Courageous

In a few days, the movie Courageous will be released.  I have had the privilege of viewing it at two different screenings earlier this year.  It is the fourth movie produced by Sherwood Pictures.  I've seen them all and been blessed by them all.  Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof all impacted my life.  Courageous is outstanding.

I want to encourage you to go on the weekend it is released to a theater near you and spread the word!  September 30-October 2 is opening weekend.  There is a profound message for individuals, families, and especially Dads.  Your life, your family, your church and your community could be transformed by the power of God through the impact of this film.

If we ever needed courage, we need it in our day.  I'm reminded of two of my favorite verses in Joshua.  "This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it.  For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Haven't I commanded you:  be strong and courageous?  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:8-9

We need godly wisdom, and instruction.  Praise God for His word which is all of that!  We need strength and courage.  The Lord will grant it to His people.  So how do you keep the fire burning?  Be courageous.

prayerfully,
Bruce

Remember!

Kathy and I are blessed to still have family living close by.  Three of our four parents are alive and frankly doing quite well.  We were blessed to visit them this past Sunday night and Monday over the Labor Day holiday.  To be sure, they are aging, but they have remarkable strength and wisdom.  It is a blessing for us to visit them, and our youngest daughter certainly loves to see her grandparents as well. 

While we were in Northern New York, as usual, it is a time for me of remembering who I am and where I came from.  I think that is important.  We moved to the house where my mother still lives when I was 15.  There are many memories there and many more in the surrounding areas.  I drove by the church in Brushton where I served as pastor for six years prior to coming to Northside.  I drove by the house that had been our home during that time, and where we brought David home as a baby and Charity home as a baby (#2, and #3 in our family). 

Today, I realized I have lived as long in Liverpool as birth to graduation from high school.  Wow.  That is mind-boggling for me.  But there are always important moments where to keep the fire burning, you have to remember where it began, and where it continued.  It was up in that north country, where I first gave my heart to Jesus.  It was there my faith and life was rooted, grounded, and grew.  I witnessed it in my Dad, and still see it in my Mom, my in-laws, and extended family and friends.

There is a scene in the movie Mighty Ducks where the coach talks to the players on the hockey team about where they came from.  One by one the players say their name and where they are from.  It had meaning for them.  It reminds them of where they came from, and how they got to where they are.  So, for me, I’m Bruce Aubrey, from Burke, New York.  It’s who I am, and it’s where I’m from.  However, it’s even more important to remember who you are in Christ.  Bruce Aubrey, child of God.  I could never be more grateful for anything than that.  Thank you, Jesus!  Remember!