Be Strong and Courageous-Part 1

Four times in Joshua 1, God says, “Be strong and courageous!”. Joshua was preparing to go into the Promised Land and he knew there were many battles ahead. And he had to lead the stubborn people of Israel into the midst of war. I’m sure fear was creeping into his heart. But God tells Joshua that He will be with him, and that he must have strength and courage.

 Now whenever God says something, He has a reason for it. To say the same thing over and over again in one chapter must mean it’s pretty important. He’s telling us to be strong and courageous, no matter what we face. We have no idea what God’s plan is for us when we face mountains too high for us or battles too fierce. What we are called to do, however, in any tough situation is to trust Him. He will win our battles for us. That doesn’t mean we can sit back and watch. No, we have to go with Him and fight too; we’ll have to be strong, to stand our ground and let Him lead us, but He’s the One who will give us the victory.

The Israelites were often small in numbers and weak compared to their enemy, so that in the eyes of the world, there was no way they could win the battle. But I love how God would come into the picture and defy any human reasoning. He told them to have courage, to trust in Him and to go to war; God on their side made all the difference.  And the Lord would go before them and they’d win!  In their own strength, they could do nothing. But as they chose to go out in faith, God came to their rescue.

I love the times in the Bible where God uses the underdogs to do great things. Time and time again, God would choose, not the highly ranked and strong or the powerful and rich, but the small, insignificant people no one really thought of as great. But God took a hold of these people and turned them into mighty men and women for Him. It’s amazing how He uses the least of us all to do great things.

Just like the Israelites, God will fight for us. We just need to choose to take that step of faith, to be strong and courageous- not giving up, and holding onto Jesus- and great things could happen. We too often put God into our box of “possible”. God isn’t bound by who we are or where we are; He can take you as you are and use you, if you make the choice to let Him. You just need the strength and courage it takes to be a mighty man or woman of God.

The Feel of Autumn

Autumn is finally here, saving me from the heat of summer. I’m not a summer person. My favourite seasons are spring and autumn, where the air is cool and refreshing. There’s something about the feel of autumn that I love. Maybe it’s that soft cool breeze or the fresh smell wafting in the air. Maybe it’s the colours of gold and brown that adorn the trees or the gentle sun. Whatever it is, I absolutely love autumn. 

To me, autumn is a cosy time where light jerseys, jeans and scarves begin reappearing, hot drinks are in want and cuddling under a duvet again begins, though it’s not unbearably freezing cold.  Though autumn here is short and quickly jumps into a cold winter, the beauty of autumn still sprinkles all around me and the feel of it falls within me. Sometimes, I just want to stand outside and breathe it in. For those of you living in the Southern Hemisphere, have a great autumn!

The Greatest Day in History

          Photo taken by Jess Leigh

Something occurred a long, long time ago that changed the world forever; something that changed countless lives, mine included. A Man, but so much more than a man, hung dying on a cross made of wood. Nails pierced His hands and feet, a crown of thorns was twisted on His head and His clothes were divided amongst His enemies. Blood poured from His body and His loving heart was breaking. Crying out to God, He gave up His spirit. The perfect Son of God had died for the sins of the world.

Jesus did this for you and me, so that we may have life. His amazing sacrifice involved so much pain and heartache, but because He loves us He died in our stead so that all who choose to follow Him will be forgiven. This act of love changed my life forever. If it hadn’t been for Jesus, I would still be dead in my sin and I wouldn’t have the amazing, relationship I know have with Him. I don’t know how I would get through each day without my Saviour leading and loving me.

Today, I want us to remember His sacrifice.  And not just today, but everyday our hearts should be filled with awe and thanksgiving over what Jesus did for us. He gave us the way to the Father and saved our lives as well.  Just think about it, the Son of GOD died for you and me! That day was the greatest in all of history! And not only did He die for us, but He also rose again, death having no power over Him! Jesus is not some dead god made of wood and stone, but He’s alive and living within those who follow Him. We all have the choice to give our hearts to Him. And that choice will change your life forever.

