We’ve been exploring practical ways to increase our courage in the Lord. We see in 1 Samuel 30:1-7 how King David strengthened himself after a devastating attack by the Amalekites. David first got alone and “strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Sam 30:6 ESV). He sought God’s wisdom. Then he courageously obeyed God’s …
Author Archives: Jonathan Kobayashi
22420.5 Woman of Valor
Who can find a woman of valor? (Proverbs 31:10 Orthodox Jewish Bible). The dictionary defines valor as “courage and bravery in the face of danger.” But the Hebrew word for valor, chayil, is much more vibrant, depicting a “warrior, army, strength, honor, even wealth.” Chayil, is actually a military term. So I was surprised to …
22420.4 Becoming Like a Child Takes Courage
Sometimes God provides a deep spiritual lesson we least expect it. While reading through Matthew’s Gospel one day, I was struck by Jesus’s words to His disciples: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3 NIV). The word used in this verse for change means …
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22420.3 Laughing at Our Fears
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come (Proverbs 31:25). One of the things I love most about my husband David is the way he would always encourage our children to laugh at the very things they were afraid of. He referred to their fears as “fret flies.” …
22420.2 Mighty Man of Valor
Courage comes in all kinds of packages. Perhaps you’re in the military. Or you’re a first responder. Or a caregiver holding the hands of the dying. Or you’re faithfully caring for your children—pouring life into the next generation. People show courage in many different ways. But do you ever feel like you’re not strong enough …
22420.1 Love Makes Us Brave
I agree with Indiana Jones: “I hate snakes!” Maybe some of you share my distaste these slithery reptiles. A while back when cleaning our garage, our son found a small copperhead hiding behind a box. My first response was “Yikes! Go hide!” My next thought was, “Go get ‘em!” I grabbed the nearest gardening tool, …
95001 Using Google Translate
You can read the JO App articles in your native language using Google Translate. [Translate Traducir Traduire Übersetzen Перевести]
67000 Extraordinary Evangelism (Book)
Download the PDF version Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Our Message Chapter 2: Why Witness? Chapter 3: Who to Share Christ With Chapter 4: Why Christians Don’t Witness Chapter 5: The Power Chapter 6: Your Personal Testimony Chapter 7: Attitudes and Approaches Chapter 8: Asking Questions Using Conversations to Share the Gospel Chapter 9: The Process …
67013 Answering Objections
What Is Apologetics? In the book Therefore Stand, Wilbur Smith defines apologetics as “a verbal defense, a speech in defense of what one has done or a truth which one believes.” First Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you …
67010 Articulating the Gospel
What’s Your Style? In the book Becoming a Contagious Christian by Mark Mittelberg and Lee Strobel are six evangelistic styles: (1) direct (Peter in Acts 2); (2) intellectual or apologetical (Paul in Acts 17); (3) testimonial (blind man in John 9); (4) interpersonal or friendship (Luke 5:27–29); (5) invitational (Andrew told Peter, “We have found …