Look at the word ‘encouragement.’ In the middle of it there is the word ‘courage.’ It’s based on an old French word for heart: ‘corage.’ Encouragement is about enlarging or fortifying someone’s heart—who they are within—so that they can face the battles of life. As Jesus’ people, encouragement isn’t just something we receive, but something we share … Continue reading The heart enlargement business
courage
Seeking his face
You’re probably going to be more courageous if you know that God is close to you. When I was in elementary school, there was a mean kid on the playground. But I had two older brothers. The mean kid was less scary when my brothers were around. You probably see the connection. ‘But,’ you ask, … Continue reading Seeking his face
Your ‘courage muscle’
Courage. Some people seem to be born with it. But it’s also something which can be developed. There are a few different ways this can happen. Here’s one of them: Repeatedly doing the right thing when it’s hard. If you do the right thing on Occasion A, you build up your ‘courage muscle.’ That way, … Continue reading Your ‘courage muscle’
Courage is fighting alongside the King
Whatever happened to those first apostles? Shortly after the resurrection, this new movement of Christ-followers took off. Initially they were called the people of “The Way.” The word “Christians” also came into use fairly early. Jesus’ people were first referred to by that title in Antioch (see Acts 11:26). Some of the things we know … Continue reading Courage is fighting alongside the King
Doing the right thing even when you feel alone
I’ve been spending time studying the book of Esther. As I go through the story line by line I notice things I didn’t notice before. One of the famous parts of the story is when she decides to approach the King to help her people, even at great risk to her own life: “I will … Continue reading Doing the right thing even when you feel alone
You can’t threaten a man with heaven
It’s hard to read the book of Esther and not be impressed by her courage. Her people were in danger of annihilation. Her adoptive father Mordechai encouraged her to approach the King to intervene. Sounds simple enough. But if she approached without an invitation she could be killed. (I’m glad I don’t live in a … Continue reading You can’t threaten a man with heaven
Courage is humility plus muscle
When facing a new or difficult challenge what do people ask for? Among other things, courage. Let’s look at the word itself. “Corage” is an old word which means “heart.” To have courage is to have an enlarged heart (metaphorically speaking, of course). It is to do good even when facing adversity or uncertainty. Here’s … Continue reading Courage is humility plus muscle
Courage for the battle
Imagine three scenarios. In the first, there you stand with your fellow troops about to head into a life-or-death battle. But you don’t know who your leader is going to be. Out he comes from the tent behind you. None of you has any idea who he is. That certainly doesn’t give you much confidence … Continue reading Courage for the battle
When you’re confident about what will happen eventually
Let me share an eternal truth that can encourage you: When you’re confident about what will happen eventually, you have more courage for what is happening currently. Here’s what I mean. When you know that God is eternal, and that one day he is going to one day make all things new and finally eliminate … Continue reading When you’re confident about what will happen eventually
4 ways to draw closer to God
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” When we cultivate a closer relationship with God, we experience his power and presence more and more. Consider the example of Mary. In her famous song of praise in Luke 1:46-55, she shows how she is close to God in at … Continue reading 4 ways to draw closer to God
