I am up for a
challenge. The words courage and
adventure come to mind quite often and remind me that if we aren’t challenged
and challenging others that we are stepping backwards. Forward is the way of courage. Yes, that statement rings of another that
suggests that going backwards is for cowards.
There is so much of life to live and
experience. After this life is another
that Jesus has gone to prepare for us.
Many have said that this life is really a dress rehearsal for the
next. That is another reason to make
worship a way of life and to live with courage.
Brethren, I do not regard myself as
having laid hold of it yet; but
one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
Learn from the past and live for the
future. Our glory days of the past were
awesome, but they will never return.
What is ahead of is opportunity to serve, to share and to experience
what God has for us.
That is why I call on us to live
with courage. Take some time to examine
how you live. Is there much adventure or
courage in how you live now? If not, ask
God to open doors of adventure. Ask Him
to refresh your faith and help you fall in love with His grace, goodness and
His plan for us and those around us.
It is time to live with courage!
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith.
Be courageous. Be strong.
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do
not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.
He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
They were all terrified when they saw
him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the
instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the
right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.
So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope
in the Lord!
In my conversations recently I have
been able to share what God is doing in my life, in our church and in the
things we have planned. As I walk around
our future campus I see opportunity. I
also see all that God has done.
Often the world looks at the
courageous steps Christians take and calls them foolish, but I beg to disagree
because of all I have seen God do. His
promises are ours. There is more coming.
This weekend is a milestone for our
family as our oldest daughter, Rebecca, graduates from high school. Just 18 years ago we were headed to the
hospital for her to be born. A few
months later she went through major surgery.
What seemed like not long after was kindergarten, middle school,
birthdays, vacations, celebrations and life lived out. I am excited for what is ahead of our
daughter.
Just a few months away is
college. That will be an adventure for
her and for her dad too. It takes
courage to let go. It takes courage to
lead and love my family. It is much
easier to encourage people to take the back seat or to try and just be safe or
comfortable.
Here is the deal… God didn’t call us
to live in comfort. God called each of
us to live with courage and give Him all the glory. Faith calls for courage which will always
honor God.
It is time to live with courage.
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or
discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
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