Promises for the Battle
Miscellaneous
Christmas Sonnet 2025—Surprised by Jesus
As the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. … The tribes of the earth will see the Son of Man arriving on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. … As for that day and hour, no … Continue reading
Thanksgiving Sonnet 2025—Grateful for Ministry
As I thought about a theme for this year’s Thanksgiving sonnet-prayer, I was struck by the gratitude Paul felt and expressed for being able to contribute to the growth of the saints after they came to Christ. This gratitude appears in three of his letters, one from early in his ministry and two from later. … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Jesus’ Triumph on Palm Sunday
Shortly before the day that we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus walked into the village of Bethany and raised his friend, Lazarus, from the dead. This event did not go unnoticed. Word spread. This sign, as John’s gospel labels Jesus’ miracles, was the capstone of a series of signs that began when he turned water … Continue reading
Remembering and Celebrating the Lord’s Kindnesses
When the godly see God’s wondrous work, they rejoice, and every sinner shuts his mouth. If you are wise, remember these things, and pay attention to the kindnesses of I AM. Psalm 107:42–43 This year’s Thanksgiving prayer springs from following the psalmist’s command to remember and celebrate the extraordinary kindnesses God has extended to me … Continue reading
Advent 2023 #3—Impossible Joy
Thus says Yahweh Sabaoth, “If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in my sight? Behold, I am going to save my people … and they shall be my people, and I will be their deity in faithfulness and righteousness.” … Continue reading
Advent 2023 #2—Loving His Appearing
For persevering in faith, the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me the crown of righteousness—and not to me only, but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7–8 The first time Jesus appeared, only two people in the world were eager for him to arrive and were ready to love … Continue reading
Advent 2023 #1—Soon May Your Kingdom Come
One of the traditions observed by writers of what we call “Christmas Carols” is combining a celebration of Christ’s first advent with joyful anticipation of his second advent; “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” is a good example of this. Another tradition is connecting Israel’s anticipation of its anointed king and savior with Christ’s arrival; … Continue reading
Thanksgiving Prayer 2023
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15 As I thought about this year’s Thanksgiving prayer, I noticed that the Apostle Paul rarely runs out of words to express the power and scope of his delight for all that God did for his people through Christ. But at the close of his … Continue reading
Soon May Your Kingdom Come
During the Advent season we celebrate Christ’s birth 2000 years ago, and we celebrate, in anticipation, his return to reign as God’s anointed king. So we pray that our Father in heaven will consummate the establishment of his kingdom, in which everyone in the kingdom will exhibit righteousness and love. This new Advent song will … Continue reading
Christmas 2022—Advent Trumpets
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. … “Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.” Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God. Luke 2:9 The Lord himself will come down from heaven with … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 