Courage

February 19th – 1 John 4:18

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1 John 4:18

While we know that God’s perfect love has the power to cast out all fear, that doesn’t mean we won’t have times of feeling afraid. And those times don’t make us bad Christians, or mean we’ve failed God. Instead, they mean that we’re human. And all fall short daily. But in those times when fear and doubt creep in, we can find comfort knowing despite our fears, God’s love remains steadfast. Ready and able to cast out even the darkest of shadows and bring us back to a place of peace and security. In His embrace, fear is powerless, its grip loosened by the unwavering assurance of His presence. For where His love resides, there is no room for fear to dwell. Because it’s eclipsed by the brilliance of His grace. With each heartbeat synchronized to the rhythm of His love, we are emboldened to face the trials of life with unwavering courage. For He who is Love itself, walks beside us. And in the radiance of His perfect love, we find refuge, our hearts emboldened to embrace the journey ahead with faith and fortitude.

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January 16th – 1 John 4:18

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1 John 4:18

Change isn’t easy. And facing the unknown is scary. But perfect love, as described in 1 John 4:18, acts as a shield against the fear of change. Because when we’re rooted in God’s unwavering love, we have all we need to embrace new beginnings without the anxiety that change often brings. With fear cast out, we have the courage needed for our journey of renewal and fresh starts. If each morning we surrender our day to God, we can embrace the freshness of the day without being stuck by the shackles of fear. And in the beauty of God’s perfect love, the prospect of a new beginning becomes not just a possibility but a reality to be embraced with faith and assurance. So as we step into uncharted territory, we can do so confidently. Because our path is illuminated by the radiant light of God’s perfect love, giving us the courage of a transformed and hopeful tomorrow. Courage to claim the promises of new beginnings that unfold when God’s love takes center stage in our hearts.

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December 31st – Psalm 31:24

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Psalm 31:24

As the final moments of the year slip away on New Year’s Eve, there is a collective breath. The world pauses to reflect on the what lies behind and what lies ahead. We stand at the threshold of the unknown, gazing into the future with a heart full of hope. A hope that emerges as a guiding light, illuminating the anticipation of the coming year. That’s why Psalm 31:24 echoes in our hearts, urging us to be strong and courageous, finding comfort knowing God holds our future securely in His hands. With gratitude for the lessons of the past and a spirit grounded in hopefully faith, we can courageously step into the new year. For God’s unwavering love and wisdom will illuminate our path, offering love, peace, hope, and guidance in the face of uncertainties in the days yet to unfold. With faith as our compass, we can embrace the unknown of the new year with confidence, knowing that the Creator of all things walks with us. And He is paving the way for a future filled with grace, purpose, and boundless possibilities.

 

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December 30th – Ecclesiastes 3:1

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Ecclesiastes 3:1

If there’s one thing that’s a constant in our lives, it’s change. And embracing that change takes an act of courage, a willingness to let go of the familiar and face the unknown. So as we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the changes of the past, and wonder about the ones 2024 will bring. That’s why we are encouraged to start the year with a Christ-centered perspective, focused on using all change to transform us into the likeness of our Savior. The teachings of our Lord emphasize the importance of faith, hope, and love, and trust in Him to guide us through the ebb and flow of life’s transitions. And as we navigate the unknown terrain of the coming year, we can trust in God’s divine plan. Having confidence that even in the face of change, God’s purpose always prevails. Because when we do we discover that change is not merely a disruption, but a catalyst for growth and spiritual transformation. Inviting us to draw closer to the source of everlasting grace, Jesus Christ.

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October 28th – Psalm 11:1

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Psalm 11:1

Relationships take work. Whether it’s our relationship with God or others, they need a foundation of trust, honesty, love, and repentance to stand strong. Satan is in the business of tearing down, not building up. And he loves nothing more than to form cracks in those foundations through harsh words, misunderstandings, and unforgiving spirits. So when we flee from our problems instead of dealing with them head on, it opens the door for the Enemy to do his worst. When Nehemiah was facing an assignation threat, his friends advised him to hide out in the temple. But he replied, “Should a man like me flee?” (Neh. 6:11) David and Nehemiah both understood that as believers, instead of sinning against God by running away, we should always face every problem head on. Standing firm in the faith that the Lord abundantly upholds the righteous. And believing He will give us the power to confront each difficult time and person with courage and wisdom.

