Promises for the Battle
Doug Knighton
I Was Just Thinking … About Having Fellowship With God
The psalmist said, “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1). He was a shepherd, who had often seen deer panting for a satisfying drink from a stream’s pure waters. This was the best illustration he could think of to describe the intense longing that he … Continue reading
Civility #8—Civil Praise
I am not ashamed of the gospel because God makes his power to save available to everyone, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. Romans 1:16 Yahweh, place a guard on my mouth! Protect the opening of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to evil speech as a way to participate in sinful activities. … Continue reading
Civility #7—Hopeful Civility
If you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are fortunate. So don’t let it bother you. Rather, set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts, so you will always be ready to answer, with courtesy and respect, anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 1 Peter 3:14–16 Hopeful people can be … Continue reading
Civility #6—Life-Giving Civility
Do you want to really live? Would you love to live a long, happy life? Then make sure you don’t speak evil words or use deceptive speech! Turn away from evil and do what is right! Pursue peace and promote it! Psalm 34:12–14 Isolation inspires insanity—and death! Cut off from positive human interaction, we human … Continue reading
Civility #5—Imitation Civility
When Christ suffered for you, he left you an example to follow: … When he was maligned, he did not respond with a curse; when he suffered, he did not threaten to retaliate. Rather, he placed his future in the hands of God because he judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21–23 How did he do it? … Continue reading
Civility #4—Civil Righteousness
Where jealousy and self-centeredness exist, there is disruption and every worthless practice. But wisdom from God is first pure, then peaceable, considerate, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and authentic. His wisdom, planted peacefully by peacemakers, yields righteousness. James 3:16–18 ‘Politician’ has been a four-letter word for ages. In the classical age of … Continue reading
Civility #3—Despicable Me
Why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. … All of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:10–12 The waitress asked Descartes if he’d like another cup of coffee. He said, “I think not.” Then he disappeared. Our self-perception colors … Continue reading
Civility #2—Imitative Civility
Treat your enemies as valuable; do what is best suited to meet someone’s needs; and lend without despairing that you will have enough. Then your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is usefully kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35 We call the smallest … Continue reading
Civility #1—Irreproachable Communication
We am not responsible for how others communicate their thoughts and opinions as they respond to us. But we are responsible for how our communication style contributes to our relational environment. We are responsible for both the content and the character of our speech. We are responsible for the motive and the manner and the … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Encouragement to Pray
The privilege of prayer is high on the list of blessings Christ has made available to those who commit their future happiness to him. In prayer believers draw near to God and experience the joy of having God draw near to them (James 4:8). As creatures created to represent God, we find rest for our … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 