INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Courage originates within the heart of the individual. Two chief witnesses testify to this truth: (1) The English word courage comes from a word plainly connected to the heart, and (2) Multiple Bible passages associate courage with the heart (Numbers 32:7And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?
See All..., 9; Deuteronomy 1:28Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
See All...; Psalm 27:4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
See All...; Psalm 31:24Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
See All...). The scripture declares in our passage that the hearts of the people melted as they lost courage (i.e., they lost strength). Other Bible passages associate courage with the strengthening of the heart (Psalm 27:14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
See All...; Psalm 31:24Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
See All...). These truths illustrate that courage reflects strength of heart and that courage is based upon faith, hope, and trust in God.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children) What are some of the feelings you have when you are afraid? The Bible describes this as our hearts melting. It's a sinking feeling. Many times we want to run away from things that make us afraid. However, when we have courage, our hearts feel strong inside as if we could do anything because of God’s help.
• (For everyone) Knowing that courage means the strengthening of the heart, do you think courage is always a good thing? Are there times when a strong heart could trigger a rebellious spirit toward God?
• Would you consider yourself to be a courageous person? What do you think would help you to have the right type of attitude in this matter?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Christians should display courage to the world and to other believers. Ask God to strengthen your heart so that you have a courageous spirit.
• Ask the Lord to show you things in your life that would help to build godly courage as well as things that might be destroying your courage.

SONG

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

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