March 18, 2017 - BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS... IN CHRIST

Day 77 - Deuteronomy 31-32 & Luke 1:1-23

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)

Moses spoke these words to Israel, God’s people, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land where they would not be welcome by the inhabitants. But God promised to defeat these enemies and bless His people.

We, too, have a promised land to look forward to – the eternal promised land of heaven. We, too, have to deal with formidable enemies – the enemies of sin, death and the devil. Once again, God promises to defeat our enemies in preparation for entrance into heaven. And this He did on Mt. Calvary by means of the cross and the Lamb. What joy we can have in facing the future knowing that Jesus shed His blood to redeem us and to make us heirs of heaven!

However, Christians often face opposition and persecution. In North Korea, fellow believers in Christ were killed for possessing Bibles. The early church experienced this kind of cruel hatred, as the picture portrays. Yet they could be strong and courageous because they believed in God’s promise that heaven was theirs because of their faith in Christ. In Christ they could face a horrible death. They could be strong and courageous in Christ.

Most of do not know that kind of persecution, yet these words are for us too: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” 

Whatever challenges you are facing today, know that the Lord is with you. 
●  He will NEVER turn His back on you! 
●  Your Baptism assures you of this. 
●  Christ’s body and blood, given and shed for you, assure you of this. 
●  The words of absolution heard in the Divine Service assure you of this. 
●  So, don’t be afraid. 
●  You are not alone. 
●  God is with you no matter your circumstances may be! 

Heavenly Father, thank You for my Baptism and the faith You have given me in Jesus. Please keep me strong and courageous in Christ no matter what challenges and trials I face in this life. Constantly remind me that You will never leave me or forsake me. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf