Promises for the Battle
Promises
Forgiveness #5—Trusting Example
Christ left you an example to follow. … When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21–23 Few people have been wronged worse than Jesus. Few have got a raw deal as bad as his. Few … Continue reading
Forgiveness #4—Heavenly Warning
My heavenly Father will make every one of you pay your debts to him if you do not forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart. Matthew 18:35 The old saying goes, “You always hurt the one you love.” Scripture consistently confirms this truth. As God establishes the Israelite community he commands: “You shall not … Continue reading
Forgiveness #3—A Bigger Picture
You meant harm against me; God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. Genesis 50:19–21 Joseph’s ability to see beyond the immediate cause of his misadventures years before, enabled him … Continue reading
Forgiveness #2—Prophylactic Grace
Put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, being gracious to one another, just as God in Christ also was gracious to you. Ephesians 4:31–32 While the first thing we see in this text is a command, if we look closely, we can … Continue reading
Forgiveness #1—Sweet Hearts
When we carry a bitter spirit in our hearts we are guilty of unbelief. Being bitter means we do not believe God can or will adequately dispense justice in the world. So we harbor an unforgiving spirit; we angrily and continually view our adversaries as enemies. This bitterness eventually obliterates our joy and poisons everyone … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … about Grace and Reconciliation, Part 2
Last week we determined that grace is the action that originates in the joy of one person in order to create a corresponding joy in another. God is rich in grace because he is rich in joy. We can be rich in grace because of our joy in God. Probably the clearest biblical example of … Continue reading
Guidance #8—Praising Guidance
If you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness, and your gloom like midday. And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places. Isaiah 58:11 Faithful Father, you have made it so clear how you want me to … Continue reading
Guidance #7—Immediate Guidance
An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Arise and go south” … And he arose and went; then he encountered an Ethiopian eunuch … And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” Acts 8:26–29 Technically, this is not a promise. But it does illustrate what seems to be the … Continue reading
Guidance #6—Generous Guidance
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask of God, who gives to everyone generously and without reproach; and it will be given to you. But you should ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5–6 Even … Continue reading
Guidance #5—Sovereign Guidance
A person’s plans are heartfelt, but the Eternal directs his steps. … Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but the counsel of the Eternal is what will stand. Proverbs 16:9; 19:21 God encourages us to plan and prepare as a way to prosper. But how many times have we rejoiced that events did … Continue reading
A Finely Tuned Faith
_
_
_