Let Your Heart Take Courage

Dear Quail,

“Don’t be afraid” in some form or another is one of the most often repeated commands in Scripture. It makes sense once you begin to imagine all the scary stuff that is around us.

But the Bible is full of the stories of people that show remarkable courage. Many of them are remembered in Hebrews, Chapter 11.

Abraham showed courage in his leaving of Haran and going to land that God would show him. (Heb. 11:8)

Joseph showed courage in what he endured at the hands of his brothers and then in Egypt. And in asking that his bones be buried in the Promised Land. (Heb. 11:22)

Moses’ parents showed courage as they hid him. (Heb. 11:24)

Moses himself showed courage against a hostile Pharaoh. (Heb. 11: 27)

Rahab showed courage by welcoming the spies. (Heb. 11:31)

Then there is the courage of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel all mentioned in Hebrews 11:31.

By now you are getting the idea that I am moving in my attention through the “faith chapter” of Hebrews considering those whom we have come to call the “Hall of fame of the faith.” I am drawing your attention there because it is faith that fueled their courage. Courage is always an act of faith because the courageous person acts on what he/she believes to be right and true, despite the threat of danger.

You can be courageous and be placing your faith in something other than the one true God (we see that all the time); however, when your faith in the one true God is indeed the fuel for your courage, you have a level of courage that is embedded in eternity and empowered by the Holy Spirit. I will use an old-fashioned expression and call that “good courage.” Good courage is rooted in an eternal perspective that understands that where I am not and what I face now is simply a situation, not my ultimate destination!

2 Corinthians 5:6-7
“Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight.”

Good courage is fueled by faith and in the fact of the ultimate reality that what God promises is always true and that God promises to us are born of His love for us. David is sure of that when he exclaims,

Ps 27:13-14
13 “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” NIV

So, this week let us be of good courage, and be confident that God has your good in mind and He will show Himself strong in all that we face.

Here are some updates for this week:

1. We are once again unable to hold in-person indoor worship services. However, we will be livestreaming the 8:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. worship services to YouTube. Please spell out, “Quail Lakes Baptist Church” in the search field. We will also have our outdoor courtyard seating available for all who wish to attend.
2. We are asking that you wear masks as a sign of consideration for others. Many are hesitant to be in public situations where there are folks not wearing facemasks at this time. Thus, we can “serve one another in love” by wearing our masks. If you need one, it will be provided free of charge at the Health Ministry Team booths on campus.
3. Thank you for your online donations at QLBC.org. Please give through the blue “Rebel Give” icon. If you prefer, mail your donations to QLBC, P.O. Box 7955, Stockton, CA 95267. This weekend is the end of our fiscal year. Your donations will help us end the year strong!
4. Men’s Early Prayer Time is Back! 6 a.m. Wednesday mornings in the Chapel.
5. The church office is closed to the public until the current restriction is lifted. However, we do have call forwarding to our remote receptionists from 8 a.m. - noon, Monday- Friday, from our main number (209) 951-7380.
6. Family Summer Quest is moving to online at the Quail Kids’ Facebook page, 9:45-10:45 a.m. Families, tune in to have a fun time in God’s Word with Mike and Sabina Tackett.
7. In-person Sunday Bible classes are suspended until the restriction is lifted. Some of the classes will be meeting on Zoom. Check with your class leaders.