Courage

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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September 27th – Luke 6:44

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Luke 6:44

My childhood home had a small crab apple tree that grew in the backyard. It had thick, bushy leaves which provided perfect shade from the summer heat. And at the end of each branch dangled the most inviting apples. I’ll never forget the first time I twisted one of those apples from its stem and took a bite. Far from sweet juiciness, the taste was so sour and bitter, I spit the apple out and threw the remainder on the ground to rot. That day I learned not all trees bear good fruit. Jesus says that each of us is a fruit bearing tree. And the way in which we live our lives, meaning the decisions we make, the words we speak, and our actions towards others, determine the goodness of our fruit. A tree that produces the sweetest and most choicest of fruit, is the one whose roots run deep in God’s Word. And whose branches bravely follow the example of Jesus, reaching out in love to a starving world.

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September 26th – Matthew 5:11-12

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Matthew 5:11-12

Have you ever felt disheartened when someone shuts you down while you’re sharing the Gospel? Or been discouraged when the works you do for God don’t produce the fruit you want? If so, you’re not alone. The Bible is filled with stories of the disheartening, discouraging, rejection of God’s prophets and messengers. And one of these is Stephen, the church’s first martyr. Falsely accused and brought before the Jewish leaders, Stephen faced a sentence of death. Yet instead of giving a defense for himself, he gave a condemning testimony about the sins of Israel. Far from afraid, Stephen was so full of faith that as he spoke, all who looked upon him saw the glory of God. I want to be like Stephen. To be that full of faith. Boldly obeying God’s call no matter the consequences. Joyfully and courageously sharing with others how the Lord has worked in my life, why I place my faith in Him and how they too can know Jesus as their Savior.

 

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September 23rd – Psalm 61:2

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Psalm 61:2

Many times my heart has felt faint, consumed by discouragement and fear. And it’s during those times when praying and drawing nearer to God is a necessity. Because the Lord is our “higher Rock”, our unshakable foundation that will never fail. No matter what is going on in this fallen world, God goes before us and makes our paths straight.  Deut. 33:26 reminds us that, “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Satan loves to fill our minds with “what if” scenarios that all result in defeat. But God promises those who trust in Him and not the world, can live in peace and joy. King David who was protected by a mighty army knew better then to place his security in chariots and soldiers.  He understood that it was only God who could lead him to victory!

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September 22nd – 2 Timothy 2:15

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2 Timothy 2:15

Paul was all about winning souls for Jesus. Though he was imprisoned, shipwrecked, stoned, and left for dead, Paul never lost his faith, or desire to please God. I want that kind of boldness. To have the heart of a lion, fearlessly responding to God’s calling regardless of the circumstances. Because sadly, there have been situations when instead of sharing the Gospel, I remained silent from fear of being ridiculed, rejected, or challenged. Other times I’ve shared the Gospel too aggressively or pompously. I looked down my nose at those who didn’t agree with my beliefs or immediately want to reconcile themselves to God. But not Paul. Even though he was bold, he was also kind. Because Paul understood the importance of representing Jesus. Meaning sharing the message of God’s redeeming love with courage, love, grace, and humility. And that’s how I want to share the the Gospel. In a confident, loving, respectful way, doing all for God’s glory!

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September Psalm 3:3

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Psalm 3:3

In 1927 a submarine of the Navy was accidentally rammed by a Coast Guard destroyer, and quickly sunk. Heroic efforts were made to rescue six known trapped survivors. They exchanged a series of signals with the rescue force, by tapping on the hull.  As the trapped men used the last of available oxygen in the sub, they sent a morse-coded message. “Is there any hope?” That’s a question king David must have asked as well. His son Absalom was attempting to seize his throne. Forced to leave Jerusalem and flee across the Jordan river, David didn’t know friend from foe. But He did know the goodness of God. David saw firsthand the awesome might and strength of God and how He cares about the troubles of those who love Him. God fought for David, and Absalom’s armies were swept from the field. And as God was David’s mighty Shield, so He will be for us. So when the question is asked, “Is there any hope?” we as Christians can give a resounding yes!  Through faith and the glory of God, though evil surrounds us, it won’t prevail!

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September 18th – Esther 4:14

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Esther 4:14

Esther was a young queen in over her head. Told by her cousin Mordecai about the prime minister’s plot to kill the Jews, the fate of her people laid heavy on her small shoulders. Yet Esther knew where to go; straight to God. For three days and nights Esther sheltered in His presence through prayer and fasting. And as she grew closer to the Lord, Esther received the wisdom and courage she needed to save her people. Life is hard. And trying to do it on our own is near impossible. But thankfully, as Christians we never have to face anything alone. Because God is there welcoming us to come to Him. To spend time in His presence, bathing in His strength, mercy, and guidance. A place of refreshment, the arms of the Lord is where we experience His perfect peace. Where we find the answers we seek, the wisdom of God’s counsel, and the warmth of His unconditional love.

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September 16th – Luke 21:28

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Luke 21:28

Throughout history people have argued about the meaning and timing of the signs that would signal the soon return of Christ. But along with signs, Jesus also gave warnings about the approaching end times. First He warns us not to be misled. Many false prophets will come in His name saying, “I am He” and deceitful date setters will cry, “The time is near”.  By knowing what the Word of God says, we can be protected from wrong teachings. Next the Lord says prepare to be persecuted. Christians may experience betrayal, hatred, and death even at the hands of those we love. But we needn’t fear. For even if we lose our physical lives, we can rejoice knowing the reward of eternal life awaiting us. Finally Jesus tells us to be on guard. In patient anticipation of the glorious return of the Lord, we are to watch, pray, and most of all, guard our hearts. (Luke 21:36) I truly believe that the season of the Lord’s return is upon us. So, “straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!”

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September 15th – Ephesians 3:8

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Ephesians 3:8

Paul was a man who tried to destroy God’s people. Yet not only was he pardoned, but given the great privilege of spreading God’s message and building His church. But the assignment came at a high price. Paul was beaten, stoned, jailed, shipwrecked, and robbed, among other sufferings. Still, regardless of the set backs, Paul faithfully carried out his task. Throughout the world he fearlessly preached and wrote about the inexhaustible riches and generosity of the Lord. Jesus promised that all who follow Him in faithful obedience, will suffer. (2Tim. 3:12) Does that mean we’ll experience troubles and hurt along the way? Yes. But God’s grace will comfort and love us through. Paul didn’t want the Ephesians to feel sorry for the tribulations he endured. Because he was being used in a way greater than he could ever imagine. If we let Him, God will us too in great ways. And the rewards awaiting our obedience, far outweigh any troubles we experience in the Lord’s name!

 

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September 14th – Galatians 1:8

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Galatians 1:8

Paul tells us to fear those who teach a false gospel because they are accursed and their message leads to death. Whether it’s an ear tickling gospel, a prosperity gospel, or a works based gospel, if it doesn’t line up with God’s gospel, it’s a false gospel. False gospels keep us chained to rules and laws. They lead to destruction by telling us there are many roads to God. And false gospels tell us that through our own efforts we can earn everlasting life. But the one true gospel of Jesus Christ gives us freedom and joy, not bondage and despair. It wipes clean our record, declaring us innocent and blameless. As fallen people with fallen hearts, we cannot fathom such a pure, perfect, and unconditional love as God’s. A love whose height knows no limits, and whose depth knows no end. And most wonderful of all, a love not earned but offered freely to everyone who receives Jesus as their Savior. This is the Good News of Jesus Christ. And this is the one and only true gospel!

 

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