Now that you’ve made your commitment…it won’t be easy. This week I’d like us to review each of our four commitments…and prepare for the battles ahead.

 

In general, let me start today with these words from our Leader:

 

“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.” (John 16:33 NIV)

 

I underlined it for you. Go read it again. 

 

I do not know exactly what’s around the corner, but I do know two things for sure:

 

1-It won’t always be easy and in fact it will hurt at times.

 

2-I don’t want to be anywhere but right on the heels of Jesus following Him wherever He leads.

 

We should celebrate what God has been doing in our lives and hearts over the course of these last six weeks. The next two years, no doubt, will be amazing.

 

But, you better buckle up. It might just get a little bumpy.

 

 

Prayer thought:

 

When trouble hits, let praise be our response.

Nehemiah writes “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (8:10). When we praise it gives us strength and proclaims our faith. Praise teaches us to turn our focus away from what is wrong and turn our hearts to the one who heals, provides, saves, and redeems.  

The Psalmist writes “As for me, I will always have hope. I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure” (Psalm 71:14-15). 

Spend some time praising God today, praise for what He has done in your life, and praise because of His greatness! 

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord.” (Psalm 106:48 NIV)