Joy

Written By Jess Leigh

Joy are the beautiful things

In life that are happy and carefree.

Joy springs from within us with airy wings,

Soaring over a deep blue sea.

Joy is in a startling sunset;

Breathtaking, sunny and bright.

It’s light streaming through clouds without a threat,

And it flies in the sky like a kite.

Joy is in the gentle rain,

Bringing life and healing

To a world and people full of pain.

Joy is so full of life it sends you kneeling.

Joy is a forest and a field of flowers,

Full of colour, peace and magnificence.

It’s in a room full of love, and it showers

Down from above with gentle assurance.

Joy is in a rainbow;

It’s a promise and a hymn,

It’s a gift from God that is there to show

Us a glimpse of a coming Kingdom

Abide in Him

            Photo taken by Jess Leigh

“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17

When you are overwhelmed by circumstances and don’t know what to do, when your world is falling apart and the ache inside is too much to handle, abide in the Lord. Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, He’s the One you should go to. Jesus won’t let you down. He’ll pick you up in His loving embrace and carry you when you can’t take another step. Abide in His arms and He’ll heal your heart.

I know this from experience. I find that when I’m at my weakest and lowest moments, that’s usually where God reveals Himself to me the most profoundly. I love that verse above. It reveals some of God’s heart to us. When we’re going through hard times, He’s there with us; He’s there to save us. When we’re full of questions and just don’t know why something’s happening, He quietens us with his love. I believe He’s singing over us until our hearts begin to heal. He’s the loving Father who takes great delight in His children who are walking in the light.

To abide means to “to remain or dwell in a place”. We need to abide in Jesus and trust Him to get us through whatever comes our way. Even when we don’t know why bad things happen, God has a plan and He promises to be our Comforter as we choose to abide in Him. His arms are the safest and best place to be. And Jesus will be there for us, no matter what. Sometimes I wonder how God puts up with me and why He sticks around someone like me. But the only answer I can come up with is that His mercy is so great and that He is Love! So I choose to abide in the Lover of my heart no matter what happens!

The Golden Kingdom

   Photo taken by Jess Leigh

After this life, after death has taken me

Awaits a Kingdom by the crystal-blue sea;

There I shall meet the Saviour of my life

But first I have to go through the trials and strife

Oh, the beautiful Kingdom by the shore

Where only love and joy forth-pour

There I shall never cry or feel pain,

There I shall see my Lord and King reign

Before Him every knee will bow and

And every tongue confess that He is Lord. In that great land

Shall we glorify the King of kings;

To the Lord of lords all creation sings

The Golden Kingdom full of beauty and grace

Will meet me at the end of life's race

There I will live forever more

With my Saviour by the glorious shore.

Rain Drops Falling On My Head

I love walking outside after a heavy rainfall. The air feels cool and fresher, as if the earth has been washed clean. Somehow, a peaceful atmosphere is left behind. Quiet reigns and a gentle beauty fills the air. The sky looks soft and happy, as if she knows she’s performed a good work. Sun rays shine through the clouds joyfully. The moments after the rain has stopped falling are ones to enjoy and soak up. They make me feel happy and peaceful.

Another thing I love, which may sound unusual, is walking in the rain, especially when it’s a gentle but constant and slightly heavy drizzle. The feeling of sloshing through the mud and wet grass with the rain falling on me from above is invigorating. I love the fresh, clean smell of rain, as it falls down and brings plants back to life.  After one of these exploits, I often come back inside with muddy jeans and sopping wet hair. Walking in the rain, with raindrops falling on my head, gives me a care free sensation, and I think in those moments I recover some of the child within me that doesn’t want to die. Nor do I think it will ever fully die.

Next time the rain is falling gently from the sky, take a nice long walk in it and inhale the fresh, clean smell of rain. You might worry about dirtying your jeans or getting frizzy hair, but in my opinion, it’s worth it. Rain drops will fall on your head, stirring something within, something  that doesn’t really want to die inside any of us.