Promises for the Battle
Miscellaneous
Advent 2019 #1—Illuminated by Jesus
I am the Light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. … The person who sees me sees the One who sent me. I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness.” … Continue reading
Thanksgiving Sonnet 2019—Identified by Gratitude
This year’s sonnet prayer for Thanksgiving arose from my thinking about Colossians 3:15–17. As an added bonus there’s a threefold benediction that you can use at the end of your celebration of God’s grace. Colossians 3:15–17 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; … Continue reading
Christmas Sonnet 2018—Humble Exemplar
For this year’s Christmas prayer sonnet I thought Philippians 2:6–9 would be a good seed text. It’s not strictly a “Christmas text,” but it is definitely about the incarnation, and, significantly, about our response to it, as Paul suggests earlier in the chapter: Humble perseverance in the face of God’s sovereign dispensation yields effective love and … Continue reading
Thanksgiving Sonnet—A Day Is Not Enough
Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 O Lord, we set aside this day to say That we rejoice in all that you have done; With love and joy we’ve only just begun To celebrate your gracious resumé. Indeed, a day … Continue reading
Palm Sunday’s Ride—Humility’s Hurrah
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
Christmas Lights
You have prepared your salvation in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation—to the nations and the glory of your people, Israel. … This child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel and for a sign to be opposed. As a result of him the thoughts of many hearts … Continue reading
From Love to Hope to Faith
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect longsuffering as an example for those purposing to believe in … Continue reading
Enjoying Light
“I am the Light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12 “He who sees me sees the One who sent me. I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness.” … Continue reading
Invisible Christmas
Let us be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself up for us. Ephesians 5:1–2 The Christmas holiday season is visible in our culture because there’s money to be made. But the greediness and gaudiness of cultural Christmas hides the glory of God’s … Continue reading
Superlative Thanksgiving
It is good to give you thanks, O Yahweh; to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your extravagant kindness in the morning and your faithfulness by night. … For you, Yahweh, have made me happy by your work. I will sing for joy because of what you have done. Psalm 92:1–4 … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 