Be Strong and Courageous
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:9)
Moses had just spent forty years leading the Israelites through the wilderness. He was the only man to talk to God face to face (Exodus 33:11). He was a great leader and man of God, but his time was up. He was to pass the reins to a new leader who was to lead God’s people to the Promised Land. This man was Joshua.
The first 9 verses of Joshua Chapter 1 is comprised of God giving him a pep talk in preparation for his task. As you read this, note that there is one thing that God mentions over and over, “be strong and of a good courage.” God doesn’t tell Joshua to take it slow and to pray over every little detail. He doesn’t tell him to seek the council of five Godly men before he makes every decision. He tells him to be “strong and courageous.” God had already set in Joshua’s heart what he was to do, and He wanted him to do it.
As Christians, we can often spend much time trying to discern God’s will for our lives. This plays itself out in us stopping at every intersection in life to cast our lots or waiting for a voice from God. How many times has God given us this pep talk and told us to be “strong and courageous,” and we become timid and cowardly upon advice from those around us. Remember, Joshua was one of two men who said God could help them take the promised land while the other 10 were afraid (Numbers 13:30). God can call you to do great things as He did with Joshua. Be strong and courageous today in your walk with the Lord.
How can you walk in greater boldness with the Lord and still maintain wise counsel? What will this look like in your life, or those around you?
Have you been instructed by The Lord in times past to go and do great things for him? How many opportunities to make an impact have you passed up because you were timid and cowardly so the opportunity passed you by? When I read this my first thought was, guilty, we are flesh, we make mistakes, we allow intimidation to sometimes overtake us but it’s what we do once we get real with ourselves and say yes, guilty, and ask God to give us the strength and courage to go out and do what He has commanded us to do. Let us not allow one more day to pass us by but take advantage of today and be obedient. We are not guaranteed tomorrow but God has given you today. You can!! Be strong and courageous!!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 6:10-20
Do Not Lie To One Another!
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. (Colossians 3:9-10)
Have you met a believer who lies? I have. Lies to get a contract, lies to their spouse, or just seems to lie for no reason.
Why do we lie? Because we respect people’s opinion more than the opinion of God. We don’t know who we are. That we are princes/princesses of God.
In my personal life, God dealt with me on this issue – that when I lie, I am siding with the devil. I am saying He is not big enough to care for me. In ALL of my experiences when I lied, I never got the result I was looking for. It eventually made me depressed and distant from the One who loves me.
We must have absolute trust in God as our source in order not to lie. We must commit to a decision that no matter what, we will not lie. Whenever you are tempted to lie, tell yourself: “The old man that loves lying is dead.” Scripture says, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness”
When it seems easier to lie than face the consequences, remember you are renewed in the image of your creator. Amen!
When I recently read this I instantly thought this subject isn’t popular, most people don’t want to be called out when it comes to lying and some may even think it’s only a small lie from time to time but those small lies fester and produce rotten spiritual fruit. We must be willing to look at ourselves and be honest about who we have become but also know that is not who we have to be. God can and will help you see your weakness and if that’s lying, He can help you overcome lies, big or small, sin is sin, no one person is perfect, He died on the cross for us but we mustn’t worry because He rose again on the third day to allow us opportunity and a chance, because of His sacrifice overcoming lying is possible. With God, you can win this battle. Start today, when the moment arises, stop and make the choice to be honest not only about the situation but with yourself and say NO!! Not anymore!! I’m renewed in the imagine of my creator and His love for me is far more important than lying in this or any situation. He chose me, I choose Him! Thank You God that nothing is to big for You.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:9-10