Promises for the Battle
Grace
Speech #6—Self-Preserving Speech
Laying aside falsehood, speak truth, to one another, for we are members of one another. … Let no rotten word proceed from your mouth, but only what is good for building up the person in need, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:25 & 29 God has so constructed the Body … Continue reading
Servants #1—Merciful Servants
God designed us to be stewards of his grace who serve one another in his name. Since we are all difficult to serve, we need to be motivated. Moving beyond ourselves, out of our comfort zones and into the messy details of one another’s lives takes great confidence that we will have the physical and … Continue reading
Advent 2022 #2—Christmas Wildness
This Christmas sonnet/prayer comes from thinking about what Paul writes to the Christians at Ephesus. It also arises from an objection to the typical rhyming pattern found in Christmas carols: child – mild, as in “meek & mild;” meek, yes; but mild? I never perceive Jesus as “mild;” rather he always seems untamed to me, … Continue reading
Comfort #3—Fully Comforted
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 Good works and words should feel comfortable on us, like a favorite old shirt or … Continue reading
Prayer #9— Glorious Answers
Call upon me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor me. Psalm 50:15 Because of my love for you, O God, I sought your help and you delivered me. Because I rely on your reputation, you set me securely in a place of refuge. As I walked through the … 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
Grace #8—Glorious Grace
God lovingly predestined us to adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace … which he lavished on us with all wisdom and insight. Ephesians 1:5–8 Gracious Father, creator of the universe, at your pleasure and through your Son, the gift of life … Continue reading
Grace #7—Forever Grace
Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, graciously united us with the risen Christ so that in the ages to come he might prove the infinite riches of his grace by useful kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4–7 After withstanding Satan’s efforts to deflate him, Jesus came … Continue reading
Grace #6—Cheerful Grace
God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed. … You will be enriched in every way for the sake of generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 … Continue reading
Grace #5—Strengthening Grace
Jesus, our high priest, can sympathize with our weaknesses because he has been tested thoroughly, similar to our testing, but without sinning. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace in order to receive mercy and find helpfully timed grace. Hebrews 4:14–16 Three year old children love to say, “Do it myself!” Offering unsolicited … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 