Promises for the Battle
Doug Knighton
Beatitudes #5—The Way to Walk
Fortunate are those whose way is blameless, who walk according to Yahweh’s instructions. Fortunate are those who observe his rules, who seek him with their whole heart, and who, instead of doing wrong, walk in his ways! Psalm 119:1–3 Mel Brooks’ generated a cultural phenomenon when his character Igor said, “Walk this way,” and young … Continue reading
Beatitudes #4—Happily Forgiven
Fortunate are those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Fortunate are those against whom Yahweh counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no duplicity. Psalm 32:1–2 cf. Romans 4:6, 8–9 God’s instructions for how to live in fellowship with him and with our neighbors are not burdensome. They provide the way … Continue reading
Beatitudes #3—Fearfully Fortunate
I sought Yahweh’s help, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. … How fortunate are those who seek protection in him! None of his loved ones who fear Yahweh will lack anything good! Psalm 34:4–9 From a watery mass characterized by emptiness and formlessness God created a full-featured world filled with … Continue reading
Beatitudes #2—Finding Wisdom
Fortunate are they who find wisdom, who obtain understanding, for these are more profitable than silver and yield better returns than gold. … Fortunate are all who hold on to them. Proverbs 3:13–18 Wisdom is the ability to see and secure a future for ourselves that we will enjoy forever, with no regrets. Applying it … Continue reading
Beatitudes #1—Chaotic Happiness
When God created us, he desired, above all, that we would experience his holiness—his infinite, unexcelled, and irreplaceable worth—as he did good things for us, and through us for others. The biblical word for enjoying such fellowship with God is ‘blessed’ or ‘happy’ or ‘fortunate,’ depending on the translation we read. Sometimes this word indicates … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Celebrating Easter
Easter has always been a religious observance. Two thousand years ago in what is now Great Britain people celebrated the arrival of spring, which was associated with the activity of the goddess Eastre. The rabbit was the earthly symbol of this goddess because its fertility spoke to people of the vibrant life that emerged at … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Patiently Following the Plan
Shortly before the day that we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus walked into the village of Bethany and raised his friend, Lazarus, from the dead. This event did not go unnoticed. Word spread. This sign, as John’s gospel labels Jesus’ miracles, was the capstone of a series of signs that began when he turned water … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Day to Day Faith
For those who patiently trust him, God promises many wonderful blessings. He promises that all things will work together for good to those who love him (Romans 8:28)—which surely includes trusting him. We may, however, have to wait a while to see how some distress that presently weighs upon us will bring us to enjoy … Continue reading
Courage #9—Encouraged Praise
If I say, “My foot is slipping,” you sustain me, O Eternal, with your extravagant kindness. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your consolations delight my soul. Psalm 94:18–19 O Lord, I have often felt like Jehoshaphat when he prayed before battle with the armies of Ammon and Moab, “We are powerless before this … Continue reading
Courage #8—Careful Courage
My beloved, just as you have always obeyed … work out your deliverance with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work among you, both to will and to work with good intent. Philippians 2:12–13 When life is difficult because neighbors and colleagues respond negatively to our Christian lifestyle, our best response … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 