Joshua 1:9 NIV — Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Today is Veteran’s Day in the United States. On this day, we honor veterans who have served in the military, on our behalf, to protect our freedoms. Veterans are those who are trail blazers for our country. For those of us who are not veterans, let’s imagine the emotions that a service person must deal with when serving. Imagine the courage, fear, sorrow, and pride that a soldier may face. Consider the turmoil and sacrifice the family members of a service person endures. Take time today to thank a veteran for his/her service and pray for those who currently serve in our military.

Let’s pray. Dear God, please give strength and courage to all those who serve in our military to preserve our rights and freedoms. Thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit to guide and comfort those who blaze trails for us. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

This week, we will share the legacy we leave behind. 

We all have a legacy to leave. Worship with Momma Loves Me by Need To Breathe, feat. The Red Clay Strays. Some of the lyrics sing, “We all get hurt, and we all bleed. But the time has come to reckon with the wounds that buried me. My best days are not enough, I remember all the times you loved me just the way I was.”

We can take joy in this journey of life knowing heaven is cheering us on. Join us in worship with We are Almost Home by Mercy Me.

This week I have enjoyed remembering all those who have influenced my Christian walk. Today I am savoring the memories of family and friends who helped blaze my Christian trail. I have been blessed to grow up in a Christian home that was surrounded by other Christians. Some of my fondest memories include going to the local nursing home to help with crafts or helping serve at our church barbecue dinner. I remember my mom helping lead my Brownies group and my dad helping with Boy Scouts. 

As I became a young adult fresh out of college, I was blessed to have a retired teacher begin a young adult Sunday School class which helped to shape my Christian walk. When Clark and I were first married that same lady began a Bible study that we joined. Not only did we form lifelong friendships, we also formed a firm Christian foundation to our marriage. 

Through the years God has continued to bless me with others who have been trailblazers for my faith. I have been blessed to have others who have taught me through their experiences. As I reflect on and savor these memories I am also convicted that I must also be a trailblazer for others. I must be intentional in witnessing to and leading the path for others to learn about and become more like Christ. Who are you a trailblazer for and how are you blazing trails for Christ?

This week we have talked about trailblazers. Take a moment to read the following articles about Christian trailblazers.

 10 Historical Christians Who Changed the World. 

10 Christian Missionaries Every Christian Should Know

I encourage you to do some research about Christian trailblazers. While researching I found one biography series titled Heroes of the Faith. There is also a children’s book series titled The Trailblazers Series that is suitable for ages 9-14. Let’s finish our week together by taking time to educate ourselves and those we influence about the early trailblazers of Christianity.

@biblegateway @youversion

Psalm 78:4 NIV — We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

Psalm 145:3-7 — Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty — and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works — and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The Psalms listed above are just a couple of examples the Bible sets for us to share with others the goodness of God. This week I have asked you to reflect on those who have been trailblazers in your faith. In return, God asks us to blaze trails for others. You and I should share our faith walk with our family, friends, and circle of influence. Others should see and hear our praises to God for all He has done, is doing, and will do in our lives. We should tell others of God’s “awesome works” and “great deeds.” By sharing our faith, thanks, and praise, we will also be blazing trails for others to walk with Him.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your mercy and grace. Guide me to share Your goodness with others and lead me to blaze trails for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Acts 2 NIV

Today’s reading from Acts 2 recounts the day of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the growth of the early church. The early Christians were water walkers. Their leap of faith helped blaze the trail for our Christian walk. Spend some time reflecting on your early days of Christianity. Are there trailblazer Christians who have made an impact on your life and faith? Did you grow up in a family of faith or is your spiritual journey new and developing? Perhaps you haven’t made the leap of faith and are unsure of Christianity. Whatever your place, reflect on those in your past or present who have or are influencing your beliefs. How have these individuals made an impact on your life? How are you influencing the lives of others? 

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for those who have blazed the trail for Christianity and my Christian walk. Guide and direct my steps to be an impact on others and be a trail blazer for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Take time to read and meditate on this week’s featured scripture.

Joshua 1:9 NIV — Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Acts 2 NIV

Psalm 78:4 NIV — We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

Psalm 145:3-7 — Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty — and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works — and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.