Promises for the Battle
Celebration
Christmas 2022—Advent Trumpets
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. … “Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.” Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God. Luke 2:9 The Lord himself will come down from heaven with … Continue reading
The Present of Advent
Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28 We celebrate in order to bring the joy of the past into the present. We anticipate in order to bring the joy … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About the Trials of Palm Sunday
Shortly before the day that we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus walked into the village of Bethany and raised his friend, Lazarus, from the dead. This event did not go unnoticed. Word spread. This sign, as John’s gospel labels Jesus’ miracles, was the capstone of a series of signs that began when he turned water … Continue reading
Living Wisely #9—Praised for Wisdom
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares The Eternal “When I shall raise up for David a righteous Branch. He will reign as king and act wisely, doing justice and righteousness in the land.” Jeremiah 23:5 So often, Lord Jesus, I celebrate your mighty acts, but today exaltation of your wisdom fills my soul. In the … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Responding to Grace
When John Newton wrote the song “Amazing Grace,” he celebrated the panorama of God’s grace, including the grace that saved him, the grace that brought him through trials, and the prospect of a grace-filled life of joy and peace in eternity, for which he expected to continue praising God after ten thousand years. Newton’s song … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Humble Exultation
Because the gospel writers frame their narratives differently, we sometimes need to weave them together in order to see the big picture. Only Luke reprises Jesus’ parable about the noble who went to a distant land in order to receive the authority to rule as king. Because he was near to Jerusalem, and because his … Continue reading
Success #2—Celebrating Success
I shall continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:25–26 As those who follow Jesus in the obedience of faith, what’s the best way to celebrate any measure of success that we experience? Abundant boasting! More and more: more talk … Continue reading
Thanksgiving Sonnet—A Day Is Not Enough
Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 O Lord, we set aside this day to say That we rejoice in all that you have done; With love and joy we’ve only just begun To celebrate your gracious resumé. Indeed, a day … Continue reading
Sabbath: A Way To Celebrate Christ’s Finished Work
I’m taking a break from the “Integrity” series for a week to post an essay about understanding and appreciating the Sabbath. I recently heard someone declare that God created the Sabbath rest so human beings can maintain a sense of balance in our lives; too much “busyness” is not good for us. It’s true that … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 