Greetings -
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
Does JESUS expect us to be brave as we walk with, and for Him? I believe the answer is yes. JESUS is brave and fearless. Our charge is to have the mind of Christ and to conform to His image. There is much that represents our Lord's image. The focus of this post is bravery.
Opposition against Christ has intensified. The Word of GOD in 3 John 4 says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." Truth walkers have our Lord's full protection. Jeremiah 1:19 states, "And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee."
Luke 6:22,23
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy:...
John 16:33
...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
James 5:11
...we count them happy which endure.
It is indeed possible to leap for joy, to rejoice and to be happy, regardless of opposition. It is possible because the Word of our Lord says that it is possible. Whatever it is, it is NOT bigger than GOD.
In 2 Kings 6, it mentions the opposition sending horses and chariots. Then it mentions where GOD allowed Elisha and his servant to see horses and chariots of fire. The enemy had chariots. GOD had/has chariots of fire! The enemy had a great host. In 2 Kings 6:16, Elisha said, "...Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." And in the book of Exodus, the magicians had rods but it says in Exodus 7:12 "...Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods."
The Acts 5:39
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
We sometimes give unreasonable attention to Satan and his opposition. One of his main schemes is to get us to focus on what he is doing to oppose us. The best remedy to bravely and effectively overcome opposition is to focus on what GOD is doing and what we do through and with Him. Undue focus on Satan feeds his craving for attention. We should re-direct our energies to counting it all joy, and other Bible based answers to resist the devil.
And we need to bravely guard our hearts from false brethren - the wolves in sheep's clothing who profess that they know GOD but in works they deny Him - Titus 1:16. Some of them can prove to be worse in opposition than bona fide sinners. We are not to fear ANY opposition but to beware, as the Word of GOD commands. Philippians 3:2 "...beware of evil workers,..." Rest assured that our Lord will deal with them as is stated in Colossians 3:25 "...he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done; and there is no respect of persons."
Sandra
Written Thursday May 19, 2011
Copyright 2011
Below is a piece that I wrote titled, "Who Are the Brave?"
WHO ARE THE BRAVE?
Elizabeth was the only black person out there. A white woman, Grace Lorch, courageously came forward and guided Elizabeth away from the mob. Grace got on a bus with Elizabeth and accompanied her home safely. She alone stepped out to help Elizabeth. Grace’s brave unselfish act resonated with power. Clearly, she risked her own safety to aid Elizabeth. Years later, my heart responds with gratitude, when I recollect the courage of Grace. I deeply respect that her bravery spoke volumes.
Who can forget the strength of character demonstrated by Nelson Mandela who remained detained in prison for about 25 years? And why was he detained? Mandela, with valor, rose up with his fellow comrades, to protest oppression of people in his country. He held an intense hatred for injustice which placed him on Robben Island to be held by corrupt leaders in South Africa. He had a lion heart with eagle vision. He was given opportunity to be released earlier if he would agree to compromise his principles. He refused, and years later, walked out of prison on terms that represented his firm stance for justice. He bravely declined early release under the terms of the corrupt oppressors. I call that courage on elevated levels!
Mandela was universally applauded for his soul strength and for his tenacious spirit. He was admired also for his class conduct to forgive his enemies and to appoint some of them to work for South African causes. Mandela endured years of deprivation, and mistreatment yet surfaced on free land as a humble man. He became the president of South Africa, and a widely loved and respected world leader.
Now here we are today – our present world. Those that step out to do wrong are plentiful. But who are the brave? Have the brave now become a rare breed? How many of us today will step out to risk our lives for strangers? How many will make waves because, at times, it is duly necessary? How many will do the right things, and risk loss of popularity to go against the grain?
How many people will bravely endure ridicule with confidence that the evil never get the last laugh? How many will walk alone, if necessary, with heads held high because power accompanies right standing? How many will stare down evil, and execute justice? How many people will sacrifice to gain priceless benefits that monetary compensation cannot satisfy? How many will sacrifice, suffer, and struggle for the greatest good?
Our world has been able to positively progress because of courageous people. Courageous souls make unselfish sacrifices and pay prices that indelibly impact lives. I salute the brave for their noble endeavors.