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April 16th – Nehemiah 6:11

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Nehemiah 6:11

Relationships take work. Whether it’s our relationship with God or others, they need a foundation of trust, honesty, love, and repentance to stand strong. Satan is in the business of tearing down, not building up. And he loves nothing more than to form cracks in those foundations through harsh words, misunderstandings, and unforgiving spirits. So when we flee from our problems instead of dealing with them head on, it opens the door for the Enemy to do his worst. When Nehemiah was facing an assignation threat, his friends advised him to hide out in the temple. But he wasn’t about to run away. Because Nehemiah understood that as believers, instead of sinning against God by fleeing, we should always face every problem head on. Standing firm in the faith that the Lord will uphold the righteous. And believing He will give us the power to confront each one in courage and wisdom.

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December 3rd – Psalm 11:1

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Psalm 11:1

Relationships take work. Whether it’s our relationship with God or others, they need a foundation of trust, honesty, love, and repentance to stand strong. Satan is in the business of tearing down, not building up. And he loves nothing more than to form cracks in those foundations through harsh words, misunderstandings, and unforgiving spirits. So when we flee from our problems instead of dealing with them head on, it opens the door for the Enemy to do his worst. When Nehemiah was facing an assignation threat, his friends advised him to hide out in the temple. But he replied, “Should a man like me flee?” (Neh. 6:11) Nehemiah understood that as believers we should always face every problem head on. Standing firm in the faith that the Lord will uphold the righteous. And believing He will give us the power to confront each one in courage and wisdom!

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September 30th – Judges 5:7

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Judges 5:7

Deborah is a beautiful example of a woman whose faith in God shined as a light to Israel. She loved the Lord and served Him faithfully. When others faltered, Deborah courageously obeyed God and insisted that His will, not hers be done. And because she followed God’s direction, the armies of Canaan were defeated and their king destroyed. The Lord rewarded Deborah by giving her the honor for the Israelites win. Even better, because of her service to the Lord,  “the land was undisturbed for forty years.” (v. 5:31) And after the victory instead of patting herself on the back, Deborah sang a song giving God all the glory. No matter who we are, male or female, great or small, when we are open and willing to be used by God, great things can be accomplished in His name and for His glory!

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September 29th – 2 Kings 6:16

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2 Kings 6:16

When the king of Aram found out that the prophet Elisha was informing the Israelite army of his every move, he sent a great army of his own to surround the city where Elisha and his servant were staying. Filled with despair the servant asked Elisha, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15) But Elisha wasn’t afraid. Because through eyes of faith, he saw what God saw. A mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. Often when we look at the troubles facing us, our first response is worry, fear, and despair. We fail to see past our problems to what God sees. And what He sees is victory that comes only from trusting in His power, protection, and provision. The Lord will always provide the resources we need to get through any challenge. Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened. We too need to pray for open eyes of faith. Eyes that allows us to rest in the knowledge that even if we can’t see them, we are surrounded by a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire.

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September 28th – Psalm 31:9

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Psalm 31:9

Throughout the ages people have asked how a loving God could allow suffering in the world. And in the depths of my despair I too have asked that same question. How could my Father let me, His child, become broken, in pain, and filled with sorrow? But time, hindsight, and prayer have taught me that instead of asking why, I simply need to trust. Trust that no matter the suffering I endure, God always has a purpose for my pain. As long as there is sin, there will be suffering. And whether or not we know the reason behind God letting it in our lives, of this we can be certain. He will never make us suffer alone. For, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart” (Ps. 34:18) Not a single tear we cry goes unnoticed by our Father in heaven, who collects each and every one in His bottle. (Ps. 56:8) And if we let Him, He will be there each step of the way. Lovingly God will see us through the pain, ready, willing, and able to fill our aching hearts with peace and gladness.

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