Dear Ones,
Hope you have a day of joy. Today is our grandson’s 14th birthday!! I am soon off to Aldi’s and Exercise class and doing some food prep. Bible Study tonight.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  Isn’t it comforting when someone goes before us when we are walking through difficult times and prepares the way for us? Who better than the Lord for then we don’t have to fear but know that He has gone ahead and has everything laid out even before we get there.

   I was reading today about Moses who was about ready to die and gave some encouraging words to Joshua who was to take his place and lead the Israelites into the Promised land. He said in Deut. 31:7-8 (Amplified), “Be strong, courageous, and firm, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to possess it. It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you. ( let there be no more cowardice or flinching, but) fear not, neither become broken (in spirit-depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm).”

  I find it reassuring to know that the Lord sees the whole situation and He goes before us and prepares the way, so that we don’t have to fear. Sometimes I give a knowing smile as it is obvious to me that God has been there ahead of time… like when I went somewhere to speak and I note He already had everything arranged perfectly.
  I am reminded of a song by a Jesuit priest in1975 who was a composer of liturgical music. A few of his words are:

   “Be not afraid. I go before you always.
   Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.
   If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown.
   If you walk amid the burning flames, you shall not be harmed.”
 
He goes on to say that even when death is at our side, He is with us through it all. Let us be strong in the Lord and courageous and not waver for He is with us always! Always!
Challenge for today: The next time you are fearful, stop and pray and ask the Lord to go before you.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy