Under the leadership of Moses, God had directed the Israelites to endure many hardships during their 40 years in the desert. He regularly allowed opportunities for His chosen to prove their obedience and faith through the testing of their courage and commitment.

How much faith do you have? Is it a living faith? Are you willing to stand up for what you believe or do you just try to “blend in”… move “under the radar”? I know I’m challenged by these questions. We may never have to challenge a king or face an army for our faith, but every day we face a culture that tries to seduce us into idolatry. Let’s choose to live our faith boldly, a life of love, obedience, and truth.

Our theme this month deals with boldness. We are in a time when our faith is being challenged. God desires that His children are not embarrassed to proclaim truth to a broken world. Most of us are neither ashamed nor embarrassed to be called Americans. Many of us proudly display flags or other symbols, proclaiming our allegiance to this fine nation. Now, I’m not promoting Christian bumper stickers, hats, mugs, flags, shirts, or even pens. But really, how do you identify with the cause of serving Christ?

God chose this place to teach us more about His great creation… and godly friendship. There were eight hunters in our party; most were archers. During our four-day stay, we harvested eleven animals: 6 trophy elk, 3 giant buffalo, and 2 beautiful fallow deer. All the trophy whitetails scampering about were left for another trip. Many stories have come out of that trip, but my favorite is about an ornery buffalo named “Nasty,” and his trusty pal.

Godly friendship is so rewarding. One of the best examples can be found in 1 Samuel 23. This chapter illustrates the unique fellowship Jonathan and David shared.

Today’s media glorifies famous athletes and celebrities, touting extravagant lifestyles, impressive mansions, fancy cars, and designer attire. Even with all the glamour and glitz, they all pale in comparison to the glory and radiance of God Almighty.

It is interesting that many of the healing paths that evolved over the ages find some of their roots in Scripture. Ultimately, while God may use doctors, medicines, and therapies to help with our cure — the ability to heal comes as a gift from God.

If your father is still alive, consider calling him today to let him know how much you appreciate him. Send him a note or take him to coffee if you live close. If your relationship is strained, too painful, or simply estranged, ask God if you might have any part in reconciliation. If your father has passed away or you never knew him, consider showing your appreciation for other folks in your life who have mentored you, been models of faith, and offered you encouragement.

If you have never accepted His sacrifice, it is my prayer that you would do so right now. He paid a very dear price for you. Confess your sins and accept His gift of salvation. Allow Him to be Lord of your life, loving you, teaching you, and changing you!

He is the one true God and He is sovereign over all things, including the nations. While other religions may have their gods, idols, prophets, and saints, no other religion has one who died to save his followers and then rose again from the dead. Yes, my friends, Christ has risen, He has risen indeed!

We do everything we can think of and afford in order to put safety nets around our loved ones and ourselves. At all costs we want to avoid catastrophe, misfortune, and ruin. But we can’t. We simply can’t cover all the bases. Life is unpredictable, full of sin, betrayal, and destruction. So much of it is out of our control.

How can we trust God when life seems to be spinning out of control? What is it that is sending you or someone close to you into a tizzy?

Can you imagine if we pursued God like that? But that’s what He wants! He wants us to be completely smitten with Him. He doesn’t want to be scheduled in… He wants to be on our hearts and minds all day long everyday. He wants to be the Lover of our Souls and He pursues us fearlessly, even recklessly. He wants us to long for Him, to tell Him everything, to walk with Him, to want to know everything there is to know about Him, to look for Him everywhere.