Promises for the Battle
Perspective
I Was Just Thinking … About Specks of Nothing
In the musical Carousel Billy Bigelow asks Julie Jordan, “What are we? Just a couple of specks of nothing. Ah, you can’t even count the stars in the sky, and the sky’s so big the sea looks small; and two little people—you and I—we don’t count at all.” Have you ever felt like that? I … 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
Mentoring #4—Enemy Mentors
Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days—You would not believe if you were told. For behold, I am raising up the enemy. Habakkuk 1:5–6 Faith bars the door to cynicism. It stands at the entrance to our souls and protects us from the frustrated hopelessness that … Continue reading
Success #6—Contented Success
I have learned to be content in every circumstance. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; I have learned the secret … I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12–13 We should not measure success by the contingencies of the … 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
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
Behind the Scenes #2—The End In View
Joseph answered, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended evil toward me, but God intended your actions for a good purpose, so he could keep alive a great people.” Genesis 50:20 Joseph was the perfect child, and his brothers hated him for it. So they sold him into slavery. Despite … Continue reading
Palm Sunday’s Ride—Humility’s Hurrah
Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Look! Your king is coming to you: he is legitimate and has been saved, humble and riding on a donkey. Zechariah 9:9 Jesus proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because his followers thought that the kingdom of God was going … Continue reading
Superlative Thanksgiving
It is good to give you thanks, O Yahweh; to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your extravagant kindness in the morning and your faithfulness by night. … For you, Yahweh, have made me happy by your work. I will sing for joy because of what you have done. Psalm 92:1–4 … Continue reading
Satisfaction In the New Year
We do not lose heart even though our body is decaying, because you are renewing our inner being day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 3:18–4:18; Deuteronomy 3:24 O let me not be satisfied With what I know you have … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 