Tag: courageous
Week 9–Day 1– Courage Through Faith
Scripture reading for February 23: Joshua 1:8-9 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
It has been said that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to do what is right in spite of fear. God had placed Joshua in leadership in Israel because he had demonstrated faith and courage as one of the twelve spies. Joshua believed that God had given the Israelites the land of promise and that they could take it in spite of obvious opposition from armed occupants already there. Now Moses had died and Joshua was called by God to lead the nation. God reminded Joshua that He would be with him as He had been with Moses. He promised Joshua that if He would meditate on God’s laws and speak them out of his mouth in faith, he would have prosperity and success. None of the armed forces in the land would be able to stand against him.
It is interesting to note that God reminded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed. Fear and fretting go together and are opposed to faith and courage. But God knew that if Joshua would meditate on His Word and apply it in faith, that courage and conquering would naturally take place. God would watch over His Word to perform it. (Jeremiah 1:12) Faith is a decision of the will to believe God’s Word.
As first responders, we must develop faith and courage in order to effectively do our job of helping those in need. An assurance that we are not alone, but that God is with us gives us courage. Knowledge of God’s Word and promises helps us to be bold and calm in approaching danger. Have you declared your faith in God and are you meditating on His Word and speaking it?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your promise of continually being with us as Your children. Thank You for Your amazing Word that brings faith when heard and courage to act in times of danger. Amen.
Taking a courageous stand!
Scripture reading for March 7: Joshua 22-24
Its been said that “if you don’t stand for something, then you will fall for anything.” I am not ashamed to tell people publicly that I love Jesus Christ! I have repeatedly told our children that our family serves the Lord and we are known as followers of Christ. I don’t want the Lord to be ashamed of me because I have been ashamed of Him! (Luke 9:26)
Joshua was giving his farewell address to the people God had allowed him the privilege of leading into their inheritance. He had lived a hundred and ten years and understood their propensity for stubbornness. As he was ready to die, he made a strong declaration of faith to provoke them to serve the Lord. Life and death are in the power of our tongue. (Proverbs 18:21)
The closing chapter records the famous confession of Joshua:”. . .but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) This confession has stood over the years as a beacon to fathers, pastors, and those who fear the Lord. Joshua’s confession brought a positive statement from the Israelites as well! (Joshua 24:16-18) Despite their positive response, Joshua stated: “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; He is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, He will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end to you, after He has been good to you.” (Joshua 24:19-20)
God knew His people well. He gave Moses a song and God’s prophetic word that told of Israel’s future unfaithfulness. (Deuteronomy 32:15-22) God had warned these leaders so that they could do what they could to preach and prepare the people to avoid the temptations of idolatry and unfaithfulness. Joshua also knew God’s holiness and his jealous nature! (Exodus 34:14) God would not put up with these sins. . Prophesy was God’s way of helping His people and showing them love and care!
Have you made a bold confession of faith in Jesus Christ and received God’s promise of salvation? As a believer, have you been baptized in water to declare your faith? Today is the time to act on God’s Word!
Courage required–no wimps!
Scripture Reading for March 1: Joshua 1-5
Walking with God is not for wimps! God leads His people in paths of righteousness and truth. He is a mighty Warrior! His reputation for war is known far and wide! He never loses or backs down, but often uses only those willing to follow His leadership. As we begin our walk through Joshua, we listen in as God finishes His preparation of Joshua to lead His people to possess the promised land.
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9
Possessing our inheritance requires strength and courage, especially in leadership! It requires strength because there is walking involved and mountains and valleys to traverse. We must have strength of mind to keep our thoughts focused on God’s promises. We must possess strength of character and soul to keep from falling to the temptations of the enemy and the flesh that would trip us up. God promises to lead us and go with us (Matthew 28:20).
Courage is the ability to face tough situations with confidence. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to face fear with truth and keep moving toward the goal. The confidence is not to be in our own strength, mind or ability, but comes from a relationship with God. When we know God, we come to trust and rely on His leadership and strength to get us through each obstacle. Joshua was told not to let God’s Law and Word depart from his mouth or mind. He was guaranteed prosperity and success as he meditated on the Word and was careful to obey. Faith is produced by this process and it pleases God! (Romans 10:17) (Hebrews 11:6)
Today, receive this reading from Joshua as a call to walk in renewed strength and courage. Jesus Christ has blazed a trail of perfect obedience to God and He is with us. “Be strong and very courageous!”
On Your Guard!
Scripture reading for July 27th: 1st Corinthians 16
Key scriptures for over-comers: 1st Corinthians 16:13-16 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.”
Because of the pressures of life in a hostile world, the pull of the flesh, and the wiles of Satan, believers must maintain a watchful and yet positive mode of faith in living for Jesus and fulfilling His mission. Courage is the strength to live positively and aggressively for Christ in spite of opposition. Paul encouraged the church to live in this manner and do all in love! He then uses a specific household, that of Stephanas, as examples of those devoted to serving the saints and doing the work of the church.
Observations for over-comers: Watchfulness with strength, courage, and love is the simple instruction for victorious living in the last days. We work at blessing the Lord’s people and workers and watch for His return! “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.” (1st Chronicles 28:20)
Strength and courage needed–apply here!
Scripture Reading for March 2nd: Joshua 1-5
Walking with God is not for wimps! He is a mighty warrior and a conqueror! His reputation for war is known far and wide! He never loses or backs down, but often employs some very unconventional battle strategy (Joshua 6:2-5) and uses only those willing to follow His leadership.
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9
Possessing your inheritance requires strength and courage! It requires strength to walk through the mountains and valleys. You must have strength of mind to keep your thoughts focused on God’s promises. You must possess strength of character and soul to keep from falling for the temptations of the enemy and the flesh that would trip you up. God promises to lead you and go with you. (Matthew 28:20)
Courage is the ability to face tough situations with confidence. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to face fear with truth. When we know God, we come to trust and rely on His leadership and strength to get us through each obstacle. Joshua was told not to let God’s Law and Word depart from his mouth or mind. He was guaranteed prosperity and success as he meditated on the Word and was careful to obey. Faith is produced by this process and it pleases God! (Romans 10:17) (Hebrews 11:6)
Today, receive this reading from Joshua as a personal call from the Lord to walk in renewed strength and courage. Jesus Christ is our “Joshua” and has blazed a trail of perfect obedience to God’s Word. His leadership in our lives today will give us both the strength and courage to face the obstacles in our path! “Be strong and very courageous!”