Full of Courage

Full of Courage

1 John 2: ²⁸ Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes. ²⁹ You know that Christ is righteous; you should know, then, that everyone who does what is right is God's child.

 

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Having told the lie, I did not feel confident in answering any questions. I could be tripped up easily because I made up a convenient story that was not consistent with what I was doing at the time.

 

• My mind raced as I tried to think of other lies to support the current lie.
• Blame entered my mind as a possible way out of “my” current lie.
• After a while, I gave up and said “lying is just too hard too hard to keep up.”

 

John wraps up his discussion about remaining in union with CHRIST. He implies that if we remain in union with JESUS, then when HE returns, we will not be ashamed, but full of courage.

 

My Observations:

• Confidence comes from staying with GOD, even when things look terrible.
• Assurance comes from following GOD instead of trying to create my own security blanket.
• Courage comes from doing “what is right” as GOD has defined it, not humans.

 

Sin makes me question GOD’s love for me. I mean, when I sin and something goes terribly wrong, I wonder if it was the sin that caused the pain. Even though I know I am forgiven, I still feel unstable in my relationship with GOD when blatant sin is in the picture. GOD has another way.

 

HE is not placing extreme pressure on us to be perfect. In fact, HE knew we would not follow HIM, yet JESUS died for humanity anyway. But there are times when GOD sees when you and I do “what is right” and gets excited. I am glad GOD can use sinful people to do HIS marvelous works of love.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer try to make the message precious to everyone?
• Have you ever questioned GOD’s love for you?
• Wil you have courage in your relationship with GOD by doing “what is right” so HE can call you HIS child today?

Something Much Better

Something Much Better

Hebrews 10: ³² Remember how it was with you in the past. In those days, after God's light had shone on you, you suffered many things, yet were not defeated by the struggle. ³³ You were at times publicly insulted and mistreated, and at other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way. ³⁴ You shared the sufferings of prisoners, and when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something much better, which would last forever. ³⁵ Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward.

 

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Many wars broke out at the company. Some were ego related, some power related, some were racially motivated and some were just plain greed related. Whatever the case, I was ready to fight! When I “lost” the battle, I questioned GOD.

 

• I wondered if GOD loved me.
• I questioned HIS motivation for taking me out of the struggle.
• I thought I was supposed to stay where I was, doing the same battles over and over again.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, addressed suffering. He spoke about it in two ways. First he spoke about past suffering. He suggested that GOD brought them through this difficult time and they were not defeated. He then spoke about other people’s struggles and how those who were not struggling at the time, empathized with those who were.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees me when I am going through a struggle.
• GOD hears me when I cry out to HIM.
• GOD may move me out of a struggle that I wanted to hold onto.

 

Pain and struggles are something I can get used to even though I am not supposed to. I mean, when I am in a bad situation where there is abuse, slander and mistreatment, I think I should stay there and simply take it. I also think it is okay to receive no help when I ask for it and be insulted for trying to serve. I then wonder if GOD is there... HE is.

 

GOD shows up in marvelous ways during the insults, slander, abuse and manipulation. HE fills me up when nothing else in the world can do the same. HIS SPIRIT guides me and provides me with hope that can never be tarnished. All things I hold onto pale in comparison to what GOD has for me. I am glad HE has something much better than I can imagine!

 

Challenge

• What encouragement does the writer present?
• Have you ever suffered mistreatment and insults?
• Will you look beyond the current struggle and remember how GOD brought you through many of life’s battles and also know HE has great rewards for you because of your endurance today?

House Materials

House Materials

Hebrews 3: ⁴ Every house, of course, is built by someone—and God is the one who has built all things. ⁵ Moses was faithful in God's house as a servant, and he spoke of the things that God would say in the future. ⁶ But Christ is faithful as the Son in charge of God's house. We are his house if we keep up our courage and our confidence in what we hope for.

 

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“I feel like giving up” are the words I have used many times when things got difficult. Something ultra scary or painful would arise and it would seem like there was no way out.

 

• I would get worried.
• I would get scared.
• I would think of what could go wrong versus thinking about what has gone right.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke about GOD being the builder of HIS house. JESUS is in charge of GOD’s house and remains faithful. HE builds the house out of those who follow HIM.

 

My Observations

• When times get difficult, GOD gives me courage.
• When times get painful, GOD gives me confidence that HE will take care of it.
• When times get rough and I cannot see a way out of the trouble, GOD comes through with HIS grace.

