God, Our Source for Courage

Courage is a character trait required for reaching personal goals. In the movie, To Hell and Back, Audie Murphy held back German soldiers during World War II while the men under his command retreated to safety. Courage, an innate part of Murphy’s character was responsible for his becoming the most decorated soldier of that war.

Several years ago as I was filling my gas tank, a man jumped out of his car with angry, blazing eyes determined to teach me a lesson for taking too much time at the pump. My impulse was to jump into my truck. Instead, I turned and faced him. He suddenly stopped and walked back to his car. Perhaps the presence of God was apparent.

Only when Samson believed death was undeniable, did he cry out to God for help. God waits patiently for us to realize that he is our source, not only for courage to meet the challenges of each day, but for all our needs as well. God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go.”   

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Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life.

~Ephesians 6:14-16 The Message

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Courage Required – God Will Deliver

In times of uncertainty, courage based on faith in God’s goodness and provision is required to overcome anxiety and worry. The Greek philosopher Aristotle listed courage first among the four virtues necessary for happiness and success. The other three were self-control, justice and practical wisdom.

According to C. S. Lewis courage, an integral part of these virtues,  becomes apparent only as it is tested. In the Civil War novel, The Red Badge of Courage, a young soldier faces his first battle. As he calls on every ounce of courage he can muster, fear overtakes him, and he’s compelled to run away and hide.

When Samson was persuaded to surrender and face his enemy, he realized death was imminent and only God could deliver him. Instantly, a glimmer of transforming faith took place based on courage rather than self-pride and arrogance. It takes consent and courage to allow God to change you, so with praise and thanksgiving, do that now.  

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Oh, praise the Lord, for he has listened to my pleadings! He is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trusted in him, and he helped me. Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to him.

~Psalm 28:6-7 The Living Bible

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God, Giver of Confidence

 It takes confidence to be courageous, for confidence encompasses more than intelligence, social skills or physical strength. When Joshua succeeded Moses as leader of the Hebrew people, he inherited a task that would require patience and wisdom far beyond what he could humanly produce.

God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous, to obey all of the commandments he gave to Moses. God promised to constantly be with him, which became Joshua’s source of confidence and courage for completing the task God gave him. Unlike Joshua, Samson's confidence derived from his own physical strength. 

Samson did not necessarily display courage when facing an enemy.  It was more like reckless abandonment. Courage analyzes a situation whereas reckless abandonment discounts caution. Listen to St. Paul’s formula for coping with life’s challenges and uncertainty. "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be people of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." Happy Thanksgiving week to you.  

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Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 Good News Bible

 

O, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his lovingkindness is everlasting.

~1 Chronicles 16:34 New American Standard Bible

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Standing with Moral Courage

Unexpected challenges test the depths of courage that exists in each person. The virtue of courage helps a person to stand firm even as fear screams out to flee. General Douglas MacArthur in a speech on his eighty-fourth birthday affirmed: "Moral courage, the courage of one's convictions, provides confidence to see things through.”  

Moral courage is not afraid to do or say what is right. Samson, however, was capable of risking his life and the wellbeing of his people just to satisfy his passion of the moment. He seemed to enjoy playing risk-taking, dangerous games with his enemies. Is this courage or foolish behavior? 

Courage that has a healthy foundation is based on sound judgment which contains an element of fear but is not controlled by it. Jesus demonstrated moral courage as he faced his accusers, whose main objective was his execution. God's word to you is to stand firm, be of good courage and do not give up. Happy Thanksgiving week to you. 

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But thank God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Stand firm then, my dear fellow Christians, and let nothing move you. Always keep on doing a great work for the Lord since you know in the Lord your hard work isn’t wasted.

~1 Corinthians 15:57-58 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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Meeting Difficult Challenges

Difficult times are unavoidable regardless of social class, wealth or race. I believe we’re expected to go out and meet the challenges and rewards of each day with courage while realizing there are risks that must be confronted. Giving thanks to God for his presence and strength to face  life’s issues produces courage to confront moral battles.

Moral courage must be supported by godly beliefs and values to prevent violating one’s conscience. Moral courage is required when danger is apparent, even overwhelming. Samson consistently exhibited courage to face his enemies but seemingly failed to thank God for his unusual strength, without which his victories would have been impossible.