The truly brave know that when all is said and done, the courageous win in ways that are immeasurable. Courageous actions save lives, alter destinies, create legacies, exact change, demand reform, and historically inspire.
Increasingly, may others aspire, with motivated zeal, to emulate the courage of the valiant.
Who are the new breed brave?!
Sandra
September 17, 2006
© Copyright 2006
Revised Tuesday July 6, 2010
© Copyright 2010
Revised Friday May 19, 2011
Copyright 2011
WHO ARE THE BRAVE?
ReplyDeleteWe see how difficult it is to be brave when we consider that even Christ's disciples could not summon the courage to stand with Him at the end.
ReplyDeleteI think we should all have this in a frame at our door for when we go out and come in! Reminder: "The best remedy to bravely and effectively overcome opposition is to focus on what GOD is doing and what we do through and with Him."
ReplyDeleteGreetings -
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting.
@Clint
I'm glad that you mentioned that. It sure struck a chord in me.
@Marijo
Yes, when we focus on GOD above all, we keep things in perspective - THAT GOD RULES AND REIGNS, REGARDLESS.
Greetings -
ReplyDeleteThe comment below was sent to me, via e-mail, from Rick. He graciously granted his permission for me to post it.
Hi Sandra
Excellent article!! I would like to see that one in print in magazines and newspapers all over the world. Truthfully, this is what we need in the church. People that will stand up for Jesus no matter the cost to them. I suppose that until we learn to esteem others higher than our self and stop making life just about us, this will never occur. The concept of laying down our life for another is just not talked about in the church. I know with me, the Lord told me to lay down my life for my friend. I was locked away in the country with no money nor transportation to leave for seven years. The Lord told me to lay down my life for that person. God had a plan for that person, a mighty plan, and he needed someone to bring deliverance to him. It cost me everything of this world to do that, yet, it was about building God's kingdom and not my own. I have seen what the Lord has done in this man as a result. He is gifted now as an apostle. He has a powerful insight and anointing as the Lord empowers him. He will be before it is all over a power in the church that has rarely been seen. He is still being perfected and prepared, but great things will happen through him once the Holy Spirit releases him and sends him forth. Was the price I had to pay to see him set free worth it? Most definately. Was uncomfortable many times for me, but through it all it was for God's Glory and not my own.
Your article makes me think of these kind of adventures in the Lord. Must be willing to live for Jesus in whatever way He chooses. If we are building our kingdom, this can't happen.
Great word Sandra..shout it from the housetops!!!
Blessings
Rick
Greetings Rick -
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for that deep penetrating
message. It profoundly affected me. Clearly, it expressed what is Bible truth, and that so much needs to be shared and most importantly - LIVED!
May GOD help us all to be truth walkers who bravely and steadfastly DO the will of Almighty GOD, according to His full gospel!!!
These words really spoke to me-
ReplyDelete"And we need to bravely guard our hearts from false brethren - the wolves in sheep's clothing who profess that they know GOD but in works they deny Him - Titus 1:16. Some of them can prove to be worse in opposition than bona fide sinners. We are not to fear ANY opposition but to beware, as the Word of GOD commands. Philippians 3:2 "...beware of evil workers,..." Rest assured that our Lord will deal with them as is stated in Colossians 3:25 "...he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done; and there is no respect of persons."
I have the same feeling- beware, but not afraid. We'll probably see worse than we have in the past as the end times approach. But our focus should always be worship God, serve others.
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting.
You expressed, "We'll probably see worse than we have in the past as the end times approach."
Yes, Karen - that is Bible truth.
I agree that our most important focus is to worship GOD. As for the "serve others," I agree but add that we must be mindful to strike the appropriate balances, and to be certain to seek our Lord about how to serve others and when...and know that His Word also says:
Matthew 10:13, 14
And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Matthew 7:6
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Firmly, I believe in loving and forgiving people because that is Bible truth, and it pleases our Lord. But we are NOT commanded to trust people. Any measure of trust that we have in others needs to be proven. And of course, NO ONE can be fully trusted but GOD.
May GOD help us all to be holy and to have pure hearts. Certainly, our Lord delights in such conduct, and rewards, accordingly. Thank You, Lord.
