Promises for the Battle
Perseverance
I Was Just Thinking … About the Blessing of Chastening
According to Deuteronomy 28:47, we are to serve the Lord with joyfulness and gladness of heart, “because of the abundance of all things.” My initial response is that I know of no one, myself included, who has an “abundance of all things.” Everyone senses deficiencies in some part of our lives. Nevertheless, according to this … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Being More Than Conquerors
According to Romans 8:37 we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us.” While studying this passage with a class I taught, the question came up: How is it possible to be more than a conqueror? We understand what if means to win against an opponent, but how is it possible to do more … Continue reading
Forgiveness #3—A Bigger Picture
You meant harm against me; God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. Genesis 50:19–21 Joseph’s ability to see beyond the immediate cause of his misadventures years before, enabled him … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … about Grace in Action
When the Apostle Paul described the synergy undergirding his ministry he said, “God’s grace toward me has not been in vain. I worked harder than anyone; nevertheless, it was not I, but the grace of God that was working with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). As my wife and I talked with our children during the … Continue reading
Guidance #3— Guided Defense
They will lay their hands on you and will persecute you … This will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. Luke 21:12–15 … Continue reading
Servants #3—Encouraging Servants
Encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13 The Holy Spirit gave us a soft heart toward the things of God. But sin still operates in us, so that crusts form on the outside … Continue reading
Praised By God #1—Glorified for Good
Scripture contains many reminders that it is right and wise to praise God. But Scripture also contains promises that we can expect praise from God. As every good father longs for his children to succeed, and eagerly anticipates affirming them when they do; so our heavenly Father encourages us to live in a way that … Continue reading
Integrity #5 — Fruitful Integrity
The seed which fell among the thorns are individuals who have heard the Word, but let the worries and riches and pleasures of this life choke it out, so they produce no mature fruit. But the seed in the good soil are the ones who hear the Word with a noble and good heart, hold … Continue reading
Strength #4 — Strengthening Words
Paul and Barnabas strengthened the souls of the disciples by reminding them to continue in the faith because they would encounter many unavoidable tribulations as they enter the Kingdom of God. … Silas encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message. Acts 14:22; 15:32 One of the goals for communication in the Church is … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … the Weight of Glory
I’ve been encouraged lately from mulling over 2 Corinthians 4:17–18: “This slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. …” When difficulties and disappointments come, my initial reaction is to be … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 