Promises for the Battle
Doug Knighton
Success #4—Humble Success
Jesus took a towel … and began to wash the disciples’ feet. … He said to Peter, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with me … I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” John 13: 4–15 Jesus presents himself as both Teacher and … Continue reading
Success #3—The Means of Success
Moses said, “Meditate on these instructions day and night, so that you will be careful to do according to all that is written; for then you will make your way prosperous and have success.” Joshua 1:8 Sometimes we pay attention to the last words of great people—especially if they are old—hoping to hear a snippet … Continue reading
Success #2—Celebrating Success
I shall continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:25–26 As those who follow Jesus in the obedience of faith, what’s the best way to celebrate any measure of success that we experience? Abundant boasting! More and more: more talk … Continue reading
Success #1—Gracious Success
The idea of “success” is often on our minds at the beginning of the year. So let’s spend a few weeks considering some of what God has to say about success, particularly about the fact that we won’t be successful if we don’t act. Paralysis is not always a physical condition. Sometimes we are paralyzed … Continue reading
Christmas Sonnet 2018—Humble Exemplar
For this year’s Christmas prayer sonnet I thought Philippians 2:6–9 would be a good seed text. It’s not strictly a “Christmas text,” but it is definitely about the incarnation, and, significantly, about our response to it, as Paul suggests earlier in the chapter: Humble perseverance in the face of God’s sovereign dispensation yields effective love and … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About the Next Advent
“It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” one of the many songs we enjoy during the Christmas season, is not really about the past. It begins there, but it quickly moves to remind us about how we should live while we await Jesus’ second advent. Since we live in the present so that we can enjoy … Continue reading
Holy Is As Holy Does
Living in accord with the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your behavior. 1 Peter 1:15 During the Christmas season this year, plain brown boxes filled with precious gifts are being delivered across the nation. We, ourselves, are containers packed with abundant and priceless gifts. Our gifts are packaged in fragile … Continue reading
Refined Integrity
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Eternal tests hearts. Proverbs 17:3 During the holidays, broken airplanes, cancellations because of weather, miscommunications about rides to the hotel, and snoring roommates are not just annoying incidents in our daily lives. They are opportunities for us to inventory the stock of … Continue reading
Thanksgiving Sonnet—A Day Is Not Enough
Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 O Lord, we set aside this day to say That we rejoice in all that you have done; With love and joy we’ve only just begun To celebrate your gracious resumé. Indeed, a day … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Being More Than Conquerors
According to Romans 8:37 we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us.” While studying this passage with a class I taught, the question came up: How is it possible to be more than a conqueror? We understand what if means to win against an opponent, but how is it possible to do more … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 