Living Courageously (Thaddaeus) - Protestant Caucus/Devotional

The twelve apostles included "Thaddaeus" (Matt. 10:3). Victorious Christian living requires great courage.

Thaddaeus was a man of many identities. In the King James translation of Matthew 10:3 he is called "Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus." He is also called "Judas the son of James" (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13) and "Judas (not Iscariot)" (John 14:22).

Judas, which means "Jehovah leads," was probably the name given him at birth, with Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus added later as nicknames to reflect his character. Apparently Thaddaeus was the nickname given to him by his family. It comes from a Hebrew root word that refers to the female breast. Basically it means a "breast-child." Perhaps Thaddaeus was the youngest child in the family or especially dear to his mother. Lebbaeus comes from a Hebrew root that means "heart." Literally it means a "heart-child," and speaks of someone who is courageous. That nickname was likely given him by his friends, who saw him as a man of boldness and courage.

Early church tradition tells us that Thaddaeus was tremendously gifted with the power of God to heal the sick. It is said that a certain Syrian king named Adgar was very ill and sent for Thaddaeus to come and heal him. On his way to the king, Thaddaeus reportedly healed hundreds of people throughout Syria. When he finally reached the king, he healed him then preached Christ to him. As a result, the king became a Christian. The country, however, was thrown into chaos, and a vengeful nephew of the king had Thaddaeus imprisoned then beaten to death with a club. If that tradition is true, it confirms that Thaddaeus was a man of great courage.

It takes courage to die for Christ but it also takes courage to live for Him. That's why Paul said that God hasn't given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline (2 Tim. 1:7). Each day trust in God's promises and rely on His Spirit. That's how you can face each new challenge with courage and confidence.

Thank God for the courage He has given you in the past and ask Him to help you face future spiritual battles without retreat or compromise.

Paul said that God hasn’t given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline (2 Tim. 1:7).
.................

This keeps popping up recently. Time to read and heed. A great reminder to focus on Christ and trust in Him.

Prayer To Overcome Fear

Thank You, Lord, that we are not to fear, knowing that You are with us in every activity and circumstance of life. Thank You for Your promise to strengthen us and uphold us with Your righteous right hand.

Thank You, that You have said that You will never to leave us nor forsake us and thank You Father, that You have redeemed us with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and that we are Your children, forever.

Thank You that our lives are hid with Christ in God, and that because of His great and precious sacrifice we are accepted in Him and clothed in His perfect righteousness.

Thank You, that no matter what difficulties arise in life You have promised to be there to uphold and rescue us, and thank You that You are ever faithful and that Your loving-kindness and tender-mercies towards us are new every morning. Praise Your holy name. In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/prayer/prayer-to-overcome-fear-1395

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.