Daily Courage

[Judy Harder]

...who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice and gained what was promised.   (Hebrews 11:33)

Mona Khauli

Few people would choose to live a life of danger and risk. Those who do are either professional stuntmen or terrorists, for whom it is a way to make a living.

In our case, however, life at constant risk has been our experience for fifteen years now. Our beautiful country of Lebanon is paying a high price. Terrorism, bombings and shelling of residential areas have victimized thousands of innocent civilians. Our Christian community is being confronted with a great dilemma: flee the country and live in peace elsewhere, or stay to serve the people and accept the risk of getting killed. We have decided to stay and take a stand for our Lord. By serving people in distress and sheltering the displaced we have been able to light their path and motivate their tenacity for survival against the odds.

We experience great danger, but we also experience the presence of our God in a wonderful way. What more can we desire?

Are you faithful in your own situation serving God and men as He directs?  In doing so you will experience God's guidance and blessings.

Be available, be grateful, rejoice in the Lord always. Whatever your situation may be. If we can do it - you can.

Pray for peace in the Middle East.

[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]

Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.  (James 2:17)

Mona Khauli

In our present world, with so much pain and suffering, it is imperative that faith should lead to action in order to create change. This process of change must start in our own lives and attitudes. We have no right to excuse ourselves for lack of potential, as we have been empowered by Christ for the task that lies before us. Though we stand helpless against the wiles of political manipulation in Lebanon we do not stand idle. With faith and perseverance our Christian community has given emergency assistance, year after year, to the orphaned and homeless.

As peacemakers they heal the wounds of war with love. As people who care they take immense personal risks when penetrating military checkpoints to insure medical help to the displaced. Though facing unprecedented levels of torture and violence, they refuse a life of safety in exile.

We do not share these facts with you to show you how good we are. We simply share this to show you it can be done.

Our Christian community in Lebanon wants to demonstrate faith through deeds.

What about you?

[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]

...and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and about Jerusalem.
(Nehemiah 1:2)

Nehemiah

Though Nehemiah lived in exile, his conditions were pleasant. He enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle, had a good job and as the King's cup-bearer he held a high place of honor in the palace.

He had every reason to be content - but he was not. Not because of his own circumstances, but because of the circumstances of his fellow Jews in Jerusalem. His heart and mind were with them. When he met someone who had just come from Jerusalem he eagerly enquired how the people were doing.

Many Christians today dare not ask questions about the situation of the Body of Christ under persecution. Because, if they would ask, they would have to do something about it. Knowledge leads to responsibility, to love and to action.  As for Nehemiah, it was not enough for him to live a life of comfort, while his brethren lived a life of discomfort.

May we be people who are grateful for what we may possess, and who are willing to do something for those who lack freedom of worship.

Nehemiah sets the example: pray and work. If you follow his example, God's people will be encouraged. And so will you.

[Judy Harder]

I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly towards you. We have not obeyed the commands ... you gave your servant Moses.

(Nehemiah 1:7)

Nehemiah

Nehemiah had a burden. The burden of his people became his own burden. What could he do about it?

Had his response to the bad news been only grief, it would have been nothing more than an expression of sentiment.  Nehemiah's response was different. It started with grief; it led to prayer and was followed by action. A few things stand out in his prayer.

In the first place he mentioned the reasons for Israel's troubles.  In the second place he acknowledged that he himself was not any better than his fellow countrymen. Instead of only accusing others, he confessed that he too had sinned. His confession was both corporate and personal.  In the third place he reflected upon the promises of God. He reminded God of His promises. His whole prayer was rooted in these promises: God, You have said...

When we point our finger at others, we must remember that three fingers will point back to ourselves. We are not any better. We too, do not deserve the grace of God. We too have sinned. In confessing their sins and ours, we may count on God's promises.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).

There is hope, for our nation, for ourselves, and for those who suffer in captivity.

[Judy Harder]

The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven and I answered the king," If it pleases the king ... let him send me to the city in Judea ... so that I can rebuild it."

(Nehemiah 2:5)

Nehemiah

"Ora and labora" - pray and work.  That's what Nehemiah did. Whoever prays for people in need, also does something for them. Prayer always leads to action. Where there is no action there is probably no prayer. Where there is prayer, people automatically become activated.

Those who are unable to go on account of bodily disability or age can pray that God will call others to offer real help. Their prayer sets God and men in movement. Those who have no restrictions, should also have no objections to doing something themselves.

Nehemiah could have invented all sorts of objections. He had a distinguished and trustworthy position in the palace and would be missed. He was also no expert building engineer. He was a waiter, not a carpenter, and carpenters, not waiters, were needed.  But Nehemiah did not hide behind his lack of expertise. "He has made us competent" (2 Corinthians 3:6).

Therefore he can say, "Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem again. The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it" (Nehemiah 2:17, 20). God sought such builders.

Pray and build. He will prosper you.