COURAGE to FINISH STRONG.

Am hearing a still small voice in my ear saying:

 "Don't rest in your start. Finish strong, standing steadfast in Heart" 

When I was little, I could so relate to the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz and his gentle way of trying to achieve, COURAGE. The lion just makes me smile.


But a few years later when I met the Lion of Judah, Jesus, He became the One that taught me about real courage. Today's persecuted church is our current model for courage. Many believers, condemned to beheadings, display courage like Jesus did when He was on the way to, and cruelly, nailed upon the cross. These men, women and children are often heard praying for their butchers. One 10 year old little girl who survived the butchery was interviewed. She asked if she could sing a song for those she had just seen kill her parents and others. In disbelief, the interviewer asked her why would she want to do that?  She said, it was, "because God wants none to perish and these people don't know what they are doing." This child knows God. She knows that forgiveness is something everyone needs. That God is totally impartial and available to all, who will simply believe Him.

Father of all mercy, we come to You so grateful for another day with You, to serve You and enjoy Your Presence. Please, in the name of Jesus, cause us to be continually prayerful for the persecuted church all over the world. Give the lost "courage" to come to faith in Jesus today. May today's butchers become tomorrow's believers, forgiven and ready to walk as new people, with You. Thank You for how You turned the murdering, terrorizing Saul into Paul on the way to Damascus. We pray peace to Israel in the matchless name of Jesus and ask these things according to Your Higher ways.

We ask for the faithful courage to finish strong. We believe, that this present, bloodthirsty, evil darkness will never be all consuming, because of Your word which cannot lie or fail. Your mercies are new every morning. We pray courage to the captives, and faith to those in the fight for life, to finish strong.

We give You praise and thanks for all You have done, are doing and will yet do. May we be found faithful, prayerful and joyfully spreading the good news, the gospel of Jesus. Thank You all mighty Father, for Your plan for the ages, for salvation and for our ability to serve within it. Please let us be useful in Your service. We love and thank You. Amen.