Be Strong and Courageous

God's Encouragement in the Transition

Here is my final sermon to the beloved St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lake Mary, FL where I have served for the last 16 years.

The scriptures here are offered by the Lord as encouragement to stay strong and brave even in the face of the new realities and thresholds that the Lord challenges us to cross.

 

God’s promises transfer across the thresholds of life and leadership. He challenges us to stay true to His Word. We have nothing to fear, because the Lord is with us always. Be Strong and Courageous!

Brooke’s remarks at St., Peter’s

At the conclusion of the sermon you will hear the remarks and congregational prayers, by Brooke Holt (my wife), John Ricci, (Senior Warden) and The Rev. Canon Justin Holcomb (representing Bishop Gregory O. Brewer).

Joshua 1:5b-9

“Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. 

Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

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Categories: Ministry, Sermons, Worship

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6 thoughts on “Be Strong and Courageous”

  1. Dear Charlie,
    What a blessing you are as a son-in-law! You add so much to our family life together. Know how much we love you and that we both rejoice in this new call to ministry and grieve our loss in not having you in the immediate area. Make sure to leave the light on since I plan to be coming to Texas!
    With love and blessings, Karen

    • Thank you Karen! It is been a real blessing to live near you and Charlie. The two of you have been a tremendous support to our family, it is noticed and appreciated. We definitely want to have you come visit soon. Love your favorite son-in-law, Charlie+

  2. Charlie and Brooke, dear Children of God and my Godchildren. I’m touched and moved to tears with your leave-taking but know in the depth of my heart that you are called by God to make this journey in faith to Houston. Stay focused on Jesus, our Life Saver, and forget the waves and wind, and as I preached this Sunday, “If you want to walk on the water, you’ve got to get out of the boat.” John Ortberg
    Godspeed, stay in touch, and love always from this ol lady come lately to the altar of the Lord.
    Greer

  3. God Bless you, Charlie! Good thoughts and prayers are coming your way!
    Good luck in Texas!
    John Howard
    Go Gators!

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