled to South Dakota to a retreat center near Rapid City. Our bare, eight by ten room held a bed plus a bathroom. We left our room unlocked during the day because there weren’t any guest keys. The thought of leaving my things unattended where everyone had access didn’t appeal to me. But my hubby reminded me, “It’s all good.”

After we left the retreat center, we drove to Badlands National Park. Rock formations fascinate me. We got several shots of prairie dogs while there. So cute to watch. 

We enjoyed Custer State Park, Needles Highway, and Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills. Besides prairie dogs and bison, we spotted deer and donkeys. We loved the rock formations, lakes, tunnels, and valleys. 

We left South Dakota and drove to Wyoming. We saw rolling hills dotted with antelope. After a few stops, we made our way back to Denver and traveled home. 

God’s creation continues to amaze me. We visited many magnificent places and met wonderful people along the way. 

I hope you enjoy our photos. And remember, “It’s all good”!

More Photos

3 Traits of a Godly Friend

Godly friends bring blessings into our lives. I don’t mean someone on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, unless they are a close friend. I’m referring to a person who speaks life into our heart and soul. Someone who’s there for us no matter what.

Friends Give Wise Counsel
A friend listens, empathizes, and supports. They won’t lead us astray. They seek God on our behalf and offer godly advice because they want what’s best for us.

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
(Proverbs 27:9, NLT)

The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.
(Proverbs 12:26, NLT)

Friends Help Us Succeed
Friends share in our struggles, walk alongside for support, lend a helping hand, and pray for us. They enjoy spending time with us to encourage and share God’s Word. They make us accountable and invest their time and talents to help make our relationship with the Lord stronger.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.
If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.
But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NLT)

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
(Proverbs 27:17, NLT)

Friends Always Love
Godly friends love us with Christ’s love. They show mercy, kindness, and grace. We may hurt or upset them, but they are quick to forgive us.

A friend loves at all times.
(Proverbs 17:17a, NIV)

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility,
gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults,
and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord
forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves
with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
(Colossians 3:12-14, NLT)

And let’s not forget, we are God’s friends. He gives wise counsel through His Word, helps in time of need, and always loves us.

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God
because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
(Romans 5:11, NLT)

Take time to thank God for the godly friends in your life and the blessings they’ve brought you. 

What traits do you look for in a godly friend? Please leave your comments below.

Photo by Krista Mangulsone - Unsplash

Let’s connect on Facebook and BookBub!