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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Some words that come to mind when referring to spiritual obedience are stillness, prayer, listening, submission, humility, faith, and action. Today, we will discuss stillness and listening.
What is the greatest form of obedience?
Jesus replied in Matthew 22:37 NIV — Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
What is the second greatest form of obedience?
Jesus replied in Matthew 22:39 NIV — Love your neighbor as yourself.
Stillness and listening come by, loving God and ourselves enough to take the time to be still in His presence and hear His word. What words, scriptures, or songs come to mind when you think of obedience, stillness, and listening?
On this Savor Saturday, let’s get back to the simplicity of God’s commands by loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. What is a recipe that you share with your neighbors?
Recipe for Crockpot Hot Chocolate by Bellyfull.net. We enjoyed this with our family and neighbors on Halloween.
Joshua 6:3-4 NIV — March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets.
Some words that come to mind when referring to spiritual obedience are stillness, prayer, listening, submission, humility, faith, and action. Today, we will discuss action and long obedience in the same direction. Joshua is a perfect example, marching around Jericho for seven days. On this Finish Friday let’s keep going. As Walt Disney said, “We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths”.
We may not always feel like God is near or that the path we are on has purpose. God will bless our obedience. In God’s perfect timing, the walls will come down or he will open another door. In this song, Do It Again by Elevation Worship, some of the lyrics sing: “I’m still in your hands, this is my confidence. You’ve never failed me yet.”
Will you stay the course of long obedience? You are in God’s hands. Keep going! What words, scriptures, or songs come to mind when you think of obedience and action?
Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for always doing it again, You have never failed me. I’m still in Your hands. Equip me for long obedience. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen. Bonus: If you have not read the story of Jericho, I encourage you to read the entire chapter, Joshua 6 NIV @biblegateway @youversion
