Daily Devotionals

Here is the Apostle Paul’s version of the Christmas story:

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. (Gal. 4:4-5)

Before you read again on the birth of Jesus, it might be best for you to lay it aside and start from scratch.

The Christmas story has been so sanitized and romanticized over the centuries that even Hollywood—as jaded a culture as can be found anywhere—fails to capture the gritty pathos that surrounded Jesus’ arrival. Truth be told, even some churches annually idealize the birth of our Saviour. Yet it was anything but ideal.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Over the past several days, we’ve been talking about how to face chaotic times with courage. So, once you’ve identified the enemy, gotten your marching orders, and plucked up your courage, then what? Surprise attack? Storm into battle with guns blazing? Climb into your planes and tanks and blow the scum away? “Come on, we’re ready! We studied four commands in 1 Corinthians 16:13. What’s the final command?” There is a fifth one—in verse 14. You thought I missed that, didn’t you? 

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."