Bible Verse for May 14th.

"Oh, that You would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all I do and keep me from all trouble and pain!"

1 Chronicles 4:10
NLT Bible

Most of us love to live within our comfort zone because it's where we feel safe and secure. We have our set routines, fixed ways of doing things and familiar places that we go to. Life has become somewhat mundane and boring, but it's comfortable and predictable and we've grown used to it. As children of God, we have to ask Him to expand our territory, to take us outside our enclosed area and open new and challenging doors of service for us. There is so much that God wants us to do, but it involves moving beyond the territory that we are currently in.

We may have to push ourselves, because we are afraid to leave our safe and secure environment, but if we are available and willing, God will enlarge our boundaries and He will be with us, guiding and protecting us. Venturing beyond our comfort zone doesn't necessarily mean that we have to serve in impoverished countries, but maybe we can minister to the poor and needy who live in our town or come to our church. We can leave our 'safe zone' and volunteer at a shelter or a senior's home. It is doing whatever God has called us to do that goes beyond our daily routine. This verse challenges us to enlarge our opportunities of service to God, to move beyond our set boundaries and really 'stretch' ourselves. When we do this, we grow emotionally and spiritually and experience true fulfillment, satisfaction and joy that comes from obedience to Almighty God.

Thank you Lord for blessing and keeping me. I pray that You would help me to move outside of my comfort zone, to expand my areas of service for You. Sometimes I am fearful of stepping into new and different situations, but I know that You have promised to guide and protect me. I love you, Jesus. Amen!

Be Blessed!
Lydia