COURAGE

"Leonidas, King of Sparta, was preparing to make a stand with his Greek troops against the Persian army at Thermopylae or the ‘Hot Gates” in 480 B.C. when a Persian envoy arrived. The man urged on Leonidas the futility of trying to resist the advance of the huge Persian army. "Our archers are so numerous," said the envoy, "that the flight of their arrows darkens the sun." "So much the better," replied Leonidas, "for we shall fight them in the shade." Leonidas made his stand, and died with his 300 troops."

Courage? Or foolishness? That debate about the Battle of Thermopylae has gone on for centuries. Leonidas had no way to win that battle but Greece would ultimately win the war. The courage of the Spartans inspired the rest of Greece to stand against the Persian army. What does it take to have courage? What does that look like in a typical week?

John 16:32-33
"Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to is own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

I love this challenge from Jesus. The focus is on a bigger truth or more importantly on Him. He has overcome the world...TAKE COURAGE. I think that Jesus is challenging us to step out and live for Him in a way that says, 'I'm going to live for Christ no matter what comes.' That is the biggest challenge to asking the question what would Jesus do? It is in knowing that what He would do is be courageous and honor God with EVERY part of His life.

NOW...we GET TO do it too. Have fun. LGLO, Pastor Peter

PRAISE the LORD

"Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever." Psalm 111

I wasn’t afraid of water. It had always seemed tame to me — something I put into little bottles for drinking, something I listened to when it came down in big rain droplets outside. But on that June day while we sat stranded on the only highway that would lead us home, I gained a new perspective on water.

As we watched it rush over the highway ahead of us, tearing up chunks of asphalt and making the road impassable, I stood in awe. Once we got our car turned around and headed away from the flood, I watched the mini-waves lap the side of the road and our tires. I discovered a new respect for water.

Until I experienced a flash flood, my relationship with water was an illusion. I thought I had it under control. After the flood, I realized that water is a powerful force — one that has been around much longer than me! I don’t shy away from water, but I approach it with a new reverence. I respect its authority in a new way, and I am wiser for it. I wonder what experience the psalmist had with God to elicit this same realization? Micaela Wood

MOVING and HOW's IT GOING?

Dear WWJDers,
Sorry I have been so disconnected this week. The move got my whole schedule out of whack. Looking forward to getting back on track.

How is everything going? Would love to hear how God is working in and through you! Remember next week is lunch and we will take some time to discuss what has been happening.

THANKS for your faithfulness!

LGLO,
Pastor Peter