 

Having courage and confidence is difficult. I mean, there are scary people, situations and diseases out there. BUT GOD wants me to place my trust in HIM. When I trust GOD to handle the situation, I can let go of it.

 

HE then does something quite miraculous. HE takes the thing I was trying to fix or build and HE fixes it or builds it HIS way. I am so glad HIS plan is far greater than anything I could ever think of and HE is the one who builds HIS house out of me and you.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the example of a house?
• Have you ever been part of a community ad felt valued?
• Have you ever gotten scared because you need help from others?
• Will you place your trust in JESUS, who knows your situation, so HE can give you the courage and confidence to face today’s situation and renew your hope for HIS plan in your life?

Origin of Courage

Origin of Courage

1 Thessalonians 2: Our friends, you yourselves know that our visit to you was not a failure. ² You know how we had already been mistreated and insulted in Philippi before we came to you in Thessalonica. And even though there was much opposition, our God gave us courage to tell you the Good News that comes from him. 

 

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“There will be hundreds of people in the audience” were the words that made me nervous. I was asked to be one of the speakers at a regional meeting and I had never spoken to an audience of this size. I asked for tips to control my nervousness. One person said “practice”, another said “Don’t practice, use a three point outline.” The differing perspectives made me more nervous.

 

• I was scared to be in front of people.
• I worried about the validity of message.
• I replayed in my mind how I could possibly mess up in front of a lot of people.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy expressed  the “opposition” they faced in places like Philippi and Thessalonica. They had been slandered, ridiculed and insulted. This could have been very discouraging if they had to rely on their own courage, but they did not have to.

 

My Observations

• Sometimes I get scared, BUT GOD is there to help me through my fears.
• Sometimes I get nervous, BUT GOD is there to calm me down and lead me to a still place.
• Sometimes I get anxious, BUT GOD is there to give me courage.

 

Mustering up courage when I am scared seems impossible. I mean, when I am fearful, I make fearful decisions. I may not even think straight enough to apply logic. Words like “Don’t be afraid” make me more afraid. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE says to me “I got this.” HE gives me the courage to speak about HIS SON when I am worried about what people may think or if someone may oppose HIS message. GOD gently reminds me that if HE is for me, who can be against me? I am glad GOD owns courage and is willing to give it to me to speak about the Good News that comes from HIM.

 

Challenge

• What opposition do you think the writers faced?
• Have you ever been worried, nervous or scared?
• Will you turn to the one who owns courage and ask HIM to give you the right words to present the “Good News” to those HE sends you to today?

Courage for Duty

 

Courage for Duty

Philippians 1: ²⁰ My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

 

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“Why are you doing that?” some people questioned. “You could get sick or even die” was the escalated statement that made me nervous, but I felt led to go on the missions trip anyway.

 

• Going someplace outside my comfort zone did not make sense.
• Leaving a place where everything was alright seemed counterintuitive.
• Doing difficult things for GOD instead of easy things for myself seemed out of the ordinary.

 

Paul gave up everything to serve GOD. He had status, power and was probably very wealthy being a Pharisee of Pharisees. JESUS changed his life and now his deepest desire was to carry out the duties that bring honor to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• Life serving GOD can get scary, especially when the evil one presents alternatives.
• Unknown paths look fearful BUT GOD wants me to walk with HIM down them.
• Faithful service may sometimes seem fruitless, BUT GOD wants me to have courage to continue.

 

“Keep going” are words that seem hard to do sometimes. I mean, when I feel “discouraged” I want to give up. Problem after problem after problem makes me think there is no relief in sight. BUT GOD says “Be strong and of good courage.”

 

GOD knows the future and HE knows why HE has me serving HIM. HE sees the adversary and has taken his tactics into account. No matter what happens, GOD wants me to keep my sense of duty to HIM. I gladly serve GOD, because I have no other place that provides refuge like HIM.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer’s duty?
• Have you ever been led to serve GOD even though it may seem scary?
• Will you be “encouraged” to have “courage” to keep going so your service my “bring honor to CHRIST” today?

Playing Dress Up

Playing Dress Up

1 Corinthians 15: ⁴⁵ For the scripture says, “The first man, Adam, was created a living being”; but the last Adam is the life-giving Spirit. ⁴⁶ It is not the spiritual that comes first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. ⁴⁷ The first Adam, made of earth, came from the earth; the second Adam came from heaven. ⁴⁸ Those who belong to the earth are like the one who was made of earth; those who are of heaven are like the one who came from heaven. ⁴⁹ Just as we wear the likeness of the man made of earth, so we will wear the likeness of the Man from heaven.

