Hidden Insights Into God’s Word: Men of Courage

by David Chadwick

In a world full of cowards, God’s courageous ones stand out! We are drawn to men and women of courage.

Today, let’s talk about what it means to be a man of courage.

There are so many stories that give us keys and principles for how to live godly, courageous lives. If yesterday’s insight displayed what happens when faithless, wimpy men release fear and lack of courage over situations, today’s insight will show what happens when men of courage step up to the plate.

The ten spies were so scared of the giants and of the walled cities in the land. They were told the land they were being given was God’s PROMISED land and yet they let their fear overtake them. This fear led to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.

But wait a minute. There were 12 spies, right? Not ten? Exactly! Yesterday I only mentioned ten names. Ten names who have been forgotten due to their cowardice. But there were two more men I didn’t mention. Men of courage. Let’s look at them now.

Joshua and Caleb. Two men of courage who remained faithful in spite of the bad reports. Unlike the other ten spies, these are two commonly used names even today. In fact, two of my grandsons are named Joshua and Caleb.

Caleb in the Bible was 85 when he entered the Promised Land and he wanted the area where the giants lived! He knew his God was greater than any giant. Joshua was around 75-80 years old and he replaced Moses as Israel’s leader. He is the one who said that as for he and his house, he would serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

Here is your insight for today. Live like men of courage. With great faith. Fortitude. Passion. Men like Caleb and Joshua.

Follow their character as they follow God’s heart! Nations are changed by men like this! And be sure to name your kids after men like this, honoring the great legacy of biblical men of courage!

Hidden Insights Into God’s Word:Men of Cowardice

by David Chadwick

As many of you know, I love to seek out the hidden places of God’s Word. To find the concealed things that God has given us and to search out the deeper meaning in it all.

I have five hidden insights into God’s Word that I want to share with you this week. This one is from Numbers 13:4-5,7, and 9-15.

Have you ever heard of Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palit, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Shethur, Nahb, and Gruel?

Do you know the unique parts they played in God’s overall story? Do you recognize any of their names? No? Guess why not? Because they were all cowards! Cowards of the faith are much less remembered than the heroes.

These ten men had little to no faith. Their lives were so impactless that no one even needs to remember their names.

Who are they?

These named ten spies went into the Promised Land and brought back nothing but bad reports to the Israelites, thus infecting God’s people with unbelief. They were the ones who created fear in the hearts of the Israelites, which ultimately caused them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until that generation of unbelievers died off. Eventually, God was able to raise up a community of people who had great courage and faith, but he had to let the old mindsets die off.

So what lesson do we have from these ten cowardly men? Here is the insight. Guard your hearts and seek to be people who release reports and receive reports that only come from God himself. Don’t believe the narratives of the evil one.

These guys are not people you should emulate. And definitely don’t name your kids or grandkids after them! These guys were wimps. They did not help to establish a strong nation, but rather kept God’s people stuck in a place of doubt and fear for 40 years.

Follow the courageous ones! They will lead you to the heart of God himself.

A Legacy of Honor: No Matter What Comes Your Way, Finish Strong

by Marilynn Chadwick

Live a life of sacrifice and honor. Give yourself for the larger good. Put others before yourself. Don’t give up. Family is worth it. No matter what comes your way, persevere. And always do the right thing. These were some of the messages my parents taught me by example over the years.

Mom and Dad believed in dreaming big and always encouraged our dreams. Through the years, nothing brought them more joy than to watch their children and grandchildren (and now great-grandchildren) shine.

But the last chapters of life can sometimes be hard. Honor can be an uphill climb. For Mom and Dad, doing the right thing day after day required endurance, faith, and sometimes a good sense of humor. I watched their courageous battle and I agree with whoever said “Old age is not for sissies.” I watched my mom’s quiet and uncomplaining spirit even when she was in pain. And I still see Daddy’s cheerful attitude as he perseveres day after day.

“How did you do it, Dad?” I asked the other day, reflecting on how he loved mom until her last breath. “He just shrugged his shoulders and said matter of factly, “Your mom was worth it.” I look at their life in the light of the meaning of the word honor—to show a person respect and esteem. To treat someone as though they have great worth. Honor by its very nature is strong, solid, and above all, enduring. I’d have to say Mom and Dad are living examples of honor and a testimony to its high cost—not something you hear much in our “it’s all about me” culture.

Toward the end of Mom’s life, they had an especially difficult morning, which stretched Daddy to practically the end of his strength. Some days were harder than others. Later that day, Daddy quietly beamed as he told me about how Mom had looked at him that morning for a minute or so and then spoke these words with perfect clarity: “You are so patient. I am so proud of you.”

Just a few simple words from his wife who didn’t talk so much anymore. And yet Daddy wore those words like they were a medal of honor. And if you think about it, I guess that’s truly what they are.

Honor. A concept so simple even a child can grasp it. God set the bar low so that even the youngest and weakest among us can practice honor. But God has also set the bar high. People defend freedom, fight, and die for honor. Believers around the world honor Jesus by suffering for their faith. And honor inspires husbands and wives to love each other for a lifetime. In good times and in hard ones. Honor guards our marriages and sets them on solid ground. Honor protects friendships. Honor guards a culture. No wonder it’s so important in our homes. By teaching us to treat each other with honor, God has set before us the most noble and enduring way to live together—with a love that never dies. So that we can finish strong.

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This series is adapted from the book, 8 Great Ways to Honor Your Husband by Marilynn Chadwick. To download your free PDF copy of this book, please visit our website by clicking here!