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. (Josh 1:9)
Moses has just died. God is commissioning Joshua as the new leader of Israel. They are about to enter the promised land at last. Three times in this passage God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous (v 6,7,9). Now Joshua was a stout-hearted man, but even he might have been nervous about stepping into Moses’ shoes and leading the conquest of Canaan. Joshua had great faith in God, but perhaps part of his faith had really been in Moses all these years. Moses was clearly anointed by God. No one had such a relationship with the Lord as he had. If Moses said, "God commands us to do X", you could be confident that was what God commanded. There is a certain comfort in being second in command, especially to one like Moses. Now Joshua had to step out on his own. But he was not actually alone. God is reassuring Joshua that he will be with him just as he was with Moses.
There comes a time when we each have to step up, take responsibility for what God is leading us to do, and not wait for someone else to show us the way. When God gives you a task, be strong and courageous! He will go before you, behind you and beside you. You are never alone when you are walking in his will. Be strong and courageous!
Showing posts with label boldness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boldness. Show all posts
Friday, November 26, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Worthy of Suffering
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. (Acts 5:41)
I wonder how many of us have fully captured this attitude which the apostles had? Of course, it was a pretty extraordinary time. What had their previous 48 hours looked like? Miracles (v16), jail (v18), miracles (v19), flogging (v40). I see a pattern here. What comes next? Miracles, of course!
But what were they rejoicing about as they left the Sanhedrin? Not the miracles, but the flogging! And not the flogging per se, but rather the fact that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for Jesus Christ. They regarded it as a high honor. If I really love Jesus and I am really anxious to see his Truth known and his Name magnified, then being persecuted is a sign I am doing something right. My witness must be having an impact if the enemies of God feel threatened enough to retaliate. And now, the fact that I suffer so little persecution becomes an embarrassment for me. My first instinct is to play it safe, and in so doing I limit the impact I can have for the Gospel. Lord, make me bold!
I wonder how many of us have fully captured this attitude which the apostles had? Of course, it was a pretty extraordinary time. What had their previous 48 hours looked like? Miracles (v16), jail (v18), miracles (v19), flogging (v40). I see a pattern here. What comes next? Miracles, of course!
But what were they rejoicing about as they left the Sanhedrin? Not the miracles, but the flogging! And not the flogging per se, but rather the fact that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for Jesus Christ. They regarded it as a high honor. If I really love Jesus and I am really anxious to see his Truth known and his Name magnified, then being persecuted is a sign I am doing something right. My witness must be having an impact if the enemies of God feel threatened enough to retaliate. And now, the fact that I suffer so little persecution becomes an embarrassment for me. My first instinct is to play it safe, and in so doing I limit the impact I can have for the Gospel. Lord, make me bold!
Monday, October 18, 2010
What Happened to Peter?
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:31b)
After he received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter seemed to become fearless. He was bold to preach, bold to heal, and bold to stand up to the Sanhedrin. What happened to the fear? He knew the truth of his message and the power of the Spirit. He was a man with a mission. Lord, give me the boldness of Peter. I know your Word is true. I know you have all power. I know I have a mission. Make me bold!
After he received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter seemed to become fearless. He was bold to preach, bold to heal, and bold to stand up to the Sanhedrin. What happened to the fear? He knew the truth of his message and the power of the Spirit. He was a man with a mission. Lord, give me the boldness of Peter. I know your Word is true. I know you have all power. I know I have a mission. Make me bold!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Reflecting Jesus
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. (Mt 5:14)
In Jn 8:12 Jesus says, “I am the light of the world” – one of the seven great “I am” statements of the Gospel of John. How astonishing then that in Matthew 5 he told his followers, “You are the light of the world.” Clearly, we are to shine by reflecting his light, for “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (I Jn 1:5)
What does it mean for me to be the light of the world? If those around me are going to see Jesus, they will see his life reflected in mine. If those around me are going to hear the Gospel, they will hear it from my lips. I have an awesome responsibility to speak Truth and live by its light, so that those around me will experience the love of Jesus through me. Darkness cannot reign in my little corner of the world if I set my lamp on a lampstand, proclaiming and living by God’s Truth. Lord, help me be bold, and be true to my calling, so that those around me will see my life and my words as a beacon of hope.
In Jn 8:12 Jesus says, “I am the light of the world” – one of the seven great “I am” statements of the Gospel of John. How astonishing then that in Matthew 5 he told his followers, “You are the light of the world.” Clearly, we are to shine by reflecting his light, for “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (I Jn 1:5)
What does it mean for me to be the light of the world? If those around me are going to see Jesus, they will see his life reflected in mine. If those around me are going to hear the Gospel, they will hear it from my lips. I have an awesome responsibility to speak Truth and live by its light, so that those around me will experience the love of Jesus through me. Darkness cannot reign in my little corner of the world if I set my lamp on a lampstand, proclaiming and living by God’s Truth. Lord, help me be bold, and be true to my calling, so that those around me will see my life and my words as a beacon of hope.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Drop Everything
At once they left their nets and followed him. (Mk 1:18)
I’ve always been intrigued by the image of the disciples literally dropping their nets, leaving their companions behind, and immediately following Jesus. This intrigues me because I think I would never do anything so precipitous. I am always second-guessing myself and it leads to hesitation and inaction. Was it the uniqueness of this moment (the calling of the disciples) that made such precipitousness ok, or am I simply too cautious as a follower of Christ? Lord, I want to be bold as your disciple. I want to be capable of decisive action. Give me the faith to not be always hedging my bets – keeping Plan B as an option in case stepping out in faith doesn’t pan out. Lord, increase my faith!
