Take Courage!

"When Asa heard these words and the prophecy 

of Azariah son of Oded the prophet,

he took courage.

He removed the detestable idols

from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin

and from the towns he had captured in the hills of Ephraim.

He repaired the altar of the LORD

that was in front of the portico of the LORD's temple."

2 Chronicles 15:8

Asa stayed true to God.  As a result, he tasted peace for many years.  He removed idols, destroyed the high places and commanded his people to seek God and obey Him.  As a result of His faithfulness to God, he was given peace.  Peace, that is, until the latest uprising of the Ethiopians (2 Chronicles 14).  Perhaps he despaired despite the fact that God routed his enemy before him.  Maybe Asa wondered if God was still pleased.  For whatever reason, God chose to send Asa a message:  Keep staying true to Me and your efforts will be rewarded.

It doesn't take much to get me feeling discouraged, wondering if all that I'm doing really matters, if my efforts have made a difference, if my faithfulness is having an impact.  Sometimes it takes a little assurance that my devotion and loyalty to God and his calling on my life has not gone unnoticed.  It's easy to feel disheartened when it seems my efforts are for naught.  But God always notices the state of my heart and will reward my obedience.  Therefore, I can take courage!

Fully Act.  Good enough for government work, I sometimes think as I complete a task.  I'm not sure where I first heard this saying, but it somehow entered by consciousness and seems to stick.  The whole idea that I can do just enough to get by really appeals to my sin nature.  As long as I complete the task, what difference does the quality of my work make? 

If my heart is wholly devoted to loving God, I will want to do my best for Him.  Whatever I do reflects on Him so the Apostle Paul exhorts me to, ". . .do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)  If I think of making much of God as I go through my day, reflecting well upon Him as I cross every "t" and dot every "i", my attitude toward work may change.

This is especially hard if I have a hard taskmaster, a boss who works me without a bit of praise, or a husband who doesn't appreciate my efforts.  If I think of God as my supervisor instead of man and that I'm working directly for Him, my outlook may improve (Colossians 3:23-24).

I can take courage and do my best because God will reward me for my obedience.

Don't Delay.  I never thought of myself as being lazy until I heard a new definition of the word.  Laziness is failing to do what needs to be done as soon as it comes into my consciousness.  In other words, if I delay doing what I know is right, I'm being lazy.

It's easy to procrastinate.  In fact, I have a thousand wonderful reasons why I need to wait to act.  I'm not ready.  I need to practice.  I haven't figured it all out yet.  I need time to come up with a plan.  I don't have time.  I don't have energy.  And the list goes on.

In reality, there is no time like the present to obey God's calling on my life.  As soon as I take a step of faith, I can be confident that He will give me everything I need to succeed.  I can be equally assured of the fact that Satan doesn't want me to move forward and will do whatever it takes to delay me.  Therefore, I would be wise to respond before my enemy has a chance to act.

I can take courage and obey as soon as I receive my marching orders because God will reward me for my obedience.

Honor God.  I make an effort to avoid using any profanity or to say things that would make God look bad.  I take pride in the fact that I take care of His temple, my body (1 Corinthians 6:19-10).  I have made it my practice to attend church each Sunday (Hebrews 10:25).

Still, there are ways I dishonor God.  Sometimes it's easy to focus on the stuff that is obviously good, that is noticeable to everyone else but fail to pay attention to what is hidden.  What about my thought life?  How often do I think about things that grieve God?  Or consider actions that would not please Him.  Or hold a grudge that turns into a root of bitterness (Colossians 3:13)?

While others may not realize my indiscretions, God sees every vile reflection (Psalm 139:1-2).  It is important, therefore, that I honor God in everything, not only in what is obvious.

I can take courage and honor God in all my ways because He will reward me for my complete obedience.

While I fall into discouragement all too easily I can take heart in the fact that God sees my intentions, my efforts and my motivation and will reward me for obedience to His calling on my life.  Therefore, I can live my life to the best of my ability, acting without delay and honor Him in even the little or hidden things.  I can take courage for my reward is coming!

As I begin my day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes on the prize that awaits me at the finish line (Philippians 3:14).

When do I lose sight of what God is preparing for me and only live for today?

How am I guilty of doing just enough to get by? 

From the Lord

"But some evil troublemakers among David's men said,

'They didn't go with us,

so they can't have any of the plunder we recovered.

give them their wives and children,

and tell them to be gone.'

But David said,

'No, my brothers!

