Promises for the Battle
Promises
Beatitudes #4—Happily Forgiven
Fortunate are those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Fortunate are those against whom Yahweh counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no duplicity. Psalm 32:1–2 cf. Romans 4:6, 8–9 God’s instructions for how to live in fellowship with him and with our neighbors are not burdensome. They provide the way … Continue reading
Beatitudes #3—Fearfully Fortunate
I sought Yahweh’s help, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. … How fortunate are those who seek protection in him! None of his loved ones who fear Yahweh will lack anything good! Psalm 34:4–9 From a watery mass characterized by emptiness and formlessness God created a full-featured world filled with … Continue reading
Beatitudes #2—Finding Wisdom
Fortunate are they who find wisdom, who obtain understanding, for these are more profitable than silver and yield better returns than gold. … Fortunate are all who hold on to them. Proverbs 3:13–18 Wisdom is the ability to see and secure a future for ourselves that we will enjoy forever, with no regrets. Applying it … Continue reading
Beatitudes #1—Chaotic Happiness
When God created us, he desired, above all, that we would experience his holiness—his infinite, unexcelled, and irreplaceable worth—as he did good things for us, and through us for others. The biblical word for enjoying such fellowship with God is ‘blessed’ or ‘happy’ or ‘fortunate,’ depending on the translation we read. Sometimes this word indicates … Continue reading
Courage #9—Encouraged Praise
If I say, “My foot is slipping,” you sustain me, O Eternal, with your extravagant kindness. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your consolations delight my soul. Psalm 94:18–19 O Lord, I have often felt like Jehoshaphat when he prayed before battle with the armies of Ammon and Moab, “We are powerless before this … Continue reading
Courage #8—Careful Courage
My beloved, just as you have always obeyed … work out your deliverance with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work among you, both to will and to work with good intent. Philippians 2:12–13 When life is difficult because neighbors and colleagues respond negatively to our Christian lifestyle, our best response … Continue reading
Courage #7—Courageous Humility
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6–7 Here’s the trouble: hanging on to our anxiety feeds our sense of self-sufficiency and our commitment to self-exaltation. Since pride actually goes before … Continue reading
Courage #6—Fruitful Courage
Blessed are those who trust in the Eternal, whose trust is the Eternal. For they will be like trees planted by the water, that extend their roots by a stream. They will not fear when the heat comes; rather, their leaves will be green, and they will not be anxious in a year of drought … Continue reading
Courage #5— Patient Courage
Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious toward wrongdoers. For they will wither quickly like the grass, and fade like the green herb. Trust in the Eternal, and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Eternal and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm … Continue reading
Courage #4—Victorious Courage
These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 Here is another reminder of what is possible for us when we are faithful to Jesus and retain his words in our hearts. We can … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 