Promises for the Battle
Fear
Help #4—Hope-based Help
We were so afflicted in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. … He on whom we have set our hope will … Continue reading
God’s Presence #5—Present Against Fear
The Lord himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” Therefore, we confidently say, “I AM is my helper; I will not be frightened. What can a person do to me?” Hebrews 13:5–6 Fear is very often a lie. Normally, fear occurs when we see a situation as dangerous … 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
Freedom #4—Fearless Freedom
What then shall we say to these truths of God’s sovereign work? We say, if God is for us, who is against us? Since he did not spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31–32 The ability to … Continue reading
Advent 2022 #3—Fear Not!
The glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them: “Fear not! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is … Continue reading
Contentment #7—Contented Desire
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; those who come to me shall not hunger, and those who believe in me shall never thirst. … the water that I give shall become in them wells of water springing up to eternal life.” John 6:35; 4:13–14 The paradox of contentment is evident in these promises: … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Present Contentment
Hebrews 13:5 commands us to be content with our present financial circumstances, so that we don’t act unlovingly. A literal rendering of the Greek is “Be content with the present things.” While the “present things” surely include our possessions and money, they refer also to everything that is a part of our life situation. Surely … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Fear and Faith
Fear is real and rational when reality confronts us with what appears to be danger. However, when we perceive Jesus’ presence, our perception of reality changes. As followers of Jesus we can fight fear with faith by acknowledging that Jesus’ supernatural abilities are immediately available to us whenever he makes his presence felt. Consider Peter’s … Continue reading
Transformation #5—Fearful Transformation
Evil individuals are rebellious to the core. They do not fear God, for they are too proud. The words of their mouths are treacherous and troubling; they never consider doing good … How happy is the person who fears Yahweh, who takes great delight in obeying his commands. Psalm 36:1–3; 112:1 Fearing God will transform … Continue reading
Success #1—Gracious Success
The idea of “success” is often on our minds at the beginning of the year. So let’s spend a few weeks considering some of what God has to say about success, particularly about the fact that we won’t be successful if we don’t act. Paralysis is not always a physical condition. Sometimes we are paralyzed … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 