As we gather our thoughts to write this message, it's with a mixture of gratitude, hope, and a hint of sadness that we begin to move into another chapter of our ministry, in obedience to God's calling. Today, we come to the moment of declaring victory in this particular battle, and we want to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for all the support you've shown us along the way.

When we embarked on this mission, we never could have imagined the extraordinary community that would grow around it. Your unwavering enthusiasm, encouragement, and dedication have been the fuel that kept our mission alive. You became more than listeners; you became our friends, our brothers in arms, and our source of inspiration.

Over the past few years, we've explored difficult topics, engaged in thought-provoking conversations, and shared stories that have changed our hearts. Your feedback, comments, and messages have been a constant reminder of why we started this movement in the first place: to inspire heroes of faith.

Although this may be the end of our current battle, it's by no means the end of the fight. We hope you'll carry with you the valuable lessons, tactics, and inspiring stories of modern-day heroes of faith. Our journey may be taking a new direction, but the bonds we've forged are timeless.

So, as we bid farewell to this chapter, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for your unwavering support, your kindness, and your passion for the great commission. Thank you for being a vital part of our brotherhood and for making this experience one we'll forever honor.

While this may be goodbye for now, it's not farewell forever. We may cross paths again in new and exciting ways. Until then, may your lives be filled with countless adventures, risky endeavors, and victory in Christ our Lord.

With all our gratitude, Pete and Shad - Iron Edge Ministries

Support Shad as he goes to the field!

Join Pete and Shad as they chat with Matt Poulin about the challenges of identifying and grabbing hold of the path God has laid out for you. Matt is a professional athlete who has embraced the difficult challenged God has placed in his path, choosing to be flexible and share Gods love wherever he is. According to Matt, “The most important thing to me is my faith. Through that I make it a priority to make all people I come in contact with feel valued and seen. I am a very genuine person; my heart is to serve others and to help people anyway I can. I believe reputations are very fragile and thus I only promote things that I believe bring value to others lives. Loyalty is another trait I value deeply. I always strive to give more back to the ones who invest in me rather than take. I put 100% effort into the things I commit too. I have done that throughout my life, whether that was Baseball in the PAC-12 or CrossFit Career.”

The Courage of the Jesus

Did you know that Jesus exemplified courage? He not only possessed courage within himself but also instilled it in others. His actions and words inspire us to find courage in our own lives. 

Jesus displayed courage in various instances. For instance, when He walked on water and healed the woman who touched His robe, He spoke words of encouragement and commanded courage. He said, "Courage! It's me" (Mark 6:50-52; Matt. 9:20-22), urging others to be brave and trust in His presence.

What is even more remarkable is that Jesus gathered up His own courage, fully aware of the immense challenge He would face—death on the cross. His obedience to the cross was for our salvation. He took the first step, resolute in His decision to journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51).

In the garden of Gethsemane, the weight of what lay ahead was so overwhelming that Jesus sweat blood in agony (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22). When those who sought to arrest Him arrived, Jesus, fully aware of the events that would unfold, fearlessly stepped forward and asked, "Who do you seek?" (John 18:4).

Even after His resurrection, when Jesus found His disciples hiding in fear, He breathed courage into them, through the Holy Spirit, restoring their strength and resolve (John 20:22).

The significance of courage cannot be underestimated. In Hebrews 10:35, it is emphasized that courage carries with it a great reward... “Therefore, let us not lose heart or falter in our courage, for it brings blessings and triumph in our journey of faith!”

This entire study of courage culminates in Jesus, the one true example for us all. By drawing upon His strength and relying on His guidance, we can find the courage to face the unknown, overcome our fears, and fulfill our purpose. Let us look to Jesus, the ultimate embodiment of courage, and seek His presence in our lives.

• Why does the courage Jesus displayed inspire you?

• How can you respond to Jesus when he says, Courage, it is me?

• What will you do with the life that Jesus’ courage afforded for you?