I’ve always been intrigued by the image of the disciples literally dropping their nets, leaving their companions behind, and immediately following Jesus. This intrigues me because I think I would never do anything so precipitous. I am always second-guessing myself and it leads to hesitation and inaction. Was it the uniqueness of this moment (the calling of the disciples) that made such precipitousness ok, or am I simply too cautious as a follower of Christ? Lord, I want to be bold as your disciple. I want to be capable of decisive action. Give me the faith to not be always hedging my bets – keeping Plan B as an option in case stepping out in faith doesn’t pan out. Lord, increase my faith!
Friday, May 14, 2010
God and the Philosophers
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others. (Acts 17:34)
Greece was the center of learning in the Roman Empire, and Athens was the center of learning in Greece, and the Areopagus was the center of learning in Athens. And here Paul was bold enough to preach the Resurrection of Jesus. Although learned himself, Paul would have seemed rustic and barbarous to these Athenians. His strange tale was one to be sneered at (v32). Yet Paul was not deterred. He no doubt relished the opportunity. And that day, even in such a place, there were those “appointed for eternal life [who] believed” (13:48). An actual member of the council, Dionysius, was saved that day. Despite all his learning and all his sophistication, his heart was open and he believed. I must never censor myself because I presume that my audience is too educated or sophisticated to be receptive to the Gospel. Paul was eager to preach in the synagogues and market places, knowing that most would just want to argue and many would ridicule him. Lord, may I be no less eager. Make me bold to testify at every opportunity.
Greece was the center of learning in the Roman Empire, and Athens was the center of learning in Greece, and the Areopagus was the center of learning in Athens. And here Paul was bold enough to preach the Resurrection of Jesus. Although learned himself, Paul would have seemed rustic and barbarous to these Athenians. His strange tale was one to be sneered at (v32). Yet Paul was not deterred. He no doubt relished the opportunity. And that day, even in such a place, there were those “appointed for eternal life [who] believed” (13:48). An actual member of the council, Dionysius, was saved that day. Despite all his learning and all his sophistication, his heart was open and he believed. I must never censor myself because I presume that my audience is too educated or sophisticated to be receptive to the Gospel. Paul was eager to preach in the synagogues and market places, knowing that most would just want to argue and many would ridicule him. Lord, may I be no less eager. Make me bold to testify at every opportunity.
Monday, April 19, 2010
It's Time to Speak Up
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. (Ps 9:1-2)
I’ve read verses like this for many years, but I don’t think I ever got the idea that I might do this before men. I guess I always pictured myself in my prayer closet praising God and “telling of his wonders.” Funny thing, I never saw how silly it would be to “tell his wonders” in a closet! But now God has been convicting me that I have been too private and too timid. I need to be more transparent. I want God to reign in my heart and in my thoughts, and I want to let that shine through in my speech. I must stop filtering my speech of all spiritual content. For years I have done this. It is a habit I will now break by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lord, I want to tell of all your wonders. I want to sing your praises to all who will listen! Make me bold!
I’ve read verses like this for many years, but I don’t think I ever got the idea that I might do this before men. I guess I always pictured myself in my prayer closet praising God and “telling of his wonders.” Funny thing, I never saw how silly it would be to “tell his wonders” in a closet! But now God has been convicting me that I have been too private and too timid. I need to be more transparent. I want God to reign in my heart and in my thoughts, and I want to let that shine through in my speech. I must stop filtering my speech of all spiritual content. For years I have done this. It is a habit I will now break by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lord, I want to tell of all your wonders. I want to sing your praises to all who will listen! Make me bold!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Stand Up for What's Right
Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. (Pr 25:26)
It is vital that we stand up for what is right and true. If I sit by timidly and say nothing it is as though I agree with the wrong that is being done or said. We need to speak the truth in love. I must not let my witness become clouded by appearing to approve of things God doesn’t approve of.
It is vital that we stand up for what is right and true. If I sit by timidly and say nothing it is as though I agree with the wrong that is being done or said. We need to speak the truth in love. I must not let my witness become clouded by appearing to approve of things God doesn’t approve of.
