“Not one of you will enter the land and make your home there, the firmly and solemnly promised land, except for Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.” Numbers 14:30 (MSG)  If you don’t learn how to deal with fear, it can cost you your destiny.  Numbers chapter 13 provides an excellent example of this. Moses sent twelve spies to explore the land God had promised them. The spies all returned to share stories of rich, fertile land flowing with milk and honey.  However, ten of the spies went on to spread frightening accounts of fierce giants and huge, well-fortified cities in the land. Their alarming reports caused fear to explode throughout the entire Israelite camp, and the people began to rebel against …

When Paul saw the believers, his heart was greatly encouraged and he thanked God. Acts 28:15 (TPT) You and I have the ability to encourage each other. That’s one of the reasons why the church is so vital.  It amazes me how many people hold such a small view of church that they only attend when it’s convenient or when they feel like it. The Bible teaches that your local church is your team and part of your destiny!  Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to forsake meeting together, especially as we see the last days approaching. And Luke 21:26 says that in the last days, men’s hearts will fail them for fear. So why is it so important to God that believers get together? Because …

Further, David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all of them were embittered, each man for his sons and daughters. But David felt strengthened and encouraged in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (AMP) Have you ever felt like nobody was there for you? David experienced this first-hand. In 1 Samuel 30, he and his men returned to their village, only to discover the Amalekites had burned it to the ground and kidnapped their wives and children. They were beside themselves with grief and fear.  When fear is the predominant emotion in our lives, we will lose emotional control and react with anger. We’ll make wrong decisions almost every time because fear misguides us, and that’s exactly what happened …

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 (NKJV) Regularly spending time in God’s presence makes a significant impact on how you live. If there’s any question, just look at the life of David, the one who lived out—and then wrote—the words of today’s psalm.  After all, what would cause a young shepherd boy to get up and take on a giant enemy when none of Israel’s trained soldiers would? (See 1 Samuel 17.)  One reason is that he spent time daily in God’s presence, singing, worshipping and talking with Him. Another reason is that he had a proven track record of acting courageously against predators while protecting his flocks of …

So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord! Psalm 31:24 (NLT) Courage works similarly to faith—it requires action to show it’s alive. We can sit around declaring we have faith all we want, but James 2:14–18 basically says, “My actions show that I have faith.”  Choosing courage works the same way. You can’t just say, “Look at me! I’m courageous!” Much like faith, you can tell by someone’s actions whether they have it or not. And here’s something that most people don’t realize: choosing to be courageous in situations draws your attention to God’s strength in your heart. Until you commit to walking out something with faith and courage, fear can keep you paralyzed in the shadows. That’s why …