be strong Archives - Dennis Conrad Author

Love the Lord and Take Courage?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for the saints who let their hearts take courage. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God is willing and able to help the faithful. Most believers know the importance of loving God. Loving God requires action. Like the first chapter of Joshua, the traits of being strong and taking courage also appear in Psalm 31:23-24 (ESV):

“Love the Lord, all you his saints!
The Lord preserves the faithful
but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord!”

Don’t look to prideful people for wisdom. These kinds of people think they are in control when in reality, the Lord is in charge. Substitute pride with love. Watch what happens.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Are You Watchful?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are watchful and standing firm. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lookouts towers on mountaintops are set up to watch for the first signs of fire. Once detected, resources can be called upon to deal with the blaze. Likewise, believers need to be watchful and more.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV) issues a call to action:

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

Apostle Paul’s twelve-word statement is worth unpacking.
Be watchful for those who try to spread false doctrine and sow discontent among believers.

Stand firm in personal faith in Christ and in the face of persecution and temptation. When it says, “act like men,” Apostle Paul gives two men of faith as examples: Apollos and Stephanas.

Being strong can mean physical and mental toughness when it comes to defending the faith against false teachers. All of these need to be done in love.

Imagine yourself in a lookout tower. It all starts with being watchful.

Tell me what you think below.