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NOTE: I'm enjoying a first... Internet access from a Scout camp! Welcome to the 21st century Baden Powell! Sorry for being absent the last couple of days... it's been an adventure finalizing our trip and getting settled in here!

Scripture
1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV)
20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.

Observation
We've seen snapshots of David's growth and development as a leader over the last few days. We know there were many things David did not do well and he paid dearly for his disobedience to God. But here we are focused on the positive... David is about to pass the baton to his son Solomon. He is proclaiming the vision that God gave him for the temple, and then charging Solomon to follow God's commands.

His direct advice to Solomon rings true for us as well. Be strong. Be courageous. Do the work. Don't be afraid. Don't be discouraged. God is with us. He cannot fail us. He will not forsake us.

We may face a lot of things, but David's advice is just as valid for us today as it was for Solomon then.

Application
Only God knows what lies ahead for me and my family. Some days it may be scary. Some days it may be tough. No doubt there will be many days that are just hard work. The challenge to me is to live up to the words of King David and "do the work", trusting that God will provide through me all that I need to do those things He has purposed for me.

Prayer
Lord, I receive these words just as you spoke them to Solomon through David. I acknowledge I can do none of these without you!