Daily Courage

[Judy Harder]

You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. (Hebrews 10:34)

Ghassan Khalaf

Complete surrender is the only way to overcome anxiety. During the black days of Beirut the sky was continuously raining mortar shells and rockets. No place was spared from their shrapnel. Everyone was in danger of having his house burned, or losing his money, his possessions, library, car, or life.

Anxiety was about to rob me of my peace in Christ. Confusion hovered over me for days. In a period of meditation I put all I had before the Lord and asked His victory over the feelings of anxiety, and about losing material possessions. I prayed, "Oh Lord! I am resolved, by your grace, to accept with all contentment, with total surrender and joy, whatever physical or material harm may come to me."

I dreamed one night that my car was stolen. Feelings of resentment attacked me. A struggle began in my soul between complaint and contentment. After a cruel struggle I accepted the loss with pleasure and complete surrender. Then I woke up.

I was happy it was only a dream. But a thought captured me: It is beautiful to be victorious in a dream, but it is more glorious to be victorious over anxiety in real life while awake.

[Judy Harder]

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

Ghassan Khalaf

Frequently after wars, there emerges a class of people called "the war rich'; those who seize the opportunity and improve their own conditions. This is exactly what happened after the war in Lebanon.

But what about God's children? Do we accept the hard times as opportunities to prove the genuineness of our faith which is more precious than gold, so we might receive the crown of life?

Believers in Lebanon benefited much from passing through the fire of war. They became "war rich" on the spiritual plane. Those who love God collect spiritual fortunes and plenty of practical experiences. In times of distress the cyclone shakes us so that our dry leaves and rotten fuit fall down. At the same time, trials increase our stability by extending our roots into the depths. After the storm you see believers still holding their hands high, and roses in their hands.

Because, if you see a person who has passed through the valley of terror and reached the land of peace, with a flower plucked from that valley in his hand, then you will know that God was with him and that his soul has kept the freshness of faith.

[Judy Harder]

We love because he first loved us. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 1:19,21)

Ghassan Khalaf

Christianity is distinguished by the word "love." This is the only way to describe the Christian faith in just one word. We think always of God's love for us, and our love for others, and forget a very essential element which is that we can love God too. Love is a mutual relationship between Him and us. He loves us and we love Him.

If we are to understand fully the deep meaning of this relationship, we need to compare love with mercy. Here the full meaning of this love relationship with God will appear. Mercy contains the meaning of "a higher to lower" relationship and not vice-versa.

God can say, "I will have mercy on you, people;" but we cannot say back, "We will have mercy on you Lord!" But God can say, "I love you my people," and we can say to Him, "We love you, Lord." Mercy language is between a lord and his slaves. Love language is between a father and his children.

There is nothing in the world like this loving mutual relationship between us and God through His Son Jesus Christ.

[Judy Harder]

In this second part, David does not talk about the Lord but to the Lord. 

People feel sorry for David. He is in great need. His faith in the almighty God is his comfort and hope.

David

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, 'seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.
Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.   (Psalm 27:7-14)

[Judy Harder]

The God we serve is able to save us ... but even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods... (Daniel 3:17, 18)

Mona Khauli

Throughout the fifteen-year old war, God has moved in our midst, and through us to others.

The most recent example of God's miraculous protection involved a young couple. One day heavy artillery bombing took them by surprise, when a Syrian offensive was launched against Christian areas. Before they could run to take shelter, a phosphorous shell penetrated the roof of their bedroom and exploded, setting the place on fire. They were both severely injured and burnt. The woman, a few months pregnant, was miraculously saved. Her husband, however, was pronounced clinically dead on arrival at the hospital as he had sustained serious injuries from head to toe. His parents and church brethren pleaded with hospital staff to give him emergency care, while they committed themselves to the bedside in prayer. For months, he "existed" by way of instruments that pumped life into his shredded body, bandaged together like a cocoon.

But God intervened and performed a miracle. Six months later he was released from hospital a walking miracle, only in need of surgery to restore sight in one of his eyes. Doctors and nurses saw him off with these words; "Lazarus has risen from the dead."

Pray and trust. Have faith in God to perform a miracle. God is in control.

[Judy Harder]

...we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:3-5)

Mona Khauli

These words are so rich and meaningful; yet they are so difficult to put into practice.

To glory in tribulation? How can this be? It is neither human nor tactful to rejoice in suffering, especially when it concerns people around us. What does Paul really mean?

The best way to explain is to quote a Christian woman in my country, Lebanon. She was facing one family hardship after another. When asked how she managed to cope with all these hardships she answered, "Troubles are challenges to me. Even difficulty that comes my way is a perpetual source of wonder. I am so eager to see how the Lord will get me out of it."

She had found the secret. Not theoretically but through pains and problems. "In all these things we are more that conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 9:37). Her secret was Paul's secret. Paul's experience became her experience. What about you?

It is no secret what God can do, what He has done for others He will do for you.

[Judy Harder]

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save. (Psalm 138:7)

Mona Khauli

Throughout and despite the war in Lebanon, the Lord has been my strength and my salvation. Nevertheless in moments of emotional despair, I have often asked myself; "Given a choice to relive those years would I perhaps opt for a change of course?"

My answer is no. I would never exchange the intimate fellowship with God for a more peaceful period of earthly existence. It is also true that I have often been near breaking point. During these times of distress Psalm 138:7 has been a great encouragement for me.

"You stretch out your hand against my foes, with your right hand you save me."

Both aspects are so real. The danger is that we too often only see the stretched out hand of our foe

May God continuously open our spiritual eyes for the other truth, "with your right hand you save me."

[Judy Harder]

By faith... (Hebrews 11:3)

Mona Khauli

Faith is:

·      Expecting God to accomplish miracles through my five loaves and two fishes. He can use me. 

·      Rejecting the feeling of panic when things seem out of control. He is in control. 

·      Confidence in God's faithfulness to me in an uncertain world. He holds the future. 

·      Depending on the fact that God loves me, not on my ability to figure out how or why. He can be trusted. 

·      Thanking God for his gift of emotional health, not assuming it all stems from my ability to cope with stress. He provides. 

"...I do believe; help me to overcome my unbelief" (Mark 9:24).

[Judy Harder]

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. (1 John 2:28)

Menes Abdul Noor

The Apostle John writes to the "little children" as people who are close to him. They are also close to the Heavenly Father. They are weak and small. They are dependent on Divine grace and care. This is why they should abide in Christ and in His Word. They can trust in Him here and now, and forever.

Jesus has come, born in a manger in Bethlehem. He also comes to us, knocking at the door of our hearts (Revelation 3:20). He comes to those who ask for His help, as He came to His disciples walking on the water to rescue them (Matthew 14:22-33).

He will come again in the last day to judge sinners and take His followers to be with Him forever. If we abide in Him we will await His second coming eagerly.

We hear Him say, "Yes, I am coming soon." And we cry, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).

When He appears, we may have confidence because He saved us and abides in us. We will fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast our crowns before the throne, saying, "You are worthy, our Lord and God" (Revelation 4:11).

Let us be ready, little children!

[Judy Harder]

David knows the balance between asking God for things and offering up prayers of thanksgiving. He calls on God for help, but he does not forget to thank Him for answered prayer.

David

To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.
Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
(Psalm 28:1-3, 6-9)