Promises for the Battle
Encouragement
I Was Just Thinking … About Encouragements to Pray
In Luke 18:1 Jesus said that we ought always to pray and not to give up. There are several features about this exhortation that bring much encouragement. 1. When we are faint and think that all we can do is give up, how encouraging it is to know that there is another way to go, … 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
Encouragements to Love #4—Doing Well
Prove yourselves to be those who do the word … ones who contemplate the perfect, liberating law and persevere in it … If you fulfill the royal law as expressed in this scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing beautifully. James 1:22–2:8 When we responded joyfully to the message that God was reconciling … Continue reading
Encouragements to Love #3—Fulfilling Love
Through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13–14) Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “Do not …” are summed up in this, “Love your neighbor … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 