In the next few weeks thousands of college students will step on campus to begin a new school year. You are one of those students. The next 16 weeks have the potential be the best of your life or the worst. They can be filled with grief and regret or happiness, fulfillment and victory. The good news is that your circumstances will not be the determining factor! Everything that is inside of you is what will matter. Who you follow will matter. Deciding the lens you will see everything through matters. You will have happy moments and sad moments. You will have anxious moments and scary moments, but most moments will be plain old ordinary. You will be tempted to give in and compromise. You will be tempted to become cynical and victimized. Only we must remember Jesus' own words:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
This series of devotionals are meant to prepare you for the upcoming semester. They aren't exhaustive on any one topic. They aren't incredibly long, but I would ask that you take some time to examine your heart, and to allow yourself to be challenged by God's word.
PREPARE TO BE COURAGEOUS
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
(Joshua 1:1-6)
3 WAYS TO BECOME COURAGEOUS
1.MAGNIFY GOD
When God is big everything else is less scary
Read these passages:
Job 38
Isaiah 30:28-33
1. Do you know anyone like this? This strong? This powerful?
2. Is God this big to you?
3. What do you give in to when God is small?
2. HONEST EVALUATION
Read these passages:
1 Corinthians 11:27-32
Luke 6:41-42
Revelation 3:17-18
1. Do you have the courage to be honest about who you are?
2. List your greatest fears?
Most people's greatest fear is the fear of people!!
3. How does fearing man affect your daily spiritual life?
3.CHALLENGE YOURSELF
Read these passages:
Genesis 12:1
James 2:18
1 John 3:18
2 Timothy 1:7
1. Would you consider yourself a self starter, or do you wait for others to begin doing something before you will try it? Which is Jesus? 2. List one way you will challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone today
3. Go do it. BUT remember to depend on Gods strength!
(important principle: BP & AP (Before prayer and After prayer) Before you do it pray, after you do it pray!)
WHAT FEAR WILL YOU OVERCOME THIS YEAR THROUGH CHRIST?
Video: Must not give in to fear
Video: The courage to never give up