He once faced an army when his only weapon was the jawbone of a donkey. His raw courage, paralleled by unusual strength from the Spirit of the Lord, gave him victory. Yet he only hesitantly accredited God for his victory. Whatever you’re facing today, thank God for being a very present help as you battle life’s issues.  

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“Be strong! Be courageous!...Don’t be afraid, for the Lord will go before you and will be with you; he will not fail nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:7-8 The Living Bible

 

Give thanks to the Lord, proclaim his greatness; tell the nations what he has done. Sing praise to the Lord; tell the wonderful things he has done.

~1 Chronicles 16:8-9 Good News Bible

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What Builds Confidence?

Confidence is a character trait that sets a person apart from others. Confidence has the potential for either commanding respect and admiration or eliciting contempt and resentment. Samson exhibited a degree of self-confidence that led him to believe he was invincible. Healthy confidence believes you are God’s creation set apart by God to serve for the good of others.

Samson exhibited confidence when he allowed his countrymen to bind him and hand him over to his enemies. God's word tells us the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he picked up the jawbone of a donkey and struck down a thousand men. Listen to his prideful self-centeredness and conceit: "With the jawbone of a donkey I have made donkeys out of them."

Psalm 101:5 issues this warning: "I will get rid of anyone who whispers evil things about anyone else. I will not tolerate anyone who is proud and arrogant.” However, whoever humbles himself before the Lord God will never be disappointed. I thank God and praise Him for that promise. 

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Christ gives us confidence in God. We can’t do anything by ourselves and so claim to produce it ourselves, but God gives us our ability.

~2 Corinthians 3:4-5 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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Arrogance Feeds Immaturity

 In every society there are individuals who refuse to accept blame for conflicts or troubles they initiate. Samson avoided taking responsibility for the problems he brought on himself and the hardships he caused others. When an army of Philistines took him captive, he could not admit to the endangerment he caused to his fellow countrymen.

When an  Israeli leader asked him, "Don't you realize the Philistines have power over us?” listen to his response. "I did to them what they did to me." His attitude reflects a person who was so self-absorbed that reason and logic could not penetrate his mental and emotional mindset. Samson might have said, "What's the big deal? You seem to be the one with the problems."

Samson portrays an immature and arrogant person. It’s impossible to know if his parents promoted this attitude, but as an adult he lacked self-discipline and self-control. Our heavenly Father never fails to discipline those he loves just as earthly parents discipline their children to promote correct thinking and self-control.  

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Obey the Lord and you will live a long life, content and safe from harm. Arrogance should be punished, so that people who don’t know any better can learn a lesson. If you are wise, you will learn when you are corrected.

~Proverbs 19:23,25 Good News Bible

Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful; trust in the Lord and you will be happy. A wise, mature person is known for his understanding.

~Proverbs 16:20-21 Good News Bible

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Pulling Back from the Brink of Destruction

God gives each person something unique that makes him or her different from all others. That could include a gift or talent that enables a person to contribute to the benefit of mankind. Yet even in the most tender and loving relationships, conflict is impossible to avoid. Most conflict centers around the lack of effective communication.

Conflict is caused by striving for control in an obvious or a subtle way. As conflict intensifies, the prospect for resolution diminishes. Samson’s propensity for conflict followed this pattern. When conflicts increased in intensity, his demands for retribution and revenge followed suit.

Samson’s attitude of superiority led him to believing no one could bring him down. He mistakenly believed his gifts and talents were designed exclusively for the advancement of his own desires and passions. Even so, God repeatedly sent wake-up calls to pull him back from the brink of destruction. If that call is for you, why not respond to God's loving appeal now?  

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If you are wise, live a life of steady goodness, so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about them, then you will be truly wise! And by all means, don’t brag about being wise and good if you are bitter and jealous and selfish; that is the worst sort of lie.

~James 3:13-14 The Living Bible

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Humility Instead of Pride

A proud and unforgiving spirit isolates us from enjoying fellowship with God and others. Our choices and behaviors are responsible for the isolation. Listen to David’s solution from Psalm 31:32. “In fear I cried, ‘I am cut off from you O God. Please  hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help." Can you identify David’s humility before God?

When possessed by excessive pride, it’s virtually impossible to admit wrongdoing followed by apologizing and seeking forgiveness. What's amazing about Samson is that he credits himself with being strong and powerful, yet his pride prevented him from giving God credit for his success except when it couldn’t be denied.