 

⁵⁰ What I mean, friends, is that what is made of flesh and blood cannot share in God's Kingdom, and what is mortal cannot possess immortality.

 

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“Clean the basement” was the directive given to us. My siblings and I started off doing the work, but the stuff down there was interesting. We found games and toys we hadn’t played with in a while. Then we found old clothes. I put on my father’s shoes, shirt and some pants and schlepped around, talking in the deepest 5 or 6 year old voice.

 

• The big shoes, that easily fell off my feet, reminds me of responsibility I could not keep.
• The big pants, that I clutched onto with my hands,  reminds me of security I tried to place on things.
• The big shirt, that drooped over my frail frame, reminds me of circumstances I could not control.

 

Paul continues to speak about the physical body. We wear it for a while, but one day we will wear the likeness of “The Man from heaven.” He provides encouragement that we can play dress up while on this earth.

 

My Observations

• JESUS wants me to know HE took care of the hard part when HE saved me from death.
• JESUS wants me to be excited about HIS resurrection.
• JESUS wants me to understand that HIS shoes are too big to be filled by my actions, but HE likes when I play dress up, mimicking HIS ways.

 

While I cannot die to save someone from eternal death, I can play dress up and show others a small portion of what JESUS did. I mean, HE prayed for people, wept with them and cared for everyone HE met. HE does not mind when I do the same.

 

GOD knows I am a child and sometimes the shoes my fall off or the pants I’m clutching onto may trip me up or the circumstances may roll off my small shoulders. BUT GOD loves the fact that I am playing dress up , trying to be like HIM. I am glad I cannot be GOD and equally glad HE doesn’t need me to. I am also grateful I can point people to JESUS by loving others as HE did.

 

Challenge

• What does “wearing the likeness” of JESUS make you think of?
• What things did JESUS do that you can mimic?
• Can you enjoy life again by playing dress up for JESUS, being free for just a little while today?

Along for the Ride

 

Along for the Ride

Acts 27: ²¹ After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. ²² But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³ Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴ and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ ²⁵ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ²⁶ Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

 

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Being part of the team felt great. One person in particular was being groomed to run the entire company. He surrounded himself with a lot of people who would work hard and remain honest. I was on his team and was successful because he was successful.

 

• There have been people who protected me because of their success.
• There have been people who brought me with them because of their purpose.
• There have been people who raised me up from very low places.

 

Paul reminded the crew that they should have listened to his warning, but they did not and almost lost their lives. He then encouraged them even though there was no food and everyone was feeling low. He was told let them know they would be saved.

 

• GOD wants me to encourage people.
• GOD wants me to tell people “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIM because HE has given me a purpose.

 

When GOD gives a purpose to someone, it benefits many. I have seen people encourage the lost and their lives were changed for good. GOD wants me to do the same. HE wants me to live my life with purpose, bringing those around me to HIM. HE will do just as HE promises. In HIM I place my trust.

 

• What is your purpose?
• Will you stay stuck on the problem or look forward to GOD’s deliverance?
• Will you encourage people around you and love those who are hard to love, so JESUS can save you and them today?

Courage for Truth

 

Courage for Truth

Acts 21: ²⁷ When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, ²⁸ shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” ²⁹ (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)

 

³⁰ The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. ³¹ While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. ³² He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

 

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Feeling pressured and not wanting to get in trouble, I thought of a “story” to cover myself. I had broken the bottom window of the door by losing my grip on my bike. Something popped in my head. I could blame the kid from two doors over. I mean, he “could” throw things, right? So what if he was in his wheelchair and wasn’t outside and the bushes would have not made it possible.

 

There were times when I was determined to cover myself.

There were times when I was too scared to even admit wrong to myself.

There were times when I felt it was easier to lie rather than facing the consequences of my actions.

 

Some Jews recognized Paul and immediately thought of lies. They grabbed him and told the crowd that Paul, singlehandedly, told “everyone” “everywhere” to not follow the Jewish law that he upheld. They also supposed he brought a Gentile into a Jewish temple. They stirred the crowd to beat Paul because of their lies.

 

GOD wants me to be courageous enough to tell the truth.

