Promises for the Battle
Promises
Habakkuk #1—Unbelievable Grace
When uncertainty and confusion characterize our cultural climate, it’s difficult to engage positively in our communities. When hope dwindles because we’re exhausted from trying to stay ahead of social entropy, we might be inclined to throw up our hands in surrender to despair. We’re not the first to have this experience. Habakkuk, the late 7th … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Being Humbly Rescued
Each of us needs to be reminded (frequently, for me) that God’s great objective in dealing with his children is to teach us “to rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9). Somehow my natural instinct is to think that only as I use my wits and work hard … Continue reading
Advent 2019 #2—Illuminated for Life
In the Word was life, and the life was the light of mankind; and the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not overpowered it. … I am the light of the world; those who follow me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life. John 1:4–5; … Continue reading
Mentoring #8—Mentoring Praise
As a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children, so we, because we had so fond an affection for you, were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, for you had become very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 Heavenly Father, just as you gave … Continue reading
Mentoring #7—Consequence Mentoring
Keep the charge of Yahweh, your God, to walk in his ways … that you may act wisely in all that you do and wherever you turn, so that he may carry out his promise to you. 1 Kings 2:3 “We can choose our actions, or we can choose our consequences, but we can’t choose … Continue reading
Mentoring #6—Mentoring Words
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword. But the tongue of the wise brings healing. … A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit. Proverbs 12:18; 15:4 As kids we heard that “sticks and stones will break your bones, but names will never … Continue reading
Mentoring #5—Rescuing Mentor
If God preserved Noah, when he brought a flood upon the ungodly … and if he rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men … then the Lord understands how to rescue the godly from trial. 2 Peter 2:5–9 Sometimes it seems as though we are swimming upstream in class six rapids. … Continue reading
Mentoring #4—Enemy Mentors
Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days—You would not believe if you were told. For behold, I am raising up the enemy. Habakkuk 1:5–6 Faith bars the door to cynicism. It stands at the entrance to our souls and protects us from the frustrated hopelessness that … Continue reading
Mentoring #3—Self-Spoken Mentoring
By the fruit of your mouth your hunger will be satisfied; you will be filled with the product of your lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love that power will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:20–21 We can confidently hope to “speak what is good for building up” … Continue reading
Mentoring #2—Mentor Service
The kings of the nations lord it over them. … But you are not this way; rather, a leader must become like a servant. … For I am among you as the one who serves. Luke 22:25–27 “Follow me!” is the legitimate call of leaders who have earned the right to lead. How do we … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 