Don't be selfish with what the LORD has given us.

He has kept us safe

and helped us defeat the band of raiders that attacked us.'"

1 Samuel 30:22-23 NLT

They fought a hard battle and came back to camp exhausted yet elated in their victory.  We did it!  We rescued all our wives, sons, daughters and even our livestock.  Everything that belonged to us is back in our possession.  This is a great day indeed!

The men of war strutted back into camp with their heads held high, their valiant efforts rewarded with victory.  Then they caught sight of the men who stayed behind, too exhausted to stand by their sides in battle.  Some thought, who are they to join in our celebrations?  They did nothing to help us regain our families.  Why should they share in the plunder?  They don't even deserve to get their wives and children back, pathetic as they are. (1 Samuel 30:16-22)

David, however, set these wayward men straight.  He reminded them to whom the battle belonged.  He knew better than to give into such foolish talk.  His belief that the battle belonged to the Lord was revealed in his response.

I am often faced with equally as challenging circumstances when I am tempted to take credit for a success, or use the world's system of justice as my own, or to base my giving on what I think others deserve.  In so doing, I am forgetting that everything I have is from the Lord.  When I remember this simple yet profound truth, my actions will reflect that belief.

Generosity

Our bodies are naturally inclined to be stingy.  If I need to lose weight, it seems rational to me that the less I eat, the more fat I will lose.  In reality, dipping below a certain calorie threshold will result in my body going into survival mode in order to prepare for a supposed upcoming famine. In an attempt to hold onto the fat it currently holds, this mechanism is meant to protect me in times of want, but ends up working against me when the starvation is self-imposed and I'm simply trying to shed some pounds.

This safe-guard mechanism reminds me of my own self-centered fleshly response to the thought of giving.  When I am faced with an opportunity to give to another in need, I tend to want to hang onto what I have just in case things turn bad for me.  What if I lose my job, or suffer a pay cut, or fall on hard times?  Wouldn't I be more wise to tuck this money away for such a rainy day?

In reality, everything in my possession comes from God.  He directs my paths, provides for my needs and is the source of all the good in my life.  As the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He has no need of my pitiful offerings.  Still, it is His desire that I learn to trust Him with what is to come by being willing to open my hand in generosity to those in need around me.  And I am able to do so when I truly realize the vast resources of my Father in heaven and buy into His generous nature.

If I take on the attitude that there is plenty more where that came from, I will easily be able to share what I have with others. (2 Corinthians 8:9, Romans 8:32 ) If I live in fear of losing the little I have, I will struggle with giving even a pittance.

If I fully grasp the truth that my Father loves to give good things to those who ask, I will look for ways to share this same mindset. (Matthew 7:8-11,Romans 11:35-36) If I think He only gives if I earn it, I will develop a stingy heart that is rooted in judgementalism.

If I believe that the Lord cares for me in ways I cannot fathom, I will desire to give rather than receive. (Matthew 6:24-34, Acts 20:35) If I fear for my own welfare, sure that destruction is right around the corner, I will hang onto what I have as if my life depended on it.

Believing that God is the source of all good things leads to a generous heart.

Courage

The ability to step forward despite the fear that grips my heart.

Strength in the face of pain or grief.

The confidence it takes to act in accordance to one's beliefs.

The cowardly lion craved it, many-a-soldier has used it, and I often need it to face what frightens me.  Courage.  It is not something that comes naturally, but can be found as a by-product of trusting in God's provision.

When I'm afraid I will lose everything I have, reminding myself that God is the source of all good things gives me courage to step forward in faith. (James 1:17)  

When I don't think I can carry on in the face of all that I have lost, knowing that the God of compassion is with me, ready to deliver His loving comfort whenever I need it gives me courage to rise out of bed another day. (2 Corinthians 1:3) 

When it seems the world around me has gone mad and I'm the only one who stands for what is right, remembering the constant presence of the One who promised to never leave me nor forsake me gives me the courage to speak the truth in love. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Believing that God is always with me leads to a heart of courage.

Confidence

I step forward timidly, unsure in my heart if I truly belong in such a magnificent place.  My sin weighs heavily upon me, giving me a feeling of unworthiness.  As a result, I keep my distance, doubting whether God would truly accept such a wounded soul as mine.

This faulty line of thinking often plagues my heart, planting seeds of doubt as to my acceptance by a loving God.  The reality of which I must constantly remind myself is that I am a sinner, yes, but a sinner who is saved by grace.  This salvation is not just so that I can live for all eternity in the place Jesus has prepared for me.  This salvation is also so that I can live in the here and now in perfect relationship with a holy God who loves me.

