Courage, by Lon Alderman

Philippians 1:20
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Paul understood his purpose in life, and that purpose was to "exalt" Jesus. No matter whether Paul lived or died, his role was to point people to Christ. If you knew Paul, then you knew his Jesus.

I don't know about where you live, but around here there is a great deal of fear. It seems that "everyone" is afraid about the current "financial crisis" in this country. Church people don't seem to be exempt from this fear!

What church people don't understand is that we are always pointing people to Jesus. Whether we behave well or behave badly we reflect on our Lord. This current "crisis" gives us an extraordinary stage upon which to tell people about our Jesus.

What will our message of Jesus sound like?

Take courage!
Lon

Indiana Jones, by Rachel Smith

I have been enjoying the early Indiana Jones movies with my children. My favorite scene is from the original movie. This samurai guy is throwing a sword around in a wonderful display of skill and beauty. It shows just how great he is at sword fighting. Indiana assesses the situation and then shoots him.

You can see it here
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1qXlFNYoyQg&feature=related

I remember watching this in the theater as the audience rushed with laughter. This huge display of fighting technique ended in one bullet.

It made me think about the battles we face every day.
When I go into a battle do I prepare and train to show my enemy just how great I am? Am I so worried about how I will do that I forget the other guy could just pull a bullet? Or do I ensure my victory by giving the battle and the Glory to God? I think sometimes we make it harder than we have to. Thanks Indy for the reminder!

2 Chronicles 20:15
'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.

Build UP: Never

Never

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

“Never” is a pretty comprehensive word. Seems to me that one could never construct a circumstance within which God would not be present. And if that is true, then no matter what happens God is with me.

Then why do I become so quickly discouraged? Why do I fear? Why do my thoughts turn sour at the drop of a hat? Why do I get so frustrated with my circumstances?

The answer is simple: I forget! I forget that God “will never leave [me] nor forsake [me]”. I forget that God is with me every step of the journey.

Remember that God will never leave us!

Lon