GOD wants me to be in the practice of admitting my sin so when someone confronts me, it won’t sting as much.

GOD wants me to invite people to GOD rather than excluding them to one race.

 

Believing in “a” truth is dangerous. I mean I can convince myself of anything regardless of the overwhelming evidence. GOD has provided overwhelming evidence of HIS love for humanity through HIS SON JESUS. HE chose to die for my sins and for that I am truly grateful!

 

What lies are you telling yourself or others?

When will you grow up to stop lying to show you are superior or “right?”

If you are courageous enough to lie to others and yourself, will you add to your courage by dropping your lies and telling people about “the” truth of JESUS being the only Savior today?

Remain Confident

Psalm 27: ¹³ I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
¹⁴ Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

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Clinging to my mother’s hand, I was frightened to go into the unknown. I had never spent time away from her and this thing called kindergarten was foreign to me. I was scared, but I let go and went in. This same feeling appeared several times in my life, each time I was frightened of the unknown, each time I let go and dove in.

• The unknown is frightening to me.
• The unknown is very scary to me.
• The unknown is a place that my mind conjures up fears.

Jumping into the unknown is frightening for the heartless. I should know, I have been very scared many times. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “When you walk by faith, remember to wait on ME.”
• GOD says to me “When you are frightened, be strong and take heart.”
• GOD says to me “I will bring goodness while you are alive and after.”

GOD tells me to remain confident no matter how frightened others around me may be. HE leads me besides still waters and restores my soul.

• Are you frightened to walk into the unknown?
• Are you afraid of making a mistake?
• Can you ask GOD to help you overcome your fears?
• Will you reach out to GOD today for strength?

Have Confidence Today

2 Chronicles 32: ⁷ “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. ⁸ With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

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Life has a way of throwing a curve ball each and every day. One minute things are smooth sailing, the next there is bad news about a loved one getting sick or dying or a job goes away or a relationship is torn to shreds. In these times I have had questions.

• What should I do now?
• What is going to happen?
• What if I can’t withstand the trial?

GOD said some marvelous things to me today.

• GOD said to me “Be strong” knowing my strength is nothing compared to HIS.
• GOD said to me “Be courageous” knowing my courage is faulty compared to HIS.
• GOD said to me “Do not be afraid” knowing my faith is nothing compared to HIS..
• GOD said to me “Do not be discouraged” knowing my drive and determination is nothing compared to HIS.

GOD says to me “I will fight your battles today.” I must know that HE is in control of this day. What seems to be a problem is simple for HIM. GOD says to me “Believe, trust and watch MY deliverance from any trial you are going through.

• Does the trial you are going through seem impossible?
• Does it seem like problems are coming at you from all sides?
• Can you slow down for a moment and listen to what GOD is saying to you today?
• Can you hear “Be strong”, “Be courageous”, “Do not be afraid or discouraged?”
• Will you let GOD fight your battle for you today?

Finish Your Work

1 Chronicles 28: ¹⁹ “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.”

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.

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Shoulders slumped and head held low, I was trying to get over the news that I didn’t get the top executive position.  I was waiting so long! I moped for days and finally the CEO of the company I interviewed for said “Get your head back in the game. You still have to work.” I did and I actually got a different position which took me on a wonderful adventure I would not have imagined.

• GOD knows my every desire, good and bad.
• GOD knows my every ambition.
• GOD knows what’s in my mind.

A tactic of the enemy is discouragement because the race is pretty long. It seems like the road will never end.  Just when there seems to be signs like the end is coming, it seems like more road is added. This causes me to fear the future. (Like I have the future figured out.) This fear and discouragement makes me question GOD’s plan.

• When I want results in my timing I get discouraged but when I wait on GOD it always works out.
• When I look at the future I get filled with fear but when I focus on today I can see GOD’s blessings.
• When I survey my abilities I feel inadequate but when I seek GOD’s strength nothing can stop me.

David was very clear when he said these words over and over to a very nervous son, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” He said this because the road would seem long sometimes and things would go wrong. Set back after set back will occur. GOD said “Keep going, I will not fail you or forsake you.”

• Are you feeling discouraged?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Are you questioning GOD’s vision HE gave you?
• Can you stop thinking about the future and focus on what GOD wants you to do today?
• Will you ask GOD for HIS strength instead of trying to do this on your own?

