Promises for the Battle
Doug Knighton
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
Father’s Day 2016
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but raise them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 Back in 1970 Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young presented he world with mind-sticking tune: “Teach Your Children Well.” For Father’s Day 2016, here’s my rewrite of their lyrics. You know the tune; don’t … Continue reading
Sabbath: A Way To Celebrate Christ’s Finished Work
I’m taking a break from the “Integrity” series for a week to post an essay about understanding and appreciating the Sabbath. I recently heard someone declare that God created the Sabbath rest so human beings can maintain a sense of balance in our lives; too much “busyness” is not good for us. It’s true that … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … Source of Love
When reading “Points to Ponder” in a recent Reader’s Digest, I was particularly struck by the answer Dr. Thomas P. Malone, of the Atlantic Psychiatric clinic, gave to the question of what psychiatry is all about. The root of the cause of almost every emotional problem, he says, is someone’s crying out for love. A … Continue reading
Palm Sunday’s Ride
Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Look! Your king is coming to you: he is legitimate and has been saved, humble and riding on a donkey. Zechariah 9:9 Jesus proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because his followers thought that the kingdom of God was going … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … God of All Comfort
God is the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). But what does this mean? If we want to get to the message that God has for us in the pages of his book, we must not read the Bible passively. Instead, we should formulate questions about what its statements mean. Then we should let … Continue reading
Christmas Sonnet 2015
For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called: Extraordinary Strategist, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His dominion will be vast and he will bring immeasurable prosperity. He will rule on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom, establishing it and strengthening … Continue reading
Thanksgiving Prayer 2015 — Gratitude for Goodness
In preparation for this year’s Thanksgiving prayer sonnet, I thought some more about the last verse of last year’s text: 1 Chronicles 16:34 — “O give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good; for his extravagant kindness is everlasting.” Here are some of those thoughts and the prayer which followed. The term “good” indicates that some … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … the Weight of Glory
I’ve been encouraged lately from mulling over 2 Corinthians 4:17–18: “This slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. …” When difficulties and disappointments come, my initial reaction is to be … Continue reading
