Just courage ...

I do love to read so while we were on vacation last week I read three works ... and a couple of them I would recommend. For now, one of them was Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian.

The author is Gary A. Haugen and he tells of his walk with God that was, and continues to be, a struggle for justice. That is, in 1997 he singularly formed a new organization entitled the International Justice Mission (IJM). It has become a group of Christian lawyers, criminal investigators, social workers and advocates. In different parts of the world they seek to rescue people from violence such as slavery, sexual exploitation, and oppression. The book is developed to be either read individually or in small groups with discussion questions provided. For me, the title of chapter six summarizes the work: "Loving God and Your Neighbor".

On page 77 of this work he writes: "While the Bible does not teach that we will prevail in every battle against injustice on this earth, it does teach us that God will prevail in the ultimate war, that he goes with us into every battle, that he brings his power and protection to bear on our behalf, and he will prevail in all battles necessary to the ultimate triumph of his kingdom. In a world of groaning injustice, these are the truths that Jesus invites his followers to believe--and act on."

As we seek to follow Jesus may you and I have God's wisdom to know how and when to love through listening, speaking and acting and may we also have as well just courage ...