JJ's Devotional

Topic: Body Builders

Intro: I just want to thank you for allowing me to share what the Lord has been putting on my heart. I feel that God is moving in a way I have never witnessed before. I see the body growing and people are being raised up. I think a lot of times when we see God working in our lives we can be hesitant, unsure, or just flat out scared. And so I just want to share a word of encouragement and to let it be known that its our job to step out in faith and encourage those who are being built up.

1 Chron: 28:9 - David is speaking to his son, Solomon giving him words of encouragement.

Read Verse: "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts.

And this part of scripture (In BOLD) speaks to me so much because how many times do we get a word from God to share with someone and we doubt and think I don't know if this is God or it's just me? Or even when the Lord gives us a responsibility and we think it is too much for us. I personally struggle with this what seems like a daily basis. And a perfect example of this is in the book of Joshua.

Moses has just died and all the responsibilities that Moses had is now put upon Joshua. And can you just imagine the mindset he is in? I mean Joshua witnessed the disobedience of The Nation of Israel and their unbelief and now he has the responsibility to lead them. God knowing Joshua's Heart and the intent of Joshua's Thoughts, God comforts him In

Josh Chapter 1 verse 6, 7 & 9  

VERSE 6 says: Be strong and of a good courage, than VERSE 7 says: only be strong and very courageous and again in

So God will meet your needs as long as you desire to serve Him. We sometimes think that when we have a desire even if its of God but we are lacking in certain areas of our life that we cant do those things which God has called us to do until we settle those areas. I'll tell you this right now, if you put off serving The Lord because of that mindset, you will never do what God has called you to do.

Check out this passage in

2 Corinthians chapter 8 Verse 12 Paul says: For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. Basically this verse is saying that if we have a calling from God or a desire that is of the Lord, we shouldn't worry about what abilities we don't have which will cause you to think you can't do all that God has called you to do because you feel like your lacking. This is looking through a worldly viewpoint instead of looking through God's viewpoint. We simply need to take that step of faith and allow God to fill those areas where we are lacking. We see this in….

1 Tim 1:12 Where Paul says: And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. So Paul acknowledges that it was Gods grace and provision that enables him to do that which God has called him to do, and it wasn't because of his own abilities. 

Last thing I want to focus on is applying what we learn and sharing it with others.

2 Tim 2:2 states And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. There are certain things that the Lord shows us that are personal and private of course and those things we keep between the Lord and ourselves. However, you guys, its soo important that we pass on knowledge that the Lord has shown us for the building up of the body. This is how we grow in grace and edify one another. I was going through some quotes as I was putting together this devo and I found a quote that was interesting. It's a Chinese proverb but I like it nonetheless, and it applies to all of us. It says "Be not afraid of growing slowly. Be afraid only of standing still." So as we take that step of faith God is also faithful to provide.