Christ- The Reese Source - The Newsletter of Net Work Ministries - February 2009 Edition

In my daily Bible reading this month, I have been in the book of Deuteronomy and Joshua. I have noticed in them a recurring phrase. It has stayed with me. I am challenged by it, especially in light of the current circumstances. The phrase is this: “BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS.” Over and over this phrase is repeated. There are promises associated with this command. There are also challenges associated with the commands. “Fear not”...”Don’t be afraid.” “Do not be dismayed.” “Be careful to obey all the law…”

Moses challenged the Israelites when faced with entering the Promised Land and encountering opposition from the nations before them. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel,” Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their forefathers to give them, and you divide it among them as an inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:7, 8)

The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I have promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.” (Deuteronomy 31:3)

When the king of Assyria, Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah encourages the people when he says, “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid or dismayed for the king of Assyria, or for the entire multitude that is with him, for there is more with us than with him.” (2Chronicles 32:7)

What is the “take away” for us in all of this? How do we personalize these words of promise and challenge? When “the wheels seem to be coming off” in our lives, whether it be from financial reverses, health problems, relationship struggles, possible job loss or other such challenges, God calls out to us from the Bible, which is His “owners manual” for our lives.

The question for us then is this…Do we accept the challenge to: Be strong and courageous, to fear not, to not be dismayed? Do we believe that He will be with us, that He will never leave us or forsake us? Do we seek to obey Him? Are these words that were written centuries ago still applicable to modern life? Are they valid and relevant to our particular situation? Is this just too simplistic? Each of us must decide for ourselves. I would like to get your feedback on this.



MINISTRY NEWS:

When there is no earth-shaking news, I sometimes feel guilty. I do know that good things have been going on this month.

· The Friday morning group started a new, and might I say challenging book, “For Men Only” by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn. There have been some new insights on women gleaned from this book. Hopefully, we “knuckleheads” will learn something!!

· In meeting with individual men, I am seeing how the downturn in the economy is affecting more and more of us each week. I am seeing more of a spiritual hunger in men as the things they counted on to give them meaning and worth, i.e. power, position, possessions and wealth, are letting them down.

· The neighborhood guys group is still forming. We have three guys interested so far.

MINISTRY NEEDS:

· Your prayers and financial support