Friday, April 16, 2010
High Stakes
Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. (Pr 24:11)
Every month this verse leaps off the page to convict me. The image is so terrible and so vivid it grabs me and forces me to stop reading. Whether it is literal or figurative doesn’t matter. It forces me to realize that every day people face physical and spiritual death. Every day there are some for whom tomorrow will be too late. I am timid, I am lazy, I am afraid, and what a horrible thing that I can passively watch fellow human beings go down to destruction. Lord, forgive me. Lord, give me the boldness, the energy and the courage to wade into the fight and not hold back, and never give up.
Every month this verse leaps off the page to convict me. The image is so terrible and so vivid it grabs me and forces me to stop reading. Whether it is literal or figurative doesn’t matter. It forces me to realize that every day people face physical and spiritual death. Every day there are some for whom tomorrow will be too late. I am timid, I am lazy, I am afraid, and what a horrible thing that I can passively watch fellow human beings go down to destruction. Lord, forgive me. Lord, give me the boldness, the energy and the courage to wade into the fight and not hold back, and never give up.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Crowded Sidelines
The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. (Mt 9:37)
Today there are lots of Christians, but still too few workers. Too many of us are sitting on the sidelines, often for the silliest of reasons. My silly reason is that I am timid. Lord, forgive me for such a petty excuse in the face of such great need. Help me overcome my fear of speaking up. Make me bold for you.
Today there are lots of Christians, but still too few workers. Too many of us are sitting on the sidelines, often for the silliest of reasons. My silly reason is that I am timid. Lord, forgive me for such a petty excuse in the face of such great need. Help me overcome my fear of speaking up. Make me bold for you.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Speak Up
Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. (Pr 25:26)
When people are saying bad things I tend to timidly stay silent. I need to speak up. I need to be bold to defend the cause of righteousness.
When people are saying bad things I tend to timidly stay silent. I need to speak up. I need to be bold to defend the cause of righteousness.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Being in the Fight
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Rev 12:11)
I don’t tend to think about the spiritual warfare that is always going on around us. I feel as though I am far from the front lines, but no one is. To win in battle you first need weapons, which we have: the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. But you also need to be willing to wade into the fight despite the risk of death. Lord, help me to be that committed to you and to your calling on my life.
I don’t tend to think about the spiritual warfare that is always going on around us. I feel as though I am far from the front lines, but no one is. To win in battle you first need weapons, which we have: the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. But you also need to be willing to wade into the fight despite the risk of death. Lord, help me to be that committed to you and to your calling on my life.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Let's Speak Up
Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. (Jn 18:27)
I can so easily see myself doing just what Peter did. I may not have actually, verbally denied Christ, but I have often remained silent when several guys are standing around, joking and making statements that I know are contrary to God’s truth. Rather than risk alienation from the group, rather than being thought prudish, unsophisticated or foolish, I remain silent and give tacit consent to sin and falsehood.
Yet Peter didn’t stay like this, and what changed him? Pentecost! Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on them like fire and Peter preached to thousands. Now I know I have the Holy Spirit already because I am already saved. What I need is to be filled with the Spirit, not to quench the Spirit. Lord, I surrender to the control of your Spirit today. Fill me, take control of me, and make me bold for you as I yield control to you.
I can so easily see myself doing just what Peter did. I may not have actually, verbally denied Christ, but I have often remained silent when several guys are standing around, joking and making statements that I know are contrary to God’s truth. Rather than risk alienation from the group, rather than being thought prudish, unsophisticated or foolish, I remain silent and give tacit consent to sin and falsehood.
Yet Peter didn’t stay like this, and what changed him? Pentecost! Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on them like fire and Peter preached to thousands. Now I know I have the Holy Spirit already because I am already saved. What I need is to be filled with the Spirit, not to quench the Spirit. Lord, I surrender to the control of your Spirit today. Fill me, take control of me, and make me bold for you as I yield control to you.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Boldly Proclaiming the Truth
Many of them said, "He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him? (Jn 10:20)
Jesus always boldly proclaimed the truth even when those around him didn’t receive it. They said he was “demon-possessed and raving mad.” I censor my own speech so often because I am afraid of what people will think of me. I want them to think well of me – not scornfully or condescendingly as one who is weak (to depend on religion as a crutch) or naïve (hasn’t thought it through) or stupid (isn’t smart enough to understand). Jesus was willing to clearly speak truth even when he knew others would consider him mad. He counted the cost and pressed forward anyway, out of loving obedience to the Father. I choose my words carefully, wanting others to love me. Jesus chose his words carefully, wanting others to love the Father. Lord, forgive me for my selfishness.
Jesus always boldly proclaimed the truth even when those around him didn’t receive it. They said he was “demon-possessed and raving mad.” I censor my own speech so often because I am afraid of what people will think of me. I want them to think well of me – not scornfully or condescendingly as one who is weak (to depend on religion as a crutch) or naïve (hasn’t thought it through) or stupid (isn’t smart enough to understand). Jesus was willing to clearly speak truth even when he knew others would consider him mad. He counted the cost and pressed forward anyway, out of loving obedience to the Father. I choose my words carefully, wanting others to love me. Jesus chose his words carefully, wanting others to love the Father. Lord, forgive me for my selfishness.
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