Conducting Business GOD’s way

2 Kings 12: ¹³ The money brought into the temple was not spent for making silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, trumpets or any other articles of gold or silver for the temple of the Lord; ¹⁴ it was paid to the workers, who used it to repair the temple. 

¹⁵ They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty.

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Sleep was my coveted desire.  I mean I gallivanted all night and I had to be at work at 7:00AM downtown in the big city. They wouldn’t mind if I slip into the bathroom and take a few winks. After my nap my boss questioned where I was. I stuttered and stammered through my explanation and thought to myself… “I have to take shorter naps!”

• When I think I can take liberties at work, it spills into other areas of my life.
• When I think I can steal even a paperclip from work I may steal large amounts later.
• When I think I can cheat customers on small items I will probably try to get more money from them than deserved.

I have run into a few business people who have acted with integrity and they are marvelous. In fact some of them made me change my ways. They told me to show up on early, tell the truth and to do what was right when no one was looking. By adding this character to my work ethic, I was promoted time after time.

• GOD wants me to be honest in my business dealings or HE will deal with me.
• GOD wants me to have integrity with my business or HE will not bless it.
• GOD wants me to have character with my business so HE can use it to draw people to HIM.

Slick and slippery don’t mesh well with GOD. HE wants service from the heart and it takes work to push the greedy part of me out and allow GOD to fill my heart.

• Are you trying to be slick?
• Have you fooled yourself into thinking you can get away with the tiny lie you just told?
• Can you stop lying to yourself?
• Won’t you start acting with integrity?

Bravery

2 Samuel 10: ¹² Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”

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As I gobbled down my lunch, I set up my Backgammon game waiting for my next victim. Yes I said Backgammon and we had classes in caves too. A friend of mine brought an antagonistic individual to the table. He said to me “What would you say if I said there is no GOD?”

The only reason I remember this so vividly is because this was the first time anyone had challenged my beliefs. I mean up to this point I went to church and came home like everyone else. No one had ever asked me to explain my beliefs. I was scared, but words came out of my mouth. “I just know” was the beginning of the conversation that took the rest of the period.

• When I face something difficult, I get scared.
• When I face antagonistic situations I get frightened.
• When I face what seems to be an army of issues, I get nervous.

Fear consumes me, then it makes me want to run and hide in the corner.  At that point nothing gets done. I then remember the fear and get scared to try anything that is challenging. BUT GOD wants something different of me.

• GOD wants me to be strong when times are difficult.
• GOD wants me to fight when I face a foe of HIS.
• GOD wants me to realize the battle is won because HE is the one who fights for me.

When entering any battle I must equip myself with the knowledge that the outcome belongs to GOD. This makes me approach the battle differently.  I see an opponent as an ally rather than someone who needs to be conquered or removed to get my way.  This is GOD’s child and compassion coupled with strength is how I need to go into the battle.

I can’t win unless we all win. I must be brave enough to bring others along, when I can.

• Are you facing fear?
• Are you scared of something new?
• Can you give your fear over to GOD?
• Won’t you BE STRONG because GOD is with you? 

Do not be afraid!

Joshua 10: ²⁵ Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”

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Staring at the posting, I convinced myself I could not do the job! I mean it seemed too hard and I wasn’t that smart and besides… “what if I fail?”

• I will always be inadequate for a task when I am full of fear.
• I will always be wrong for the job when I am full of doubt.
• I will always be wondering when will I become successful if I never try something out of my comfort zone.

Every time I said “It’s too hard, or I can’t possibly achieve that” I am defeated before I start. I then wonder, “What would have happened if I had tried whatever I didn’t try.” Fear holds me down!

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid” because HE is with me!
• GOD says to me “Do not be discouraged” because HE is the one with infinite resources.
• GOD says to me “Be strong and courageous” because my weakness is strength as long as I lean on HIS might! 

I can’t trust in my own abilities, knowledge, or talent.  It is GOD who raises humans up to the positions they strive for so my fear of failure is unwarranted. I must put my trust in GOD and let HIM fight my battles and HE will win and make me prosper.

• What is holding you back?
• Are you fighting a battle that GOD should fight?
• Do you think you can win with your own wit or strength?
• Won’t you believe that GOD will deliver you?
• Can you recognize GOD’s might and seek HIS power?

Have Courage!

Numbers 32: ²⁰ Then Moses said to them, “Do what you have promised to do. Prepare yourselves to fight for the Lord. ²¹ Prepare yourselves and go across the Jordan River. Fight for the Lord until he has driven out his enemies in front of him.

