COURAGE

 

     Courage is according to Joshua is knowing that the Lord is with you and will never forsake you.  The apostles showed this in the ways that they were martyred.  It is the ability to do something that frightens one; bravery:

     Courage is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various forms of bravery and strength.  Courage is knowing what not to fear. - Courage is the quiet voice within that whispers, 'I can.'  Courage is the bridge between fear and triumph.   Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point. - C.S. Lewis.

     Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue consistent.  Courage can be expressed and the importance of having the courage to face our fears and pursue our dreams. They serve as a reminder that courage is not about fearlessness but about the strength to act despite fear.

     Audie Murphy was a will known WW2 hero that though he was a simple farm boy showed courage and resourcefulness many times during the war.  He said his courage came from within and in the moment.  You never known when courage will arise.  Elizabeth Bennett of Pride and Prejudice said that her courage arose anytime someone tried to intimidate her.  Your courage will show up when you least expect it but remember it is buried inside and will be released when you stand for the Lord and for the right.

guidance

 

     The Christian life must be one of obedience.  Yet how does that happen?  It happens by revealed guidance from the Lord.  We must live our lives day by day and choice by choice.  God is creative and made us complex, so He is very creative in how he leads us.  The two ways he leads in by revealed guidance and day by day experience. 

     Revealed guidance is by the bible and leading of the Holy Spirit.  So, because God never contradicts himself, he reveals himself through the pages of the Bible.  Everything we need for faith and practice is found in the Bible.  Our part is to believe and obey.  You will learn how to do God’s will when you read, meditate and obey God’s word.  God’s will for us is to be like Jesus and our part is to strive for that. 

     Special guidance is how we react to the world around us through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  He will lead, guide and direct us into all truth.  We choose everyday and, in every circumstance, to obey and love God. 

     Revealed guidance starts with salvation and then follows with our willingness to obey God.  We walk by faith.  The principles of God word are first followed through by prayer.  God also uses authority figures, parents, counsel of mature believers, circumstances and the leading of the Holy Spirit to bring us guidance.

     God is willing to guide us which is a day-by-day process.  God’s will is that we obey the word and become like His Son.  We receive his guidance by being born again, obeying him in every area of life and trust him no matter what.  He will guide by the Bible, prayer, authorities, circumstances and through the Holy Spirit.  God sometimes uses problems to help us to trust Him but they ultimately to the best path for life.

QUOTES FOR SEPT 30, 2026

 

WISDOM

 

     When Solomon became king, he went to the high place on Gibeah to worship the Lord and when the Lord ask Him what he wanted, he said wisdom so he could lead his people right.  God was so pleased that he gave him not just wisdom but riches and long life.  His wisdom was so well known that the Queen of Sheba came to visit him.  He wrote proverbs and psalms, and the Lord gave him an understand heart.

     Wisdom is the fear of the Lord.  It is the best thing you can get.  It is a foundation that does not move.  It is understanding and insight.  Worldly wisdom is manmade or satanic in nature.  It is foolish and those who possess often say they are wise. This wisdom leads to slander, mocking, not taking instruction, contention, meddling, self confidence and dishonesty.

     The wisdom given by God is precious, strengthens the wise, promised and makes you wise.  It allows you to see the world in a better light.  It gives you ability to know to use that which you have been given.  True wisdom is letting God in your life.  It gives you understanding and discernment.  Nothing better or more beautiful than the wisdom God gives so like Solomon ask for it and you will have it. 

HIS WORDS

 

Sept 30 – His Words - Isaiah 59:18-21

 

     Isaiah then states that the Lord will pay them back for what they have done.  It will be wrath for His enemies and retribution for His foes.  From all direction people will fear the name of the Lord.  From the rising of the sun to its setting they will revere His glory.  They will be aware of His character, essence, and nature.  He will come like a flood and His breath which gives life will drive His vengeance along.   

     The Redeemer will come to Zion to the people of God.  To those who repent of their sins they will find healing, restoration, and victory.  The following promises will come to those who repent.  The Lord makes an agreement and covenant with them.  The Spirit of God who is upon them will not depart from them.  Today of course He lives inside the believer.  His words will be upon and spoken through our lips.  It will also be upon the lips of the following generations.  From this time and forever more.  The Lord declares it and so it shall come and stay.

