We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Nate Hemphill.
Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
“13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.“
Word:
Have you ever heard the legendary stories of how an ordinary person found supernatural courage and strength to do the impossible in response to a circumstance where a loved one was in trouble? We’ve seen video footage of a mom who dives into a car to attack a burglar attempting to drive off with her baby in the back seat. We’re moved by battlefield stories of heroes who risk their lives to pull a wounded comrade to safety. We wonder to ourselves, “Would I do the same thing?”
You may be wondering if there is a way to prepare for such an eventuality when your courage will be called to the test? Today’s scripture provides some pretty straight forward instruction on how to get ready, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” In the same way that we prepare our bodies for the unknown and unknowable tasks that the world is all too happy to provide, we can likewise prepare our hearts to develop into fearless warriors for God’s kingdom.
The key to this development comes as a natural outpouring of a relationship with Jesus Christ! The same Jesus that endured the cross and conquered the grave seeks to demonstrate that same power in your life every day! Just like putting in reps at the box, our strength and courage in Christ is developed through a deepening relationship with Him.
Every time you come to the Lord in prayer, make time to study scripture, be encouraged through teaching, praising and worshiping in song, reading these Faith Workout of the Days, you are “putting in the reps.” Your spirit is being transformed into Christ-likeness with every interaction. Even when you fall short and screw up, the Holy Spirit is still in you – ready to remind you of your identity as son or daughter!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to be prepared to live like a courageous warrior for your kingdom. Please help me to learn to love the way that you love, to think like you think, to be the man/woman you’ve called me to be. Transform me into your likeness.
Skillwork:
Spend some time journaling today.
How are you “putting in the reps” to develop courage and strength in Christ? There are opportunities every day to exercise your faith simply by inviting Christ in to be a part of your daily grind. Don’t forget that Christ has already taken up residence inside of you through his Holy Spirit if you’ve placed your faith in Him. You have access to His power right now!
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