Samson failed to possess wisdom for managing the crises in his personal life. He would not change until his foolish pride had been stripped away and he had to stand defenseless before God and others. The good news is pride can be transformed into humility. God has compassion on those who demonstrate humility and seek forgiveness.  

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The Lord doesn’t like anyone who is conceited – you can be sure they will be punished. If we truly love God, our sins will be forgiven. If we show him respect, we will keep away from sin. When we please the Lord, even our enemies make friends with us.

~Proverbs 16:5-7 Contemporary English Version

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"I'm Sorry – Please Forgive Me"

God created human beings for relationships, and this is revealed most perfectly in the family and loving friendships. From an early age children love to play and make friends. However, even toddlers will engage in conflict and consequently get their feelings hurt. Parents teach children to apologize, to say, "I'm sorry," so friendships can be restored.

Regrettably, the most damaging and unforgettable conflicts take place within the family, but even in the worst situation reconciliation is possible as those involved sincerely apologize and seek forgiveness. To fail to do so is attributed to pride, which stifles love and affection.

One feature of Samson's character was pride, which prohibited him from apologizing and seeking forgiveness. He refused to look weak and ineffective. Admitting mistakes and failures engenders respect from others. According to Psalm 31:23, "The Lord God protects the faithful but punishes the proud." Praise be to God for the wonderful love he extends to the humble in spirit.  

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The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. For the honor of our name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins.

~Psalm 25:8-11 New Living Translation

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Redeeming the Time

Strong passions are fueled by powerful visions of possibilities, and if those passions are not for selfish gain, God blesses our efforts. The apostle Paul was captured by passion to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire Roman Empire. Because of this passion, he refused to be overpowered by the forces of evil.  

Paul was proud of those who responded to the gospel message. They became the framework for the churches he established. He accredited everything to Jesus, who empowered him with patience even while in prison where he faithfully redeemed the time by writing letters of encouragement to those infant churches he had established. 

God’s amazing love permits us to use our days to accomplish whatever our selfish passions can devise. However, it must pain God to observe us using our time for what is fleeting or transitory. Because of his grace and mercy, he gives us opportunities to change directions and make our lives count for what is eternal. 

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Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

~Ephesians 5:15-16 Berean Study Bible

 

Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word. Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good. Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place.

~Proverbs 16:1-3 The Message

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Avoid Disaster – Enlist Help

Arguments happen in relationships, but most conclude with agreeing to concede something for the sake of peace. When this is not possible, hurt feelings may evolve into emotional estrangement that damages a relationship. An alternative is to enlist a third party to help mediate a solution so trust and peace can be restored.

For Samson, mounting conflict caused tensions to erupt into violence. Each crisis produced an urgency to get revenge, which fueled anger and hatred from those he acted out against. They would then retaliate with equal or greater retribution. 

With each act of violence, something died inside Samson that left him alienated from himself and others. Albert Schweitzer said, "The tragedy of man is what dies inside himself while he still lives." Jesus died to stop man’s descent into death separated from God without hope. By committing your life to Christ and submitting to his cleansing power you receive hope for a future blessed by God.  

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We who have run with our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God.

~Hebrews 6:18-19 The Message

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You are invited to listen as I will be the guest on "Vital Issues in the Christian Home" next week on Thursday morning, November 12 from 10:30-11:30 Central Time on KHCB radio at 105.7 FM in the Houston area. To stream it live or for a listing of sister stations in TX, OK, LA, AR, and FL, please go to www.khcb.org.

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Patience – Time to Reframe Thoughts and Feelings

St. Francis of Assisi gave us a formula for managing problems. “Where there is generosity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. When there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor frustration. Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt." This formula produces thanksgiving. 

Patience combined with wisdom is the key for managing conflict that steals peace and serenity. Samson invariably reacted spontaneously to his emotions. He seemed unable to appraise other people’s attitude toward him or gage their retaliation for his acts of hostility.

 Patience provides time to reframe thoughts and feelings to evaluate if a response is appropriate or inadvisable. With patience and wisdom it’s entirely possible for consequences to be joyful rather than regretful. "A man who loves wisdom brings joy to himself and others" is a truth you can believe and trust from Proverbs 29:3. 

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The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. The one who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. A man of quick temper acts foolishly.

~Proverbs 14:15-17 English Standard Version

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