WEBVTT 00:04.199 --> 00:12.186 [SPEAKER_00]: As we wrap up our week on being used by God, today we'll ask God to fill us with courage to live uncomfortably. 00:13.247 --> 00:19.733 [SPEAKER_00]: May we bear our hearts before God and ask Him to change us, to rid us of all that hinders us. 00:20.754 --> 00:27.740 [SPEAKER_00]: There is nothing to fear, and God is ready and excited to use us for His kingdom purposes. 00:28.581 --> 00:34.206 [SPEAKER_00]: Will you accept His invitation? 00:34.186 --> 00:48.550 [UNKNOWN]: Thank you very much. 01:04.544 --> 01:16.197 [SPEAKER_00]: Our Scripture for today comes from Joshua 1, verse 9, Scripture says, Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous? 01:17.419 --> 01:25.167 [SPEAKER_00]: Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 01:28.591 --> 01:33.657 [SPEAKER_00]: To live as an authentic disciple of Jesus is to live courageously. 01:34.936 --> 01:38.620 [SPEAKER_00]: Jesus didn't call us to a life of shrinking back. 01:39.942 --> 01:42.725 [SPEAKER_00]: We're not commanded to sit on the sidelines. 01:43.886 --> 01:50.714 [SPEAKER_00]: He didn't call us to pursue comfort, stability, approval with man or societal status. 01:52.015 --> 02:02.547 [SPEAKER_00]: He's called us to love unconditionally, give sacrificially, obey him unreservedly, and to live courageously. 02:03.927 --> 02:21.261 [SPEAKER_00]: In John 1519, Jesus clearly says, If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own, but because you are not of the world, but I'd show you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 02:23.401 --> 02:33.616 [SPEAKER_00]: The be of God and practice the things of God is in powerful direct opposition to the things of the world and its ruler, our enemy. 02:34.998 --> 02:42.709 [SPEAKER_00]: For this reason, God offers encouragement to those who face trial, to those who live courageously. 02:42.689 --> 02:57.773 [SPEAKER_00]: 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12 through 14 says, Beloved do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 02:58.794 --> 03:08.730 [SPEAKER_00]: But rejoice in so far as you share Christ's sufferings that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. 03:08.710 --> 03:19.294 [SPEAKER_00]: If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 03:21.957 --> 03:29.167 [SPEAKER_00]: God is calling you to a life far greater and more important than comfort and worldly pleasure. 03:29.207 --> 03:37.999 [SPEAKER_00]: He's calling you to live by faith, believing that true blessing and true pleasure is found in him alone. 03:38.039 --> 03:48.673 [SPEAKER_00]: He's calling you to step out of your former ways and live in accordance with his will, 03:50.527 --> 03:56.261 [SPEAKER_00]: For this reason, Scripture says in Joshua 1.9, Have I not commanded you? 03:56.301 --> 03:58.727 [SPEAKER_00]: Be strong and courageous. 03:59.889 --> 04:03.117 [SPEAKER_00]: Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed. 04:03.959 --> 04:08.029 [SPEAKER_00]: For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 04:08.009 --> 04:13.925 [SPEAKER_00]: In the midst of any trial, you can have transcendent, tangible comfort in God. 04:15.268 --> 04:21.765 [SPEAKER_00]: In the midst of any suffering or pain, you can find rest in the loving arms of your Heavenly Father. 04:23.045 --> 04:27.733 [SPEAKER_00]: And in the face of great opposition, you can choose to live courageously. 04:29.176 --> 04:30.458 [SPEAKER_00]: Your God is with you. 04:31.359 --> 04:32.621 [SPEAKER_00]: He will never leave you. 04:34.144 --> 04:38.952 [SPEAKER_00]: Courage comes from acknowledging the reality and power of God's nearness. 04:40.595 --> 04:47.567 [SPEAKER_00]: As we finish this week on Sharing God's Heart, Find courage today to boldly love others. 04:48.931 --> 04:52.495 [SPEAKER_00]: Take time to receive God's unconditional love and grace. 04:53.196 --> 04:59.003 [SPEAKER_00]: The you might share him with the world who desperately needs transcendent comfort and peace. 05:00.465 --> 05:05.050 [SPEAKER_00]: Live courageously today and see heaven come to earth around you. 05:06.492 --> 05:09.375 [SPEAKER_00]: Seek life and love in God alone. 05:11.037 --> 05:12.599 [SPEAKER_00]: May your time have guided prayer. 05:13.040 --> 05:17.385 [SPEAKER_00]: Be filled with encouragement from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. 05:29.380 --> 05:30.329 [UNKNOWN]: Thank you. 05:52.702 --> 06:02.654 [SPEAKER_00]: As we begin, meditate on the call of God to live courageously, reflect on his promise to be with you always. 06:04.516 --> 06:19.755 [SPEAKER_00]: Joshua one nine says, 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. 06:57.772 --> 07:00.338 [SPEAKER_00]: and next, assess your own life. 07:01.881 --> 07:07.553 [SPEAKER_00]: In what ways are you seeking worldly comfort over living courageously in God? 07:09.277 --> 07:15.831 [SPEAKER_00]: What fears do you have about sharing God's heart that are winning out over courage from God? 07:17.532 --> 07:34.309 [SPEAKER_00]: Luke 814 says, and as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 08:12.325 --> 08:18.372 [SPEAKER_00]: and last, go to God with your fears, and receive encouragement in Him. 08:18.432 --> 08:29.806 [SPEAKER_00]: Take time to rest in God's presence, ask Him for His perspective on that which hinders you from sharing His heart and living courageously. 08:29.826 --> 08:41.320 [SPEAKER_00]: 2. 09:24.567 --> 09:31.761 [SPEAKER_00]: when you choose to respond to God's call in faith, know that He will fill you with courage and boldness. 09:33.264 --> 09:36.691 [SPEAKER_00]: The disciples were not naturally courageous people. 09:37.873 --> 09:43.825 [SPEAKER_00]: Prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit, they were weak, selfish, and cowardly. 09:43.805 --> 09:46.312 [SPEAKER_00]: but in God, they were made strong. 09:47.355 --> 09:50.002 [SPEAKER_00]: In God, they accomplished the impossible. 09:51.085 --> 09:58.084 [SPEAKER_00]: In God, they were used for eternal purposes that bore fruit you and I are still experiencing. 09:59.245 --> 10:05.592 [SPEAKER_00]: Decide today to partner with God and seeing His kingdom come to earth through your life. 10:06.933 --> 10:13.300 [SPEAKER_00]: Decide to jump in and be an active part of the spiritual awakening happening all around us. 10:14.722 --> 10:21.550 [SPEAKER_00]: Decide to get off the sidelines of the Christian life and share God's heart with all those he leads you to. 10:22.871 --> 10:27.396 [SPEAKER_00]: May your day be filled with boldness and courage and the Holy Spirit. 10:45.415 --> 10:48.581 [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much for listening to today's podcast. 10:48.601 --> 10:50.324 [SPEAKER_00]: I'm Josh Miller with first 15. 10:51.245 --> 10:55.292 [SPEAKER_00]: There are so many ways to experience first 15 wherever you are. 10:55.893 --> 11:02.785 [SPEAKER_00]: You can sign up for our daily devotional email at first15.org or download our app on your phone's app store. 11:03.346 --> 11:08.976 [SPEAKER_00]: You can also follow us on Instagram or Facebook where we post encouragement throughout the day. 11:08.956 --> 11:14.331 [SPEAKER_00]: However, you connect with 1st 15, thank you for being a part of what God is doing here. 11:14.371 --> 11:20.046 [SPEAKER_00]: Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you see Kim.