11-30-2015

 Good Morning All!!     

       Deuteronomy 31:6; “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

     I can remember when I was very young watching a television show called Romper Room.  I only recall two things about the show.  The first thing was at the end of the show the hostess held up a thing that was supposed to be a magic mirror.  She would say some type of spell or incantation and then hold it to her face and “see” all the boys and girls in televisionland and then call them by name. (That used to freak me out).  The other was the two big bees that would show up.  In an attempt to teach manners, like saying please and thank you, we were to be like the “Do Bees” and always be polite and to never be like the “Don’t Bees” who were crude and impolite.  She would always sing a little ditty that went “Do be a Do Bee; don’t be a Don’t Bee.”

   In our verse we are to be “Do Bees.”  We are to be strong and courageous.  We are to stand firm.  We are not to fear or be in dread; don’t be afraid.  This may sound like easy advice but in truth it is how we can live our life in comfort, contentment and peace.  We are to be strong and courageous, not because of how tough we are but because of how great our God is.  For God has promised to never leave us.  He is always with us.  We draw our strength and our courage from Him; but how?

   First and foremost we must remain in a prayerful relationship with him.  We need to read and study his Word and hear his words of comfort and his promise of hope and salvation.  Secondly, it is beneficial if other Christians encourage you, pray for you and support you. We receive comfort and support from each other as we experience the unique aspect of faith and that is that faith joined together gives strength to all involved.  This is part of the reason why God encourages us to join with others in worship and prayer.  This is part of the reason that Paul tells us that we are part of a greater body.  This allows us to build on the faith around us.  We draw from each other.  This is all part of the fellowship that we have with each other through faith in Jesus.

   So do be a Do Bee, be strong and courageous because with Jesus as your rock and your strength; you can conquer all things.  Holding onto Jesus as our only hope, we have nothing to fear.  Trust in God’s everlasting and unchanging love, it has never failed.

Gracious Father, you know our hearts.  You know what is hidden in our lives and that which we fear the most.  Send your Spirit to give us courage.  Give us the power to stand.  Keep us from being discouraged.  Lift us up with your love.  Give strength to our spirits that we may ever know your wonderful peace.  Be with those who are discouraged.  Direct their fellow believers to them to encourage them and to give them hope.  Lead us by your Spirit.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret