Promises for the Battle
Encouragement
Help #2—Brotherly Help
Saul went out to seek David’s life while David was in the wilderness. But Jonathan arose, went to David, and encouraged him in God: “Do not be afraid, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. Indeed, you will be king over Israel, and I will be next to you.” 1 Samuel … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Encouragement to Pray
The privilege of prayer is high on the list of blessings Christ has made available to those who commit their future happiness to him. In prayer believers draw near to God and experience the joy of having God draw near to them (James 4:8). As creatures created to represent God, we find rest for our … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Why We Work Now
One of the impressions I formed as I traveled around Afghanistan in 1974 was that the people seemed to build ruins. Because they used sunbaked mud for the walls of their structures, buildings that were not carefully maintained quickly disintegrated as they succumbed to the forces of nature. Similarly, it seems as if every dystopian … Continue reading
Prayer #1—Appropriate Shamelessness
God delights to answer prayer. But sometimes we hesitate to pray, even though we have access to the throne of grace because the way has been opened for us. Jesus urged us, on the basis of his reputation with the Father, to ask for expressions of grace, “so that your joy will be full.” Nevertheless, … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Jesus’ Perseverance
Jesus taught that the those who wanted to follow him would need to persevere to the end (Matthew 24:3). So we began our series about persevering in faith by acknowledging that sometimes we feel like giving up. When the pressure seems so unbearable that we’re ready to cave in, we need to fine tune our … Continue reading
Perseverance #8— Praised By Perseverance
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has caused us to be born again … and who protects us by his power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3–5 How precious is the hope you have … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #8—Lovers’ Praise
Be imitators of God, as beloved children. Indeed, walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. (Ephesians 5:1–2) We are amazed and encouraged as we consider how much you have loved us, O God. From before you established the earth you graciously chose us to be your children, to become … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #7—Above and Beyond
May the Lord cause you to abound increasingly in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you, so that your hearts become established as blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13 As … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #6—Blinded by Love
Because the culmination of all things is near, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer; above all maintaining a fervent love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:7–8 (Proverbs 10:12; 17:9; James 5:20) The poets (Chaucer and Shakespeare) say, “Love is blind.” And it is, sort of. … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #5—Worthy Love
Live worthily of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and meekness, patiently tolerating one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1–3 Embarrassing God is foolish. We do this is when we misrepresent our claim of allegiance to … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 