When Jesus took my sins upon Himself, dying a criminal's death on the unyielding cross of Calvary, He made a way for me to enter into communion with the Lord.  Instead of being considered His enemy because of my sin, I am no adopted into His family as His legitimate child.  (1 John 3:1, Romans 5:10)  When I truly grasp this unbelievable story of God's amazing grace and take it on as my own, I enter into the realm of confidence. 

This is not a confidence in who I am, but rather an assurance of who the blood of Jesus has made me to be: pure, righteous and newly whole. (1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:17)  Due to the unspeakable sacrifice of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I can boldly enter into the presence of God where I will receive everything I need to live.  (Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 4:16)

With my newly-found confidence, I can fearlessly ask God for good things as He loves to give such gifts to those who ask.  (Matthew 7:7-8)  I need not be timid about going to God with the expectation that He will change the hardened heart of my loved one, or that He will restore my health, or that He will flood my anxious heart with peace.  Even if my request sounds absurd and many doubt my sanity, I can boldly approach my Father with whatever desire lies deep within me.  There is nowhere else where my wishes are as safe as they are with my Father who loves me freely.

Believing that I am fully accepted by God through faith in Jesus Christ leads me to a confidence in my relationship with Him.

David understood that God always provided, was always with him, and always accepted him freely.  Therefore, this man after God's own heart was able to live generously, courageously and confidently.  Knowing these truths that come from the Lord will give me a similar approach to life, and will lead me to live the abundant life Jesus came to deliver to me. (John 10:10)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember that everything comes from God.

How do I live in fear because I think I have to somehow generate my own source of provision?

When do I live timidly because I'm unsure of my place in God's kingdom?     

Been With Jesus

"'Salvation is found in no one else,

for there is no other name under heaven

given to men by which we must be saved.'

When they saw the courage of Peter and John

and realized that they were

 unschooled,

ordinary men,

they were astonished

and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

Acts 4:12-13

Peter and John were ordinary fishermen; men who earned their living by the labor of their hands and the brawn of their backs.  Fishing was a profitable industry, but not glamorous or enviable by any means.  These men were called by Jesus to be His disciples.  They spent time with Him, learning from Him and growing to love Him.  When Jesus returned to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father, they received His Spirit as a comforter, counselor and guide. (Acts 2:38-39) 

God's Spirit does more than just make me feel assured of my salvation, (John 15:26-27) He also gives me what I need to do what He's called me to do.  God does not call the equipped, He equips the called. (Hebrews 13:20-21)  Before Peter and John could realize the power God placed within them, they had to take a step of faith, trusting that God's Spirit would not let them down.  When they did, what they found coming from within them astounded everyone.

Courage

I remember the time one of my daughters stood up to the ice cream man who had just called her sister "fat."  At the age of 6, she respectfully told him that what he had said was not nice and that he should be ashamed that he had hurt her sister's feelings.  Standing up to an adult took courage.

In the same way, Peter and John courageously stood up to the power structure, speaking the unwelcome truth to the rulers, elders and teachers of the law.  They didn't have the authority of any man to speak in such a way to that prestigious group.  I might even call them "cheeky" or "sassy."  It took a lot of nerve to rock the boat in such a way.

There are times when the Holy Spirit gives me courage to speak out against injustice.  Sometimes it could be I'm called to write a letter to the editor of my local paper, taking a stand for Christ.  Other times, I could speak the truth to a professor attempting to undermine God's sovereignty.  Or, God could give me the boldness to speak the truth in love to an outspoken coworker who pushes her atheistic agenda.

God's Spirit equips me with courage to speak up in the face of opposition.

Wisdom

It is said that wisdom comes with age, but God says it starts with a healthy respect and reverence for Him. (Psalm 111:10)  Peter and John were both common men who lacked any kind of formal education.  They were probably able to speak several languages in order to trade fish with the variety of people they dealt with in the marketplace, and they needed a working knowledge of money and trading to succeed in their business, but for the most part they were ordinary, working-class men.

Listening to them reason and lecture, however, the people had a different perspective.  Peter and John spoke as if they were proficient in philosophy, history and the art of deliberation.  They sounded as if they had trained under the best teachers money could buy.  Who were these men?