NEW LIFE

 

     Blaise Pascal said that there is a void or vacuum inside every person that only God can fill and we will never feel complete until it is filled.  SO, we spend our lives trying to fill it but often leave God out of the equation.  The problem is sin gets in the way which is both a manmade problem and eternal one as well. 

     When man sinned the result was physical, emotional and eternal death.  This problem was passed on to all Adam’s children to this day.  This means that we are subject to death and why we leave God out of the pictured.  God is holy and can’t look upon sin, so he has allowed substitution.  First, it was animals and then ultimately, it was Jesus Christ who did in our place for sin.  Jesus fulfilled all the requirements because he was both God and man.  He was holy and perfect

     The result of His death was that we have been forgiven, have eternal life and now are residents for the Holy Spirit.  We have been given a wonderful gift by grace, and we have received it by faith.  Faith is not just believing in your mind it is trusting with your heart.  We have repented and now we live a life of obedience and trust. 

      We now live in the reality of the new birth.  We are part of the family of God.  We can now communicate with God through prayer and have the Bible as our instruction manual.  You are a new person inside and out because of the Holy Spirit who lives inside.  The old has passed away and now you are new.  Every part of your life changes.  Your goals, dreams, attitudes, actions and relationships.  You become like Jesus wanting to do the will of your Father.  It takes times but you change for the better.  Through the Bible prayer and choice, you become more like Jesus everyday. 

     Man is empty without God because we are separated from God by our sin but because Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin, we now have eternal and abundant life.  This is how God showed his love for mankind.  By faith we receive Christ and then live for Him.  God’s purpose is to make us like Jesus.  This is done by prayer, the bible, fellowship and circumstances.  Let us choose to follow him. 

HABITS TO GROW

 

      Here are the 12 Habits you'll learn to master:  These were given to us by Benjamin Franklin Habit #1 Appreciation (Or Gratitude) - Notice the blessing in everything, big and small. Dwell on the beauty in all I see, hear, touch, taste and smell. Realize that everything is a gift from the Almighty and is put there to enjoy and learn from.  Habit #2 Positive Speech Judge the value of my words before I speak. Speak only what may benefit others and myself. Avoid evil speech/gossip.  Habit #3 Tranquility, Peace, Patience - Interpret everything quietly without undue confusion, excitement, or anger. Be not disturbed at trifles or at accidents common or unavoidable. Whatever is happening in life, be patient. Determine the lesson to be learned in every challenge to become elevated. Control anger.

       Habit #4 Righteousness - Do unto others as you'd have done unto you, and as they desire to be done unto. Wrong none by doing injuries. Be just by accepting my duties and responsibilities.  Habit #5 Gentleness - The words of the wise are spoken softly and peacefully.  Habit #6 Respect/Honor Others - Be extremely careful with the honor and feelings of others. Strive always to make the other person feel good about himself/herself.

     Habit #7 Physical Health - Exercise daily and eat with health and moderation. Habit #8 Quickness - Do all I need (or have) to do without wasting time (procrastination) and with maximum productivity per moment. Cut off all unnecessary actions. Focus.  Habit #9 Resolution - Resolve to perform what I ought/have chosen to perform, without fail. Act with consistency, as well as persistency. Be diligent.

   Habit #10 Order/Cleanliness - Keep all living and working environments both clean and in order. Be organized. Clean, file, straighten up as soon as necessary and right away. A place for everything and everything in its place.   Habit #11 Thrift/Frugality - Use money wisely and for the benefit of all (to do good for others and myself) and with no waste.   Habit #12 Truthfulness - Be truthful in all that I say (based on motivation/intent). 

     When choose to walk in these ways it is amazing not only how you influence and control yourself but also how you treat others.  I have heard many times that if you cannot be anything at least be kind.  Paul says that love is both patient and kind.  Everyday you and I have the chance and choice to be a blessing these principles are a good place to start.  Remember the secret to real influence others is treating everyone the way you want to be treated.  It is amazing how this can positively affect others around us especially today.