PRAYER FOR TODAY MONDAY 29TH AUGUST 2022 – A PRAYER TO STAY THE COURSE

DAILY PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY.

When we pray, God hears and answers! Engaging in Daily Prayer and Scriptures is our unfailing platform for bringing to God all that pertains to us, while we watch restfully as he steps into situations to bring out beauty and colour in our lives. Today, as you commune with God, we urge you to know that God has settled all that concerns you, Just believe and pray with faith in your heart. Remain blessed in Jesus name, Amen.

Today’s Prayer is written by: Chelsey DeMatteis

Prayer Focus For Today 29th August 2022: A Prayer to Stay The Course

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
The battle of Jericho has become a favorite Bible story in our house. This comes as no surprise as we have an almost 5-year-old little boy! We read the story, sing the song, and act out the walls tumbling down. And while this story easily captures the hearts of little ones, its incredible theme of obedience often falls to the wayside as we grow older. For that reason, this past summer, I decided to go through my 5-year-old’s current favorite book of the Bible.

For some back story and context, Joshua was the one whom God appointed to lead the Israelites (God’s chosen people) into the Promised Land after Moses passed away. You’ll see in the opening chapter a command of the Lord given to Joshua that most Christians are very familiar with.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
This may be the most memorable part of the entire story of Joshua next to the walls of Jericho tumbling down. Why? I believe it’s because we, too, need this reminder as we navigate the places God calls us to go. Whether that is the mission field across the world, within the states, within your church, or within your home.

We must be both strong and courageous: Strong and steadfast in our faith as we trust God’s promises. Courageous as we walk into the unknown with God who knows fully. We must be obedient and willing: Obedient to follow the call no matter what. Willing to surrender the way in which we think things should go. We must be unafraid and stand against dismay by standing upon the living, active Word of God.

As Joshua’s story unfolds, we see many other stories unfold within it. We see God’s people choosing to live out the very same words He commanded of Joshua. We see this in the obedience of Rehab the prostitute, the two spies sent into Jericho, and the whole people of God who faithfully marched around the city for seven days.

I felt both encouraged and enlightened when I read this story, but I also felt deep conviction. Do I live like the people of God in Joshua’s day where the Lord has me now? Am I genuinely seeking to be strong and courageous in Christ, or do I choose the more comfortable route? What took place before and at the Battle of Jericho was anything but comfortable. It took an enormous amount of faith and trust in the Lord to do all He had commanded. Not only that, but once those walls came tumbling down, God was only getting started.

We have 18 more chapters of watching God command His people to obey, submit, be strong, and stand firm. You will see the wrath of God, the love of God, and the leading of God on display in ways that will cause you to look at how you live for Him.

Do we live strong and courageous? Or do we live so comfortably and content that we pass by where God is directing us? Do we store up things that God tells us to lead to destruction? Or do we live from a posture of knowing we can trust our Heavenly Father, who holds all things?

PRAYER FOR TODAY.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank you for your Word and the way it captures our hearts. We praise you for the stories in scripture that draw the youngest souls. I pray that the Holy Spirit would use Joshua’s story to change the way I not only live but the way in which I lead. I pray to be a follower of Christ that chooses to be strong in the faith and courageous wherever you call me because You, Lord, hold all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This Is the Assurance of Answers to Your Prayers – Matthew 7:7-11

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN GIVE GOOD THINGS TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM!