Promises for the Battle
Prayer
Thanksgiving Sonnet 2025—Grateful for Ministry
As I thought about a theme for this year’s Thanksgiving sonnet-prayer, I was struck by the gratitude Paul felt and expressed for being able to contribute to the growth of the saints after they came to Christ. This gratitude appears in three of his letters, one from early in his ministry and two from later. … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Being Weak in Faith
Those whose faith is weak need the help of those whose faith is strong. When our faith is weak, we are vulnerable to threats to our bodies and to our souls. Even though we once understood the crucified and risen Jesus to be God’s anointed king, his absence from our earthly realm sometimes makes it … Continue reading
God’s Awareness #2—Righteous Living
Yahweh’s eyes are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But his face is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12, Psalm 34:15 As Abraham stood beneath the stars contemplating God’s promise of infinite blessings, he concluded that the creator of such a cosmos could be trusted; so he committed … Continue reading
Sustenance #7—Unrestrained Prayer
Husbands, assign your wives the honor they are due as fellow heirs of the grace of life, so that your praying will not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 This one is mainly for men, but mutatis mutandis … Honoring our mates prevents obstacles from rising that prevent us from praying. Since they are members of … Continue reading
Trials #8—Unashamed Praise
He who makes holy and those being made holy all have the same origin; therefore he is not ashamed to call them family. Hebrews 2:11 One of the most wonderful aspects of your incarnation, Lord, is that when you lived among us, you were not ashamed to be one of us. You shared our weakness … Continue reading
Trials #7—Stumbling Success
Simon, Simon, pay attention! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not cease. When you have turned back, stabilize your brothers. Luke 2:31–32 “Two steps forward, one step back,” is fine, as far as it goes. But we must also remember … Continue reading
Trials #5—Praying Perseverance
Stay awake and pray, so that you will not engage in testing God. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14:38 When God brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, he did not do it quietly. He executed judgment on the Egyptians in a way that left no doubt in anyone’s … Continue reading
God’s Presence #8—Gloriously Present
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Finally, the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me on that day; and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7–8 … Continue reading
Godliness #8—Praised By Godliness
Know that I AM has set apart the godly person for himself. So I AM hears when I call to him. Psalm 4:3 Before any of my days began, O Lord, you had ordained them all and written them in your book. This was no whim, nor capricious contingency. Your grace toward me is unique … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Having Fellowship With God
The psalmist said, “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1). He was a shepherd, who had often seen deer panting for a satisfying drink from a stream’s pure waters. This was the best illustration he could think of to describe the intense longing that he … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 