Amen! Well said. I agree forcing ourselves on others can make things much worse than it should be. I also appreciate the part about trust. Only God can be completely trusted and His Word.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it is truth that GOD is longsuffering but His longsuffering does have expiration dates that only He knows.
ReplyDeleteFurther, there are people who consistently purpose to abuse and use our serving spirits.
We must be in tune with our Lord to learn when enough is enough. There are points when we are instructed by our Lord to love them and leave them....
Toxic people/relationships can be very damaging if we stay beyond the instructions of our Lord.
And 1 Corinthians 5:11 - KJV
ReplyDeleteBut now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
When we partake of the sins of others it makes us associated by said sins - guilt by association. As a result, GOD hides His face from sin. It is a dangerous position when GOD hides His face because of our sins. That clearly means that He is NOT supportive nor can He be - for He can never join with sinful conduct.
We block our anointing from GOD when we yield to sin habits or partake of the sinful habits of others. In order to flow in anointed power, we must keep our hearts with all diligence - Proverbs 4:23 - KJV. GOD mandates pure hearts in order for His anointing to flow within us with steady power.
1 Timothy 5:22 - KJV
...neither be partakers of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
Micah 3:4 - KJV
Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.
Great piece Sandra! Christianity is certainly not for the faint of heart. Hence "wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matt. 7:13-14)
ReplyDeleteI am always encouraged by God's message to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous...Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God wll be with you wherever you go." (Josh 1:6-9) God's presence with him, however was contingent upon Joshua's obedience and adherence to God's law-God's commands. And so it remains today. As we walk in righteousness and obedience to his commands we can be encouraged that he is with us. In fact he has said, "Greater is he that is with us than he that is in the world." So we can indeed, Be strong and very courageous.
Thank you Sandra.
Correction: Greater is he that is IN us, than he that is in the world.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely inspiring, Sandra - every single last word.
ReplyDeleteI ask God to make me braver in His strength - because on my own, I tend to be a scaredy-cat. But it is HIS power that protects us - we must just be obedient and GO FORTH.
I loved how you pointed out that we all too often focus on what the enemy does. Yes, I've been guilty of that. And yet, we must not focus on the *fiery arrows* - and focus ONLY on our Shield!
GOD BLESS!
I love how you write with such God-given authority! I want to be brave for Christ! These line really hit me hard,"We sometimes give unreasonable attention to Satan and his opposition. One of his main schemes is to get us to focus on what he is doing to oppose us." Thanks for inspiring us!
ReplyDeleteWell said Sandra.
ReplyDeleteIt can be tempting to not stand for what is right when it can cost us, but God has not given us a spirit of fear...
God bless,
Ken
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra,
ReplyDelete... deleted my previous comment for a few typographical errors.
I have seen the title of your new post on my blog sidebar. This morning I wanted to see for myself what you have written about the brave.
It just filled my heart with so much awe - to realize that we who carry the light of Christ in us are the ones given the authority to go out as sheep in the midst of wolves... authority to trample on snakes and scorpions... to break down walls without using carnal weapons... to defeat the enemy simply by stretching the javelin in our hand over the city, and as we obey God gives the victory into our hands.
We just have to be brave enough to stand on our authority.
I am all the more convinced, in reading your blog, that we can use our blogs for several reasons - to be brave enough to use our words to spread the light and the truth of the kingdom of God in this world ravaged by lies, darkness, and people cowering in fear and compromise.
Thank you for another strongly worded post, Sandra.
I have been inspired to wear the same necklace you blogged about a few weeks back...
Praying for you, as you continue to inspire and use your words to build strength inside of us...
Love
Lidj
Hi, Sandra! This is a great post, as usual. You are always filled with the Word of God and a nugget of powerful truths you've gleaned from His Word. Have you considered submitting this article for publication?
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to drop in and say hi, I hadn't seen you around Bloggy land lately and wanted you to know I had you on my mind!
Blessings!!!
Hi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Most would like to hide then stand up for someone especially if one could be injured physically, mentally or via reputation.
God calls for us to be brave and bold even to the point of death. Jesus is our example and I believe in order to follow Him we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, for following Him means giving up this world and the things of this world.
I too have been thinking of you, just last night as I was laying down to sleep God impressed you on my mind so I spent some time praying for you. It was a joyful experience!
Blessings,
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