Promises for the Battle
Promises
Sustenance #1—Sustaining Kindness
As we approach the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, we will benefit by considering what God’s Word tells us about how he will sustain us in our various endeavors as he sustained Christ in his. Having these words in our hearts will keep our faith strong when we encounter situations in which we might think we … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Specks of Nothing
In the musical Carousel Billy Bigelow asks Julie Jordan, “What are we? Just a couple of specks of nothing. Ah, you can’t even count the stars in the sky, and the sky’s so big the sea looks small; and two little people—you and I—we don’t count at all.” Have you ever felt like that? I … Continue reading
Trials #8—Unashamed Praise
He who makes holy and those being made holy all have the same origin; therefore he is not ashamed to call them family. Hebrews 2:11 One of the most wonderful aspects of your incarnation, Lord, is that when you lived among us, you were not ashamed to be one of us. You shared our weakness … Continue reading
Trials #7—Stumbling Success
Simon, Simon, pay attention! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not cease. When you have turned back, stabilize your brothers. Luke 2:31–32 “Two steps forward, one step back,” is fine, as far as it goes. But we must also remember … Continue reading
Trials #6—Trial Tactics
If you put on the full armor of God, you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the Slanderer … you will be able to resist in the evil day, and, having done all you can, stand firm. Ephesians 6:11–13 Soldiers practice their skills, study the terrain, read intelligence reports, make and … Continue reading
Trials #5—Praying Perseverance
Stay awake and pray, so that you will not engage in testing God. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14:38 When God brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, he did not do it quietly. He executed judgment on the Egyptians in a way that left no doubt in anyone’s … Continue reading
Trials #4—Necessary Testing
It may be necessary for you to suffer for a short time in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith … will be displayed, resulting in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6–7 When Jesus walked the earth, his life was no bed of roses. The residents … Continue reading
Trials #3—Rewarded Testing
Happy, fortunate, are those who endure testing, because when they have proven reliable, they will receive the crown of life God promised to those who love him. James 1:12 Businesses crave the coveted Underwriters Laboratories certification stamp on their products because the trademarked symbol signifies that the product has proven reliable by enduring rigorous trials. … Continue reading
Trials #2—Available Escape
No test has ever come upon you but such as is common to humanity. And God is faithful: He will not allow you to be tested beyond your ability, but with the trial will also provide the way of escape, so that you will be able to endure. For this very reason, my beloved, flee … Continue reading
Trials #1—Success Produces Endurance
Throughout Scripture, we see that human beings undergo tests/trials to see if they will remain faithful to God, that is if they will continue to entrust him to be the source of goodness in their lives. From Adam to Abraham to Israel to Jesus to the Apostle Paul, we see examples of God’s testing people … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 