The hand of the Lord is powerful

I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me...(Ezra 7:28b).

All throughout the Bible prophets, leaders and priests, declared this truth. "I took courage for the hand of the Lord my God was on me..." What a magnificent and beautiful statement. But how easy it is to forget. Most of the times I remember this truth, POST-scary or fearful event/experience. But in the case of Ezra and many other biblical characters, they took courage BEFORE the scary or fearful event/experience. What's the difference? 

1. Victory as they walk INTO the experience with faith and courage;

2. More glory to God as they walk OUT of the experience with increased faith. 

So how does one take courage? For me, the more time I spend in God's word before I start my days the more courageously I walk. I am reminded of a few things while walking through these 66 books. It's truly a love letter penned by the Spirit of God, through these men, as an example to me. I can live by faith. I can live courageously. I can live a victorious life when my heart and mind remember that He is always wth me and will never leave me or forsake me. They dealt with as many, or more challenges, as I do in my life.  And yet they remembered and overcame. 

I challenge you to try it for yourself. Read through the Bible following a simple one year plan laid out by your favorite Bible-teaching church. You'll be surprised at the peace it offers your heart and mind each day before you go out into the world. "Take courage for the hand of the Lord your God is upon you." God bless. 

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When you don't know what to pray

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:26-28).

Have you ever had one of those days? One of those days where problems - big and small, come at you like dodge balls? You feel you've become a pro at bob and weave...still at the end of the day, by the time your head hits the pillow, you're exhausted?! Yeah, me too. It's those days that I'm not even sure what to pray - how to pray - who to pray for. Right?! Anyone with me? 

I have found that if I can just utter the words "thank you", immediately, I can feel the Spirit cover me in peace like a blanket. He searches hearts and knows what we need before we even ask. He intercedes on our behalf. Try it today. In Jesus mighty name I claim and ask these things, amen. 

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