Hope For Today "Courage"

How many of us would feel like we were really giving the best advice to someone if we told them to think as we think, speak as we speak, and act as we act?

We pray together often about discouragement and it just seemed like it was time to circle around to this theme today and to remind ourselves of God’s care for us and His comfort and support that is close to us today.

Our words and actions are often the direct result of what we think and feel. If we want to speak and act well, we first need to think well.

We all make mistakes and it’s what we do after the mistake that is the measure of who we are as a person.

People take all kinds of risks for all kinds of reasons.  We enjoy those doing acrobatics in shows.  We are amazed at what astronauts do in space.  Just watch a boy on a skateboard and there’s risky behaviour for you!!  Jesus Christ also engaged in seemingly risky behaviour. What can we learn from that?

What kind of commitment are we willing to make to God today and then work to keep - always, to the very end?

With all the complicated issues, we face, we often don’t know how to pray and yet that is exactly what we need to do, the best thing we can do. How do we pray when we don’t know how to pray?

One of the marks of character in a person is choosing to do the right thing when everyone else thinks they are getting it wrong.  The wisdom of their choice or action isn’t often seen for a while and it takes great courage to stick with what they know it’s right in that interim period.

At various times in our lives we’ve known feelings of chaos, dread, fear, and even panic.  It’s so common particularly when we feel out of control.  We don’t know what to do or where to turn. Thankfully, because we live with God, we have someone who is near and available to give us the help and comfort we need when difficult circumstances arise.

We take the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God so we can move forward into the love and care of God. Now there’s no doubt that we need something sharp and powerful like a sword.  And that’s why God gives us His powerful words – His truth spoken with the backing of His authority.

When we face difficulties and attacks we are meant to turn to God, who has proven that He has power over all evil and that He cares for us. God provides equipment and manpower to help us just as one country helps out another in their time of conflict and war.

We all experience hard times.  Disappointments come and we are brokenhearted.  Difficulties pile up and seem to crush us.  As followers of Jesus we are not exempt from these kinds of moments. But God - two beautiful words. But God is with us to comfort and support us and to show us a good way through the challenges.