Devotionals

1 Corinthians 16:13; Hebrews 10:35-36

We've been talking about the need in our day for a courage transfusion. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 16:13, we've looked at three important commands: Stay alert! Stand alone! Grow up! 

Now the last command won't surprise you at all; you're all ready for it: Get tough! I didn't say "mean," I said "tough." Look at the way it reads: "Be strong." 

1 Corinthians 16:13; Philippians 1:27

It's childish not to want to change. My mind drifts to the two little grandchildren who were living in our home for a few months before our son Chuck and his wife Jeni moved them to their new home. The little show stealer those days was Jessica. (We call her Jess). She's a little red-haired doll and is absolutely adorable. On occasion back then she walked around in a dirty nappy. As a result, this little cutie spread the aroma everywhere she went. 

And her daddy would say to her, "Jess?" 

She'd say, "Yes...?" 

1 Corinthians 16:13; Hebrews 5:11-14

Once we've been assured of the foundational principles we've covered thus far in this devotional series, the challenge we face in our chaotic times is painfully obvious. What we need is a courage transfusion. Four commands are found in 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." We've focused on the first two; today we're discussing number three.

1 Corinthians 15:58

In spite of our adversary's subtle and deceitful strategy against Christians, we are certain of this: In the end, God wins. What we need until then is a courage transfusion. 

Four commands are found in 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." Each one of these commands deserves a bold exclamation point. We'll focus on one each day over the next several days. Today we're discussing number two.

1 Corinthians 16:13 

The challenge we face is painfully obvious. We've seen from the previous devotionals that our foundations are in place and trustworthy. The Lord our God, being our refuge and very present help, relieves us of fear and worry. He is in sovereign control. He hasn't lost His grip on our times. Under His mighty hand, we humble ourselves. And, in spite of our adversary's subtle and deceitful strategy, we are certain of this: In the end, God wins. What we need until then is a courage transfusion. 

1 Peter 5:5-7

We face a very real, insidious enemy. And, as I mentioned yesterday, in order to step intelligently and wisely into the battle with Satan and his demons, we need clear marching orders. God has given them to us in the pages of Scripture.

The words of Peter come to mind. In the fifth chapter of his first letter we find words that sound like marching orders for Christian soldiers. But the initial command is surprising. 

Ephesians 6:10-12

I wasn't there when a few men gathered around him. General Dwight Eisenhower had the awful job on that day in early June 1944 of determining if that was the right day to make the most significant invasion in the history of military strategy. 

The weather wasn't right. 
The tide wasn't right. 
The sea wasn't good. 
The counsel wasn't unanimous. 
In fact, some of his most trusted advisors urged, "No." 
But he said, "Let's go." 

1 Peter 5:8-11

Yesterday I pointed out that our true enemy, the Devil, is relentlessly engaged in a strategy to bring Christians down. With deceptive stealth, he’s “like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). But the next verse tells us that the shield of faith will protect us from him. We can resist the enemy (see 1 Peter 5:9)! We are part of the groundswell of God’s triumphant movement.

1 Peter 5:8-9

When you’re in a battle, before you can march out against the enemy, you have to know who he is. It’s called “gathering intelligence.” You need to know how he operates, where his base of operations is, what his tactics are. You have to be able to identify him in all circumstances. 

Psalm 46:10

How can we face the fog of our uneasy, uncertain future? All these terrifying events are happening—political unrest, terrorist threats and attacks, a struggling economy. What more can the future hold?
 
Verse 10 of Psalm 46 answers that. We will not worry. The text says, "cease striving..." The Hebrew simply uses one term in that command, and it means, "Stop!" What a great directive! STOP!