All those who questioned needed to know was who they had been with. Jesus gave them all the wisdom they needed to discuss deeply theological matters.  It's the same with me.  I don't need to take a special class or receive expert training to certify me as qualified to talk to others about my faith.  All I need is Jesus: He will equip me as I read His word, interpreting it and revealing truth as I trust Him to teach me.  Then, when I'm faced with those who have questions, He'll provide the answers if I rely on Him; His words will flow from me.  (Luke 12:11-12)

God's Spirit equips me with wisdom to speak the truth to a dark world.

Anointing

It's easy to think that someone who does extraordinary things is himself extraordinary.  The truth is, however, that God is the source of all amazing things.  Each of us is capable of doing the same as Moses, Elijah, David or Paul did because it was God who was working through them.  He set them aside for His purposes, using them as a vessel of His Spirit to accomplish His good purposes. (2 Corinthians 4:6-7)

Peter and John were not special or different than you or me.  The only thing enabling them to accomplish such astonishing feats as to leave the Jewish ruling council speechless was God's Spirit.  All He needs is a willing container which He can fill with His power.  If I submit to Him and allow Him to use me, I'll witness astounding deeds that only can be attributed to God.

I'll be able to speak clearly even though I stutter.  I'll suddenly lose my aversion to children and draw them to Jesus as if I were some kind of modern-day Pied Piper even though I never thought of being a teacher.  I'll gain a new appreciation for God's Word and a heart for those who desire to know and understand God's ways even though I never did well in school.  In short, when I trust in God, He'll set me aside for the work He's prepared for me to do.

God's Spirit equips me with an anointing to accomplish His purpose for my life.

Peter and John stood out as extraordinary even though they were ordinary fishermen.  In the same way, when I trust in Jesus as Lord of my life, He'll give me courage to do the impossible, wisdom beyond my education level, and an anointing that enables me to walk the path He has for me.  If I've been with Jesus, He'll call me, and then He'll equip me.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to give me what I need to accomplish His purposes for my life.

How do I doubt what God can do in my life by hesitating to step out in faith?

When do I fear my lack of training will hold me back from doing what God has put in my heart to do?

Courageous

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

2 Timothy 1:7

There is a powerful movie recently released called, "Courageous," which is a kind of call-to-action for fathers.  But the message, and the song of the same name, is a call to each one of us who follows Christ.  As you read some of the words of the Casting Crowns song*, think of it in light of 2 Timothy 1:7, and as it applies to our position as light in a dark world.

We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chains
We were made to be courageous
We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing, unafraid
But now we're watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away

Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the Lord

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall

We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of God arise

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

In the Fight  God did not give us a timid spirit, yet it is so easy to be a watcher in this culture of political correctness that is hostile to the Christian worldview.  But we are not called to be spectators, standing on the sidelines as our culture crumbles around us.  We are called to be in the fight, salt and light in a lost world.  How can we break free from our timidity and embrace the power, love and self-discipline that is within us?

Stay in Jesus   In the American culture, it is dangerously easy to do things on our own.  But Jesus was clear in His teaching of how to live a fruitful life in a world that hates us.  He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)  If we are to have any hope of accomplishing any Kingdom work in our neighborhoods, workplaces, or schools, we must follow Jesus closely. We cannot make an impact in our culture in our own strength.   If it is not Jesus doing the work through us, it does not count. 

Stand Firm   After giving a preview of things to come in eternity, Paul exhorts us to, ". . . stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."  (I Corinthians 15:58)  Knowing that the sacrifices made here will not be in vain gives us strength and courage to lovingly take a stand for the Truth.  We are called to love, but love does not back down.  Rather, "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (I Corinthians 13:6-7)  Don't give up! 

Spotlight the Kingdom   As we witness all the evil around us, it is easy to get drawn into a campaign to change the world.  But that is not our role.  God is the One who changes hearts and lives.  We are to live our lives in such a way that those around us are profoundly affected when coming into contact with us.  As we focus on God's Kingdom, He goes about drawing the hearts of those who are being salted by our lives.  It is more of a roundabout change that occurs, not as direct result of us working to change our coworkers, neighbors and friends, but in God working through us. 

Real Change  When we draw on God's power, love and self-discipline in order to answer His calling in our lives, He will work to change the world around us.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will stay true to Jesus and the principles He has taught me.

Where have I compromised God's teachings in my life?

How have I allowed the world around me to influence the way I think, act or speak?  Am I willing to be courageous in this area?


 
*lyrics for Courageous from  http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=683