Promises for the Battle
Doug Knighton
Strength #4—Strengthening Words
Paul and Barnabas strengthened the souls of the disciples by urging them to continue in the faith and that they would encounter many unavoidable tribulations as they enter the Kingdom of God. … With a lengthy speech, Judas and Silas encouraged and strengthened the disciples. Acts 14:22; 15:32 Jesus made it clear that only those … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Convicted Strength
During the Last Supper, Jesus spoke more specifically about the lives of his followers after his resurrection and ascension: “If I go, I will send the Paraclete to you. When he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; and concerning righteousness, … Continue reading
Strength #3—Renewing Strength
After you have suffered for a little while, the most gracious God, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, stabilize, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 Peter knew from experience that this promise is true. He was able to write about it here because God caused it to come … Continue reading
Strength #2—Strong Examples
Be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s coming is near. … Behold, we consider those prophets blessed who endured. Also, you have heard of Job’s endurance, and you have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, because he is emotionally tuned in and sympathetic. James 5:8, 11 We can strengthen our hearts by considering … Continue reading
Strength #1—Greater Strength
Loving God with all our heart, loving our neighbors as ourselves, resisting the Devil, and building up the Body of Christ require strength—specifically, strength of both mind and heart. While God commands us to be strong in these endeavors, he also promises to provide what we need to strengthen our resolve. Additionally, he offers us … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … That God Accomplishes His Purposes
Great encouragement came to me recently from Isaiah 55:11, “So shall my promise be that goes forth from my mouth. It shall not return to me empty; rather, it shall accomplish what I intend, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I send it.” This verse teaches us that God’s declarations effectively change … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About the Right Kind of Clothing
In the parable of the emperor’s new clothes, the emperor thought he was wearing clothing that fit his position as the supreme ruler. Unfortunately, he was deluded. He was not wearing royal raiment; indeed, he was not attired in anything. Job, on the other hand, did not suffer such delusions. The man whom Yahweh affirmed … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Pursuing Personal Holiness
The exhortation to personal holiness is central in Christian teaching. In his first letter, Peter urges us to “be holy in all your conduct,” echoing God’s own holiness. When we say that God is holy, we mean that God has infinite, unexcelled, and irreplaceable worth … for us. Indeed, in Isaiah alone, Yahweh is labeled … Continue reading
Holiness #8—Praising Holiness
Holy, Holy, Holy is Yahweh, warrior deity; the fullness of the earth is his glory. Isaiah 6:3 Faithful God, there is no one like you. You alone have infinite, unexcelled, and irreplaceable worth! One day, everyone will realize and celebrate the glorious way you have displayed this worth for us. Today, I rejoice as I … Continue reading
Holiness #7—Holy Identity
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 Contrary to modern American culture, which says, “What I do defines who I am,” Peter … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 