Feb 12, 2013
Read | Joshua 1:8-9
The message of Joshua 1 was meant for all of God’s children. Scripture’s timeless principles for spiritual growth are as relevant to us as they were to the ancient Jewish people. The Lord’s command to remain steadfast and courageous is still in effect, as is His promise to abide with us in all circumstances. Moreover, it is still true that faith and courage develop in believers who meditate on God’s Word regularly.
Fear, the antithesis of courage, is born of disobedience to the Lord, unbelief in Him, and/or doubt about His will or His ways. The weight and binding power of fear can drag a person down like shackles on a prisoner. But Scripture contains truths, promises, and principles that break those chains.
Have you ever noticed how focusing your mind on the Word quiets your spirit? In that peaceful silence, faith dissolves fear. God’s revelations about Himself in the Bible—namely, that He is good, sovereign, and our loving Father—have a way of sharpening our perception about whatever we’re facing We can see the true nature of a matter and it is not bigger than our God. As a result, we cast off the staggering weight of our burdens and instead grow a deep-rooted confidence in the goodness and sovereignty of God. My friends, that is the definition of courage.
God’s admonition to Joshua—“Be strong and courageous!” (Josh. 1:9)—is meant for modern believers too. Like the Israelites, we battle strong enemies and face walls that must come down. Do not give in to fear, but break its hold through the powerful words of Scripture, and live in confidence.
God bless you!
Amen
|
The Danger in Being a Christian: It began as a Jewish sect; fierce persecution only helped it spread Today's reading: Acts 8 Acts 8:1 On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. In some countries, a person who becomes a Christian forfeits a good education and job. And in a few countries, a person who converts risks his or her life. One church historian estimates that more Christians were martyred in the twentieth century than in all preceding centuries put together. Yet, strangely, more often than not, intense persecution of Christians leads to a spurt of growth in the church. An ancient saying expresses this phenomenon: "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church." The First Big Advance For a while, the new faith enjoyed popular favor. But very soon it involved grave risk. In the book of Acts, the persecution that produced the first Christian martyr, St...
Comments
Post a Comment