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Don’t give up! Do this instead.

Part of the the training that the Lord Jesus gave the Apostles was the importance of never giving up and losing heart in the midst of any crises or issues. Luke 18:1 says: “Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart “. Jesus never said anything without an important reason. He knew that we would encounter great difficulties in life and because of this, we need to know that we have powerful weapons of warfare: Prayer and standing on His promises! John 16:33 says: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding]. Today, be encouraged. God reminds you that He already won the battle for you. Stand strong in the faith. Put on the whole armor of God. Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7). Stand in the victory that Jesus already won for us!

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Who do you look up to?

As humans, we all look to someone’s life and actions to learn from them. Children observe their fathers and mothers in order to learn how to deal with life’s many challenges. Many children don’t get the privilege of having both of their parents present with them due to unforeseen circumstances, so they look to an aunt, uncle, brother, sister, or foster parent for the needed mentorship. However, the greatest mentorship we can get is looking unto Jesus. He is our perfect mentor. He is the true author and finisher of our faith. He teaches us what true faithfulness, maturity, love, peace, joy, respect, faith and family is. He is the door to the Heavenly Father. It is by His sacrifice that we were adopted into His family. He teaches us what a true, mature and righteous man is and does. He is the finisher of our faith. In other words, He helps us throughout our lifetime in all of our difficulties and challenges, and by His Spirit, continually strengthens our faith so that we can make it to the finish line of life in victory! Yes, we all look up to someone in life, but the perfect model and mentor is the Lord Jesus Himself. Look to Him. He is the author and finisher of your faith!

Hebrews 12:2 “looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]”.