Today is our greatest day!

2 Timothy 1:7

Proverbs 28:1

Warren Buffet made the observation that he has never seen this kind of economic fear before. Unlike most around him, In the middle of this recession he sees a greater day of opportunity and is going to invest even more!

God has given us the power of a sound mind - or a clear head.  He has called us to a life of dynamic, loving, clear-headed living!

I want to see a spirit of faith permeate the church. This is not a day to simply survive - it's a day to thrive

"Humility is a virtue, timidity is a disease" - Jim Rohn

Genesis 15:1

Genesis 26:24

God does not have the word "oops" in His vocabulary. He is not surprised by what is going on in the world.

Deuteronomy 1:21

Deuteronomy 20:3

Isaiah 41:13

Isaiah 43:1 

Never lose that "take the land" mentality. God will help you.  The word of the Lord to us is this - do not fear.

Joshua 1:5-9

There are two postures we can take toward life: strong and courageous, or fearful and weak.

God is giving Joshua a charge before they go in to take their promised land.  Three times Joshua is told - Be Strong & Courageous.

To move into everything God has for you will always require you to be strong and courageous. To make any move forward, it's commanded of us: Be strong and courageous.  This is not just advice!

Weak and fearful is never your friend.

Courage is not the absence of fear; It's stepping over fear!

"Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them." - Emerson

It takes courage to try. It takes courage to stand for your convictions. It takes courage to do the right thing. It takes courage to change.

5 Key Thoughts to Stay Strong and Courageous:

1. Be obedient to God.

Joshua 1:7

This is not a good season to be playing on the edge of disaster, to see just what you can get away with and still be a Christian.

It's not about perfection - but it's a whole life-disposition toward obeying God.

You can't pray your way out of something you have behaved your way into.  Make changes!

2. Fill your mind with the right stuff.

Joshua 1:8

Go on a media fast for a while. Don't let fear create a shortage in your life!

Read your Bible.  Listen to positive, motivational messages. Mediate on God's thoughts so your thoughts can align with His.

3. Keep God's Word in your mouth.

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth..."

Your tongue is a rudder. It doesn't matter where the wind is blowing - the ship will go where the captain points the rudder.

Words are spiritual substance that create and steer your life.

Personalize and declare God's word over your life.

4. Do not turn a temporary situation into a permanent condition.

Joshua 1:7-8

Circumstances never change God - but God changes circumstance.

Don't let the temporary circumstances of now define your future. When you're going through hell - don't stop!

I want to continue to hammer this nail into our mindset: Never doubt that it's God's intended purpose for you to grow and flourish.

5. Recognize that God is with You.

Joshua 1:5

When life is at its worst, God is at His best. You will not go alone.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Deuteronomy 31:8

Psalms 34:18

You may feel sometimes that God is not with you. But get this - It's not a feeling thing.  Feelings are good but they are not everything.  They are not the truth.

Build your life on the promise of God - not on your feelings. Use your faith to embrace the promise - the feelings will follow!