Promises for the Battle
Hope
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 Awareness #7—Binocular Vision
A warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory. … Behold, Yahweh’s eye is on those who fear him, on those who hope for his extraordinary kindness. Psalm 33:16–18 Strong and valiant warriors went down to glorious defeat at Thermopylae. Courageous and well-trained horses were not enough for … Continue reading
Civility #7—Hopeful Civility
If you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are fortunate. So don’t let it bother you. Rather, set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts, so you will always be ready to answer, with courtesy and respect, anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 1 Peter 3:14–16 Hopeful people can be … Continue reading
Beatitudes #8—Able to Praise
Fortunate are those who live in your temple and praise you continually! Fortunate are those who are strongly inclined to go worship you! Psalm 84:4–5 O Lord, our God, King of the Universe, today we celebrate the privilege of praise. While we cannot all be tasked with the duty of constantly acknowledging your consistently superior … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Day to Day Faith
For those who patiently trust him, God promises many wonderful blessings. He promises that all things will work together for good to those who love him (Romans 8:28)—which surely includes trusting him. We may, however, have to wait a while to see how some distress that presently weighs upon us will bring us to enjoy … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Patient Faith
The biblical writers frequently remind us of the necessity to believe God. Hebrews 11:6 says, for example, “Without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” but this same book of Hebrews also stresses our great … 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
Forgiven #1—Forgiveness First
Then the Eternal passed by in front of Moses and proclaimed, “The Eternal, the Eternal God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in kindness and faithfulness; who preserves kindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet he will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.” Exodus 34:6–7 Day by day, moment … 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
Perseverance #1—Evidence For Hope
When we feel like giving up; when the pressure seems so unbearable that we’re ready to cave in; we can fine tune our faith by remembering that God works to preserve his people. That is, when we entrust our future to the God who sustained Jesus in the garden and raised him from the tomb, … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 