Promises for the Battle
Promises
Praised by God #6—Approved Commendation
It is not the individuals who commend themselves who are approved, but the person the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:18 Self-condemnation and self-commendation are both unwise. When we condemn ourselves, we imply that Jesus’ death for us was inadequate. But God raised him from the dead to prove that it was. So if God does … Continue reading
Praised by God #5—Revealed Praise
Do not judge anyone before the Lord arrives. 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 prevents us from gathering enough information. Incomplete information leads to misunderstanding, misdiagnosis, and poor decisions. Sometimes snap … Continue reading
Praised by God #4—Valued Trials
As you rejoice in your coming salvation, you will endure necessary but temporary trials, so that in the genuineness of your faith—which is far more valuable than fire-tested gold—you will find praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:5–7 Olympic gold medalists resemble the gold they pursue. Only those of us … Continue reading
Praise by God #3—Marvelous Praise
The Centurion said, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” … When Jesus heard this, he marveled and exclaimed, “I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.” Matthew 8:8–10 During Jesus’ three years of ministry in Israel, he traveled around the country proclaiming the good news that the Kingdom … Continue reading
Praised by God #2—Singular Praise
If you accept praise from one another and don’t seek the praise that comes from the one God, you can’t believe me. John 5:44 When he returned from the battle with the four kings, Abraham had a choice: accept physical tokens of gratitude from the King of Sodom or look to the Almighty for his … Continue reading
Praised By God #1—Glorified for Good
Scripture frequently reminds us that praising God is right and wise. But Scripture also promises that we can expect praise from God. As every good father longs for his children to succeed and eagerly anticipates affirming them when they do, so our heavenly Father encourages us to live in a way that draws forth his … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Persistent Fervent Prayer
Jesus once said, “In praying do not heap up empty phrases, as those do who think they will be heard for their many words” (Matthew 6:7). And yet in his parable of the widow and the unjust judge, Jesus clearly taught that we should keep on making the same request to God “day and night” … Continue reading
Integrity #8—Praises for Integrity
God chose David, his servant … to shepherd Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he shepherded them wholeheartedly and guided them with his skillful hands. Psalm 78:69–72 Father, I celebrate how you created in order to manifest your glory, and declared that the knowledge of your glory will fill the earth as the … Continue reading
Integrity #7—Enlightened Integrity
If we say that we have fellowship with God, but walk in the darkness, we are lying and not practicing the truth; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 … Continue reading
Integrity #6—Suffering Integrity
Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3–4. For the joy set before him Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame, and is … Continue reading
