I played one of those silly Facebook games. They are all over Facebook. You click a link and it will give you a word, or saying, or picture or tell your “fortune” in different ways. I usually ignore them but occasionally one will intrigue me enough that I’ll push that little button. I did that last week when the “game” was supposed to give me my “Bible Verse for 2019.” I was a bit surprised at the outcome. It gave me Deuteronomy 31:6.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Moses is at the end of his journey. He will not be allowed because of his disobedience to enter the Promised Land. In his last message to the people he reminds them that they are to be strong and courageous. When they see the current inhabitants of the land, they are not to be afraid or terrified of them for the LORD, their God, will be with them.
I think this may be a good verse for 2019. I need God’s supernatural strength and courage. As I told our church a few weeks ago, I believe we are going to see God move to set some things right across our nation … and in case we have forgotten, judgment begins first with God’s house. “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” [1 Peter 4:17-18 NKJV]
I am and always will be a preacher of grace. But I also understand that grace isn’t permissiveness. Grace, which is ours solely through the sacrifice of Jesus, accepts us where we are but never leaves us there. Grace is the power to become all God intends us to be. In many ways, the church has been preaching “cheap” grace, grace with no power, nor consequences. I don’t see God allowing that to go on much longer.
“Be strong and courageous.”
