Promises for the Battle
Promises
Peace #2—Imitative Peace
Take note of the one who has integrity! Observe the upright! For the person characterized by peace has a future. Sinful rebels will be totally destroyed; evil people have no future. Psalm 37:37–38 See one, do one, teach one. Or, as my four year old nephew said to his two year old brother, “Watch this … Continue reading
Peace #1—Peace With God
The Bible indicates that peace is a function of integrity: Peace is what we experience when we are at one with God: when we, as regents of his reign over creation, align our lives with his good purpose. Peace is what we enjoy when we are at one with our neighbors: when none of us … Continue reading
Christmas Infinities
I am the door; those who enter through me will be kept safe, and will go in and out and find sustenance … I came that they may have infinitely more than the necessities of life. John 10:9–10 What do Ebenezer Scrooge, George Bailey, Jack Campbell and Sidney Milburn have in common? They are all … Continue reading
Speech #1—Edifying Words
Let no rotten word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification (according to the need of the moment) so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29) Because we live in a community with other human beings, it is extremely important that we be conscientious … Continue reading
Praised by God #8 — Pleasing Praise
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death, and he was not to be found because God took him up. For before his removal he had been commended as having pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 Gracious God, pleasing you is such a pleasure! You have made it so simple. Creation reveals … Continue reading
Praised by God #7 — Well Done!
His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21 No participation trophy here. No words of praise or welcome for failure. We can only expect to hear these words … Continue reading
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 — Informed Praise
Do not judge anyone before the time when the Lord comes. 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 causes us not to gather enough information. Incomplete information leads to misunderstanding, misdiagnosis, and … Continue reading
Praised by God #4 — Valued Trials
While rejoicing in the salvation which is coming, you suffer necessary but temporary trials, so that in the genuineness of your faith—which is much more valuable than fire-tested gold—you will find praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:5–7 Olympic gold medalists resemble the gold they pursue. Olympic gold only … 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 We know that during Jesus’ three years of ministry in Israel, he traveled around the country proclaiming the good news … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 