BE STRONG, BE COURAGEOUS, REJECT FEAR

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“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9

These words remind us that strength and courage do not come from within ourselves but from God’s abiding presence and his word. For the Church to walk in its inheritance today, we too must hear this call: Be strong. Be courageous. Reject fear.

Strength is found in leaning on God when our own resources run dry. It is strength of faith that holds fast to His promises, strength of conviction that keeps us anchored to His truth, and strength of unity that binds us together as His people.

Courage is not the absence of fear. Rather, it is the willingness to move forward in love and obedience despite it. The human heart naturally longs to protect itself, yet Christ calls us to a higher way: to lay down self-interest, to serve others, and to love even when it costs something. Courage steps out when the path is unclear, trusting the Spirit’s gentle leading.

Fear, however, lingers at the door of our hearts. It whispers the what ifs: What if I fail? What if I’m misunderstood? What if it costs too much? Fear keeps us tied to yesterday and hesitant about tomorrow. Fear would have prevented Joshua and the Israelites from entering their inheritance. It will work the same negative result in us. We will fail to embrace the opportunities before us and miss out on the good works that God has prepared for us to do.

Article “His Presence and Word Makes Us Strong and Courageous” by Pastor John Hunt, Director of Australian Christian Churches. October 5th, 2025

This word is especially relevant to the time we are in, where we are warned by God, persecution of Christians will increase. In fact, great tribulation is ahead as we approach the time of Jesus return.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9-14

TIME TO STEP UP AS ESTHER DID AND SERVE GOD

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“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

A timeless verse from the Book of Esther continually challenges us to step up when we are called upon to take action. Note: Mordecai understood that God would save the Jewish people from Haman’s devious plot to destroy the Jews. God did not need Esther, but this was her opportunity to show her love to God and her people as well as her trust in God’s provision.

Image result for pictures Days of Noah

Jesus said, during the “last days” it would be like the days of Noah. “The lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart were evil continually.” Genesis 6:5

How the flood gates have opened with same-sex marriage. Listen to what the Executive Director of Unharm, an organisation that aims to make drug use as positive, ethical and as safe as it can be.

“Learning from the same-sex marriage example , we need a ‘coming out’ movement for people who use drugs. We need to show that you can use drugs and live a flourishing, socially integrated life. We can change culture and laws through a movement that starts with visibility and defiance. And in the face of discriminatory and failing drug control regime, we need to do that now.” Will Tregoning (B.A.and PhD in Cultural Studies Sydney University)