Courage is essential for completing the race we're in. It is a recurring theme in the concept of courage that it empowers us to finish what God initiated. Once we are saved, it becomes our responsibility to share the good news with others, which displeases the enemy. The enemy will throw everything at us to make us quit. If we lack courage when facing critical decisions, we might fail to fulfill our mission.

In James 1:12, it is stated that those who remain steadfast under trial are blessed. They will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love Him. Romans 8 assures us that we are more than conquerors through God, and nothing can separate us from His love. Therefore, we have no reason to fear anything.

However, it is natural to have fears. That's why we need God's Word to guide and rejuvenate our spirit. We must persevere like endurance runners, encountering fearful situations daily. The key to courage is to keep pushing forward, no matter what happens. If we stumble, we get back up. If we lose focus, we pause, regain our bearings, and continue moving forward. We don't get to rest until we reach the finish line. It may sound challenging, and it often is, but we can accomplish all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

Take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where you may have given up and neglected to address fear while progressing. Identify those areas and ask God to assist you in overcoming them today.

Act Like Men

In his letters, the apostle Paul consistently implores his readers to be strong and courageous, echoing the rallying call of Joshua. These exhortations transcend mere physical strength, revealing a profound connection between courage and faith.  Paul's words inspire us to embrace courage in our lives, driven by our unwavering commitment to love, faith, and conviction.

In I Corinthians 16:13-14, the New Living Translation urges us to stand firm in the faith, displaying unwavering courage as we navigate life's challenges. The Message Bible emphasizes the importance of holding tight to our convictions and giving our all with unwavering resolve, grounded in love. The ESV version takes it a step further, highlighting the call to "act like men," emphasizing the strength found in faith. These scriptures remind us that our courage is intrinsically tied to our faith in God.

Beyond Physical Battles, it is intriguing to note that Paul's call for courage does not relate to political fights, personal agendas, or physical conflicts. Instead, it is deeply rooted in our faith. While courage often requires a physical response, we recognize that it is fundamentally a spiritual attribute, necessitating a faith-filled response. Our faith enables us to draw strength from within and face life's trials with unwavering bravery.

Paul's message of courage resonated strongly with the disciples of the New Testament. Acts 15:30-33 tells of Judas and Silas, gifted orators who encouraged their fellow believers with words of courage and hope. Their example demonstrates that courage has the power to uplift and inspire others, nurturing a resilient community bound by faith.

It is vital to understand that displaying courage is not synonymous with machismo. Rather, Paul's exhortation to be courageous is underpinned by love. By revisiting the scripture, "let all that you do be done in love," we gain insight into the true motivation behind our courageous acts. Our love for family, community, and God compels us to rise with courage, standing firmly in faith, driven by unwavering convictions and strengthened by Christ.

Let us heed the timeless call for courage found within the letters of Paul. As Billy Graham once said, "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, others are often inspired to do the same." Through unwavering faith, we can embrace courage as an essential attribute in our lives. As we lead by example, guided by love and conviction, our courageous acts will inspire others and strengthen our collective journey of faith.

Why Are Courageous Men Vital to the Great Commission?

Throughout history, men have been entrusted with significant tasks, and there is a purpose behind this. God has endowed men with certain attributes and uses their courage to accomplish daunting missions. Men often find themselves in situations of great danger, whether in accidents, war, or duty-related circumstances. They possess the capacity to take risks, conquer fears, and exhibit courage.

However, it is crucial to assess whether we are truly embracing this role. Are we allowing God to lead us to the edge of adversity to test our mettle? Have we ever fully committed ourselves to see what we are truly capable of? In the United States, we enjoy a great degree of security, and opportunities to demonstrate genuine courage are becoming increasingly rare.

Unfortunately, complacency and comfort have settled in. If we find ourselves questioning our courage or lack thereof today, it is because we are not actively seeking out situations that allow us to display it.

