“Be strong and of a good courage…” (Josh. 1:9).
Joshua 1:9 provides us with two words for looking ahead to the new year: strength and courage.
The Lord issued this statement as a command to Joshua. Often we think of God’s commandments as being strictly prohibitive (“thou shalt not”). Here the command is quite affirmative. The Bible tells us that the commandments of the Lord are not grievous or cumbersome (1 John 5:3).
The thing to remember is that each commandment given us by the Lord carries with it the enablement of its own fulfillment. That is, each command comes with an assurance that you and I are able to perform it. God, in His infinite love and mercy, would never issue an order we are not capable of carrying out.
Strength and courage are the two qualities the Lord demands of us as we face the unknown future. Strength and courage are ideal characteristics for making progress into the new year.
Courage is found in the inner man, and strength is shown in bodily action. This command coincides with Philippians 2:13 in which the Apostle Paul declares that it is the Lord who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Courage and strength are placed into our frame by the Lord. Courage motivates our will, and strength accompanies effort.
It is incongruous to say, “I have a lot of courage, but no strength,” or, “I am a powerhouse of energy, but am afraid.” The best confession is: “The Lord is my strength for this year. The Lord is my source of courage for this year.”
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.