Memory Verse As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thess. 3:13 #morningdevotional #youversion https://www.instagram.com/p/CqFr1SiOXTr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Trade Fear for Courage Fear digs its claws in deep and shakes you to the core. It’s downright debilitating, affecting your heart, mind, body, and soul. Fear isolates and puts us on high alert, attempting to rob us of courage. Fear convinces us the worst things in life will destroy us. The saints of Israel were familiar with fear. In Deuteronomy 31, Moses instructed Joshua to “be strong and take courage,” because he knew the enemy and obstacles were many. Moses knew Joshua needed a solid reminder that God was bigger than his fears. God was bigger than an opposing army. God was available to Joshua and he’s available to us. Moses assured Joshua that God was a constant companion able to replace his fear with courage, as he trusted in the Father. We fight feelings of fear with praise. We commit to relying on the Father when fear grips our hearts. When we praise through our fears, we rely not on our own strength to get through fearful times but the mighty hand of God. No matter the fear, rational or irrational, the truth sets our feet and heart on solid ground. Living in a cycle of fear makes our faith anemic. We miss the adventurous, daring, and wild life the Lord invites. Make no apologies for the courage that comes through trusting Jesus. Pray that Christ would give you a fresh perspective and felt protection from festering fears, no matter how big or small. Meditate on Deuteronomy 31:6-8 and, like Joshua, walk in the strength and weight of their words. Let them speak peace and courage to your heart and mind. Trust that God is good no matter what. This life isn’t easy but he is faithful, no matter what you encounter. May you see his hand and faithfulness weaved throughout every day of your life. #morningdevotional #youversion #flourish

👉 Start your day with purpose, watch the full devotional now and let God’s love strengthen your heart, renew your mind, and guide your steps today.

Response Day 1. What three things did Paul say the Thessalonians should not be shaken in mind or troubled by? (vs2) 2. What two things must take place before the day of Christ (Day of the Lord) can come? (vs3) 3. What will the “man of lawlessness” be like? (vs.3-4) 4. Why is it important that we have a strong faith? 5. In what ways does Christ comfort us? #morningdevotional #youversion https://www.instagram.com/p/CqDHM9tOl5K/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 SOAP: 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Paul gives thanks for the salvation of the believers in Thessalonica as they responded to the Truth and the work of the Holy Spirit. He encourages them to “stand firm” on the Word of God, and he prays for them to be established in every good work and word. Paul’s desire is for God to give these believers comfort during their time of affliction and to fill them with hope through His grace. Paul is teaching us how to intercede for each other. This week, let’s purpose to pray for one another to “stand firm” in the Truth. May He establish our hearts in every good work and word. Let’s lean into His grace and grab on to His unending hope. Father, plant our feet firmly on Your Word today. Establish Your work and Word in our hearts. Amen #morningdevotional #youversion https://www.instagram.com/p/CqAh7hLOmu5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 SOAP: 2 Thessalonians 2:10 Paul explains to the believers in Thessalonica that the “lawless one” or anti-Christ will perform signs and wonders that deceive many unbelievers. Stubborn hearts are subject to sin’s strong delusion, and God will not stop a sinner’s free will from choosing a counterfeit Christ. Those who have rejected the true Savior will receive this false messiah and follow him straight to their destruction.  If you have a family member or friend who has not yielded to Christ, the thought of their going to hell is heartbreaking. But, God is patient, and His desire is for no one to perish without Christ. We still have time to witness to our loved ones and pray for their hearts to soften to the truth. If you have never asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins, you can pray today and have total peace with God. Confess you are a sinner and tell Jesus you want to follow Him as your Savior.  Lord, open the eyes of my loved ones to the Truth. Help them to see how Jesus died on the cross to save them from their sins. Give me an opportunity to share the Good News with them in a clear way this week. May Your truth come alive in their hearts. Jesus, forgive me of all my sin. I surrender my all to You as my Savior. Amen. #morningdevotional #youversion https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp-ptElON1A/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=