Promises for the Battle
Just Thinking
I Was Just Thinking … About the Right Kind of Clothing
In the parable of the emperor’s new clothes, the emperor thought he was wearing clothing that fit his position as the supreme ruler. Unfortunately, he was deluded. He was not wearing royal raiment; indeed, he was not attired in anything. Job, on the other hand, did not suffer such delusions. The man whom Yahweh affirmed … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Pursuing Personal Holiness
The exhortation to personal holiness is central in Christian teaching. In his first letter, Peter urges us to “be holy in all your conduct,” echoing God’s own holiness. When we say that God is holy, we mean that God has infinite, unexcelled, and irreplaceable worth … for us. Indeed, in Isaiah alone, Yahweh is labeled … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Being Weak in Faith
Those whose faith is weak need the help of those whose faith is strong. When our faith is weak, we are vulnerable to threats to our bodies and to our souls. Even though we once understood the crucified and risen Jesus to be God’s anointed king, his absence from our earthly realm sometimes makes it … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Necessary Suffering
The other day, while I was memorizing and meditating on Chapter 1 of 1 Peter, the Lord gave me something that I believe will strengthen me whenever tribulations strike. In the hope that some of you might also find this thought helpful, I will share it with you: 1 Peter 1:6–7 says, “In this [salvation … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Walking in His Ways
One of the helpful metaphors the biblical authors use characterizes our lives as a journey or a walk. For example, when Abraham turned ninety-nine, God said to him, “Walk about before me with integrity” (Genesis 17:1). After Solomon finished building the temple, Yahweh reminded him to “walk before me as your father David walked, in … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About True Riches
What makes someone rich? The Bible talks about being “rich in faith” (James 2:5), and having “the true riches” (Luke 16:11). But what are these “true riches”? Paul tells us they consist of the overwhelming gain of knowing Christ, of having personal fellowship and communion with him. Only in this way can I find total … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About the Certainty of Perseverance
God’s Word teaches that throughout life, the Christian is engaged in a warfare with the powers of sin and darkness. With each of us, Satan’s objective is to destroy our confidence in Christ so that we will despair and stop following him. We know that this is Satan’s objective from 1 Thessalonians 3:5, where Paul … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking About … Round Peg, Round Hole
Dr. David Hubbard preached on The Joyful Sound radio program for three years, and with thousands of others, I rejoice in his God-given ministry as he faithfully proclaimed the Word. By doing this he blessed many. Indeed, I still receive letters that ask me why I didn’t carry on preaching after my father died. The … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About the Supper and the Covenant
Remembering the significance of events is important in our culture. So we invent slogans and ceremonies to help us. “Remember the Alamo!” Fireworks on the fourth of July. “Never again!” Memorial Day. God gave the nation of Israel similar ways to remember. The most important of these was the observance of Passover. The Lord Jesus … Continue reading
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
Promises for the Battle 