Promises for the Battle
Promises
Thinking #6—Joyful Consideration
Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, because the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its full effect, so you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2–4 In the best sense of the word James is a pragmatist. He is concerned that we survive long enough in … Continue reading
Thinking #5—Invigorating Thinking
Consider him who has endured such hostility by sinners against himself, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up. Hebrews 12:3 Because we all want to belong and to be loved, experiencing hostility is particularly trying. It depletes our energy. We see the animosity of family and colleagues as life-threatening. … Continue reading
Thinking #4—Captivating Thoughts
We do not war according to the flesh. … We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and we are taking every thought captive to make it obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 From the whispered question, “Indeed, has God said …?” to the bold challenge, “Throw yourself down … Continue reading
Thinking #3—Considering History
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac … his only son; of whom God said, “In Isaac your descendants shall be called.” He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead. Hebrews 11:17–19 When Abraham went down to Egypt to escape the famine, and sold his wife into … Continue reading
Thinking #2— Sanctifying Consideration
Consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body for the purpose of obeying its desires. Romans 6:11–12 Thinking about the unseen reality of union with Christ is worth the effort! Jesus is dead to sin—it cannot have a negative … Continue reading
Thinking #1—Transforming Thoughts
For us to succeed as followers of Jesus in a frenetic and fractious world, we would be wise to make time to think deeply about what God has communicated to us about how to live as his representatives. He encourages us to let his word abide in us, to let it be at home in … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #8—Lovers’ Praise
Be imitators of God, as beloved children. Indeed, walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. (Ephesians 5:1–2) We are amazed and encouraged as we consider how much you have loved us, O God. From before you established the earth you graciously chose us to be your children, to become … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #7—Above and Beyond
May the Lord cause you to abound increasingly in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you, so that your hearts become established as blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13 As … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #6—Blinded by Love
Because the culmination of all things is near, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer; above all maintaining a fervent love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:7–8 (Proverbs 10:12; 17:9; James 5:20) The poets (Chaucer and Shakespeare) say, “Love is blind.” And it is, sort of. … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #5—Worthy Love
Live worthily of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and meekness, patiently tolerating one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1–3 Embarrassing God is foolish. We do this is when we misrepresent our claim of allegiance to … Continue reading
