Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Strong and Courageous
Urban parks are profoundly valuable for the health and well-being of people of all ages, the community as a whole, the environment and its inhabitants, and even the economy. An urban park, or a city park, is a park that is contained entirely within a locality’s municipal or metropolitan boundary. Gatineau Park, which is part of the National Capital Commission, is the second largest urban park in the world, at 89,205 acres. It is the second-most visited park in Canada.
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Fear is a terrible thing. It paralyzes us and prevents us from living a full and joyful life. So, it shouldn’t surprise us to know that the most common command in the Bible is “do not be afraid.” Over and over God promises His abiding presence when we face difficulties and challenges. He gives this command, with a promise, in Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” The people of Israel were about to enter the Promised Land, which was filled with enemies of all kinds. Moses is reminding Joshua, who will lead God’s people across the Jordan, that just as God was with them as they wandered through the wilderness, He would be with them as they entered the land and faced the enemies. In the same way, God is with us as we face the challenges of life today. We will not be facing an enemy army, but we will undoubtedly face things that will cause fear to rise up. Do not stand in fear – the Lord Jesus is with you and will never leave you either.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley