Hello, friend. Welcome to Authorized Sword Ministries.

We're so glad you're here.

Where This Course Begins

This course is for the men and women serving in our armed forces. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen. Whether you're at a stateside post, on a ship, or deployed far from home, thank you for your service.

Authorized Sword Ministries was founded by a Marine Corps veteran. So this course comes with a lot of respect, and a little understanding of the life you live. The long days. The time away from family. The weight you carry.

Over four short lessons, we'll look at what the Bible says to those who serve. Courage. The armour of God. God's care and presence in hard places. And serving with honor under authority. We'll stay close to the King James Bible, and we'll keep it simple and straight.

Today is Lesson One. It's called "Be Strong and of a Good Courage."

Our Key Verse

Here is our key verse. Joshua 1:9.

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." — Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

A New Leader with a Big Mission

Let's set the scene. Moses had just died. For forty years he had led the people of Israel. Now the job fell to Joshua. Ahead of him was the river Jordan, a land full of walled cities, and a people who would have to follow his lead.

If anyone had reason to be afraid, it was Joshua. And God knew it. That's why He told him again and again, "Be strong and of a good courage."

Notice the first words of our verse. "Have not I commanded thee?" Courage wasn't a suggestion. It was an order from the highest authority there is.

Courage Comes from God's Presence

But look at the reason God gave. Not "because you're strong enough." Not "because the mission is easy." Here's the reason: "For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Whithersoever means wherever. Any base. Any ship. Any country. Any watch, day or night. God told Joshua:

"There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." — Joshua 1:5 (KJV)

That promise was spoken to Joshua for his mission. But the same God makes a promise like it to everyone who trusts Him. Moses had told all the people:

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." — Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)

Courage Isn't the Absence of Fear

Here's something every service member knows. Being brave doesn't mean you never feel afraid. It means you do what's right while you feel it.

Even David, the warrior king, admitted to fear. Listen to his honest prayer:

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." — Psalm 56:3 (KJV)

Notice he didn't say "if." He said "what time." There will be times you're afraid. And in those times, you can take your fear straight to God and trust Him with it.

David also wrote:

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" — Psalm 27:1 (KJV)

A Sound Mind

Fear can cloud your thinking. It can keep you up at night and wear you down. But God gives His people something better:

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." — 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

Power to do what you have to do. Love for the people beside you and the people back home. And a sound mind, clear and steady.

And when you feel weak, here's a promise to carry with you:

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." — Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

Write that one down. Keep it in your pocket or your locker. Read it before a hard day.

Is the Lord Your God?

Friend, notice that Joshua 1:9 says "the LORD thy God." The deepest courage comes from knowing that God is your God, and that you belong to Him.

The Bible says all of us have sinned. But Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again the third day. If you've never trusted Him, you can do it right now, wherever you are. Turn from your sin and put your faith in Jesus Christ alone. Then whatever you face, you'll never face it without Him.

Next Time

In Lesson Two, we'll look at the gear God gives every believer for the battles we can't see.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." — Ephesians 6:10-11 (KJV)

A Prayer

Before we go, let's pray together.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this friend who is listening right now, and for their service.

Thank You that You are with them wherever they go. When they are afraid, help them to trust in You. Give them power, love, and a sound mind.

Strengthen them, help them, and uphold them with Your right hand. And watch over the people they love back home.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Thank you for spending this time with us.

We'll see you in Lesson Two.

From all of us at Authorized Sword Ministries, God bless you.