January/February 2025

‘Be strong and very courageous’ is repeated three times in the first few verses of the book of Joshua. The first time is when the Israelites are going to establish God’s kingdom in the land, requiring them to overcome God’s enemies. The second time is because following God’s ways is a whole-of-life activity requiring his people to be fully given over to him. Both of these clearly require great courage and strength. Living as Christians today, seeking to establish God’s kingdom and living according to God’s whole-of-life ways, also requires great courage and strength. It would be all too easy to give up or give in.
In Joshua 1:9 when this phrase is used a third time, we see what makes such strength and courage possible: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ God is always with us, wherever we are, to lead, guide, strengthen, equip and enable us. By his Spirit, in Jesus, we have a God who is ‘able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.’ That’s why we can be strong and courageous – not because of us but because of him.
As we begin a new year, this edition of the magazine is intended to inspire us to take such courage in the Lord. David and Jan Donegani have faced trials as a family but share how looking to Jesus gives them the courage to persevere. Drawing on the book of Daniel, Graham Daniels encourages us to share the gospel courageously by relying on God’s sovereignty and Gareth Edwards warmly challenges us to take courage in everyday living.
Since it’s a new year, we have some new strands starting. We’re starting a series of articles looking at the EMW doctrinal basis, to help us to be clear on what we believe. Eryl Davies starts this by looking at the Bible. Finally, we have a new strand on technology and Heledd Job helps us to consider the impact technology has upon us. Besides all this, there are many other articles, updates and reviews to enjoy until our next edition!