Psalm 28:1 To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I shall be like those who go down to the pit.

Oh how we rely on affirmation from others all the time... we feel good when we are able to go ahead and do something extraordinary, but it doesn’t mean as much unless someone tells us how good it is!

I can remember being alone in the sixth form study and building a house with a complete stack of cards... and nobody saw it! An old bus rumbled past and shook the table and everything fell down!

Don’t be disheartened when you don’t physically hear from God – He is always watching and always pleased when you do good!

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

What is it to be strong in God’s power? Well, how much can you do on your own? How much more can you do if you are constantly encouraged?

Now imagine having enough courage to do anything!

Now imagine having the strength to do anything with the courage you have now got!

This is the courage God gives you and the power He has – we just need to rely on that power and might!

Luke 2:51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.

When Jesus spent the days in the temple instead of listening out for and obeying His parents, it was because of His love for God the Father and not neglect for His parents.

We often face difficult choices in our lives, and we need to make decision for which there seems to be no right answer – but following God’s guidance will bring us through!

God wants us to obey Him, but also to keep an eye on the world and what we should be doing in and for the world and others around us.