Let us reflect upon the story of Gideon from Judges 6-7. Initially afraid, Gideon sought numerous signs from God. Eventually, he mustered a fighting force and prepared to confront the Midians. On his way, God informed him that his troops were too numerous, as He wanted Israel to recognize that their deliverance came from Him, not from Gideon. Consequently, the risk level soared as Gideon's army was thinned out. Nevertheless, Gideon remained obedient and emerged victorious.

It is important to ask ourselves a fundamental question:

• Are we afraid to push the boundaries of our courage, and if so, why?

Let us entreat God to present us with situations that test our resolve, where we can discover our true potential. By embracing courage and stepping outside our comfort zones, we can play an indispensable role in fulfilling the Great Commission.

The Courageous Father
On the heels of Father's Day, the story of Abraham and Isaac stands out as a poignant example of Courageous Fatherhood. Their journey, as chronicled in Genesis 22, not only showcases Abraham's unwavering faith but also serves as a foreshadowing of God the Father's ultimate sacrifice through His Son, Jesus. We can see the profound parallels between these two father-son relationships and the significance they hold in our understanding of God's divine plan.
Understanding what led up to the story in Genesis 22 is critical to our faith. Abraham and his wife faced numerous trials, including their old age and inability to conceive a child. Despite the odds, their faith remained steadfast, as they believed in God's promise of a son. Isaac, known as the "son of promise," became a testament to their unwavering trust in God's word.
Now, as the story unfolds, God calls Abraham to sacrifice his only son—the very child through whom the promise was fulfilled. This momentous request tests the limits of Abraham's faith and reveals the depth of his devotion as a father. Abraham's willingness to offer up Isaac mirrors the future sacrifice God would make through His own Son, Jesus. Jesus, who could also be referred to as the "son of promise," would become the Lamb of God, offering salvation and serving as the ultimate solution for the sin of all humanity.
Through Abraham's courageous act and God the Father's ultimate sacrifice, we witness a parallel that tells of the redemptive plan that unfolded through Jesus. Today, as much as ever, we need courageous fathers to step up and follow the voice of God, demonstrating faithfulness to our heavenly father for future generations to follow. As we reflect on the bond between fathers and sons, let us draw inspiration from this story and honor the courageous fathers who embody selflessness, faith, and sacrificial love.
Questions:
How can you demonstrate courage to your sons today?
In what ways has your own father exemplified courage?
Why is courage critical to your faith?

The all-powerful God has chosen us and blessed us with everything we need for a fulfilling life and a righteous path. Through His triumph over the enemy and His conquest of death, hell, and sin, we have been embraced as His children and will inherit His kingdom. However, despite these incredible blessings, why is courage still necessary for us?

Many of us hold the misconception that courage is a fixed trait, something we possess once and for all. We may consider ourselves courageous individuals until we find ourselves in a situation where courage seems to elude us, and the resulting disappointment can be disheartening. In reality, courage is not an innate gift that we receive; rather, it is a choice we must make repeatedly in different situations, sometimes even multiple times a day.

It may be difficult to grasp, but on a daily basis, humans make around 35,000 decisions. Many of these decisions are made subconsciously, while others are intentional. If we were to analyze our daily decision-making process, we would likely discover that a few choices are influenced by fear. We can either succumb to that fear or rise above it by demonstrating courage.

Numerous heroes of faith in the Bible have exemplified this truth time and time again. David, the young boy who defeated a giant with a single stone, was also the same man who ordered the murder of one of his most loyal soldiers (2 Samuel 11:14-15). Moses, who directly communicated with the Almighty, doubted God multiple times during the Israelites' exodus (Numbers 11:14-15). The disciples, witnesses to incredible miracles performed by the Son of God, fled in fear when Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:50). Nevertheless, they fought the good fight and many of them became martyrs for their faith.

Courage is a conscious decision; it is not a constant companion. We must actively choose to exhibit courage in our decision-making process. 

• Am I unwittingly surrendering to fear, or can I recognize opportunities where I can demonstrate courage? 

These are questions we should ask ourselves, as we navigate the choices we face each day.