Promises for the Battle
Doug Knighton
Christmas Sonnet 2016
While John’s gospel does not contain an infancy narrative, his first letter is most insistent about the reality and significance of the incarnation. So today we celebrate the incarnation from the context of 1 John. Eternal life, immeasurable love, Existed as the Father and the Son Together shared the joy and glory of The perfect … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … Star-Inspired Faith
This past summer I went back-packing in the Sierras with part of my family. For two nights we camped beside a lake at an elevation of about 9,500 feet. As one who lives in the middle of the seventy-mile-broad megalopolis of the Los Angeles basin, this campsite afforded my first chance in many years to … Continue reading
Thanksgiving Sonnet 2016
You are Yahweh, Most High over all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods. Hate evil, you who love Yahweh; for he preserves the souls of his kind ones by snatching them from the hand of the wicked. Light is shining for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad … Continue reading
Speech #1—Edifying Words
Let no rotten word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification (according to the need of the moment) so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29) Because we live in a community with other human beings, it is extremely important that we be conscientious … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … Fear Not Only Believe
The man through whom my father came to Christ, evangelist Paul Rader, is perhaps best remembered today for his hymn “Only Believe”: Fear not, little flock, from the cross to the throne, From death into life he went for his own; All power in earth, all power above, Is given to him for the flock … Continue reading
Praised by God #8 — Pleasing Praise
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death, and he was not to be found because God took him up. For before his removal he had been commended as having pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 Gracious God, pleasing you is such a pleasure! You have made it so simple. Creation reveals … Continue reading
Praised by God #7 — Well Done!
His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21 No participation trophy here. No words of praise or welcome for failure. We can only expect to hear these words … Continue reading
Praised by God #6 — Approved Commendation
It is not the individuals who commend themselves who are approved, but the person the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:18 Self-condemnation and self-commendation are both unwise. When we condemn ourselves, we imply that Jesus’ death for us was inadequate. But God raised him from the dead to prove that it was. So if God does … Continue reading
Praised by God #5 — Informed Praise
Do not judge anyone before the time when the Lord comes. He will reveal the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the intentions of our hearts; then our praise will come to us from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Impatience often causes us not to gather enough information. Incomplete information leads to misunderstanding, misdiagnosis, and … Continue reading
Praised by God #4 — Valued Trials
While rejoicing in the salvation which is coming, you suffer necessary but temporary trials, so that in the genuineness of your faith—which is much more valuable than fire-tested gold—you will find praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:5–7 Olympic gold medalists resemble the gold they pursue. Olympic gold only … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 