²² “When the land is under the Lord’s control, you can come back here. Your duty to the Lord and Israel will be over. Then the Lord will give you this land as your own.

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Traffic seemed thick on this rainy day heading into work. Several drivers seemed persistent on cutting me off. At work it seemed like nothing but bad news spewed from each person I met. I felt unnerved when I heard about some of the larger issues.

Then one of the senior executives came to me and said “Take the weather with you!” He smiled and walked away whistling! “Why is he so happy? This is a rotten day and everyone around me is rotten!” I thought to myself.

• Listening to negative attitudes can rob me of my courage.
• My negative mindset can make me fearful.
• Seeing nothing but problems can make me lose my courage.

Despair and hopelessness come from me dwelling on what I can or cannot see. I look at the situation with sinful eyes and see my feeble abilities going up against the giant problem and fear, doubt and worry ensues.  How can I handle giant problems?

• I must realize that while I think I am fighting, it is really GOD who is striking the blows.
• I must get in the battle in order for GOD to do the fighting.
• I must have courage to face situations and admit I am weak so GOD can step up and show HIS strength.

If I run away from my problems and hide in the corner, the problems will overtake me and make me doubt GOD more and more. GOD wants me to step out on faith and HE will do the rest!

• Are you facing problems that seem much larger than you expected?
• Do you feel like running and hiding?
• Can you look at GOD’s might and know HE is GOD?
• Won’t you accept HIS awesome power and fight today?

I can be bold!

2 Timothy 1: ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

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Seems like whenever I want to do something wrong, I hide my relationship with GOD. When the fellas were standing around with their chatter, the last thing I wanted them to know was I follow GOD.

I mean it seems like as soon as I mention GOD, JESUS or the HOLY SPIRIT the whole room would turn dull grey and the mourning march song would start playing. “Maybe I should just join in” is the thought that popped in my mind.

• Whenever I want to cut GOD out of my life I’m on the wrong path.
• Whenever I feel GOD is being unfair or too harsh I’m on the wrong path.
• Whenever I think the crowd’s ways are better than GOD’s ways I’m on the wrong path.
• Whenever I feel it necessary to hide my relationship with GOD I’m on the wrong path.

GOD wants me to be bold about my relationship with HIM.  HE doesn’t want sin to get in the way of the example HE is trying to show through me.  This means I have to part company with some of the people who want me to remain unfocused.

• GOD’s SPIRIT makes me bold.
• GOD’s SPIRIT makes me brave.
• GOD’s SPIRIT makes me believe.

Now instead of lust for things I can show love to people. HIS SPIRIT shows me the way to self-discipline and couples me with HIS unmatched power so I need not hide. I can tell people about my relationship regardless of human consequences. I may not be part of “that” group anymore but remaining in the LORD brings me eternal rewards and favor.

• Are you hiding your relationship with GOD to do what you want to do?
• Do you find yourself mentioning GOD less and less?
• Can you take a deep breath and be bold about your relationship with GOD today?

Five steps to a GODLY life

1 Corinthians 16: ¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 14 

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Following GOD seems very hard sometimes. I mean there are enough people telling me that I’m doing it wrong.  “Stand up” “Sit down” “Pray x times a day” “Wear these clothes” “Work there.” It makes GOD seem distant, uncaring and unforgiving. What should I be doing?

• Step 1 – Be on your guard. I believe GOD wants me to always be looking for time where the enemy will challenge me and try to throw me off my game.
• Step 2 – Stand firm in the faith. There are times when I will be thrown off my game but I need to believe GOD has the situation handled.
• Step 3 – Be courageous. I can’t live in fear especially from telling people about GOD’s SON.
• Step 4 – Be strong. Step away from the temptation. Step away from the doubt.
• Step 5 – Do everything in love. I have to drop my vindictive spirit.

When I read this list I see I fail miserably most times. BUT GOD gets excited when I do these things every now and then. HE loves when I am on my guard this time, when I stand firm in HIS faith this time, when I am courageous and strong this time and when I sometimes do things in love.

GOD’s grace is sufficient and HIS love is everlasting. HE enjoys my efforts and they are enough.

• Are you actively trying to grow your relationship with GOD?
• Are you seeking to be used to grow HIS kingdom?
• Can you “stand firm in the faith” today?
• Will you seek to show love towards “that” person?