Hello Dear Friends,
Our word for this day is COURAGE.
Do you remember the passage in the book, Lord of the Rings, where Frodo Baggins offers The Ring to Galadriel for safe-keeping? For those of you who might not know the story, this ring was designed to rule all other rings (authorities), throughout Middle Earth. Frodo, the humble hobbit, carried The Ring through perils of great suffering to its final destruction. Of many possible bearers, Galadriel, an elven queen, seemed one who might benevolently carry it. She, however, knew the corruptability of its power forged in darkness and offered this answer to him, “In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!"
When Galadriel refuses to keep The Ring, even as temptation rages through her, you feel the evil power loosen its grasp, then release her, with a jolt. The freedom she gains by denying the tyrannical power over her soul, restores her COURAGE and confidence in who she is, a kind guide, wise woman and purveyor of good.
What evil on earth is like this? I believe it’s the tyrannical binding of moral rebellion that tempts us to side with destruction. Our words and actions can build up or break down, speak death or speak life, bless or curse. When our COURAGE holds steady on the righteousness of our Holy God, no power on earth can steal our identity as his beloveds. Temptations arise on all sides, seeking to steal our allegiance, luring us to live in enmity to our fellow citizens. When we remain COURAGEOUSLY rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, God’s boundless hope flows through us. We’re not swayed by the power of evil, nor do we pick up tools of battle forged by hatred, to fight for good, because this won’t work! We choose love, as the only defense AND offense, on which our COURAGE holds strong.
Can we COURAGEOUSLY love and bless others without their reciprocal kind response?
Of course, we can freely do this!
Can we COURAGEOUSLY speak gently when aggressive words feel like piercing arrows?
Of course, kind words turn evil away.
Can we COURAGEOUSLY trust God’s promises even when evil seems to have the upper hand.
Yes absolutely, the battle belongs to God, his victory is secure.
While we wait on the Lord, we do so with COURAGE, battling spiritual foes on our knees, loving well the faces before us. Our perspective is formed between our ears, if we fill that space with God’s promises, the overflow will be his love!
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and COURAGEOUS. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
God bless you! See you tomorrow!
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