Promises for the Battle
Prayer
Civility #8—Civil Praise
I am not ashamed of the gospel because God makes his power to save available to everyone, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. Romans 1:16 Yahweh, place a guard on my mouth! Protect the opening of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to evil speech as a way to participate in sinful activities. … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Encouragement to Pray
The privilege of prayer is high on the list of blessings Christ has made available to those who commit their future happiness to him. In prayer believers draw near to God and experience the joy of having God draw near to them (James 4:8). As creatures created to represent God, we find rest for our … Continue reading
Courage #1—Peaceful Courage
When the unbelief of anxiety abounds in our hearts, it kills the courage to think and act righteously in the world. Because this fearful way of anticipating the future is so easy to achieve, God’s spokesmen remind us more than 100 times to be courageous rather than anxious. Rather than just exhort us, they also … Continue reading
Advent 2023 #2—Loving His Appearing
For persevering in faith, the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me the crown of righteousness—and not to me only, but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7–8 The first time Jesus appeared, only two people in the world were eager for him to arrive and were ready to love … Continue reading
Facets of Salvation #6—Answered Prayer
Until now you have asked for nothing in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be full. John 16:24 There is no other name, under heaven, given to us, on which our salvation properly depends. So there is no other name than Jesus’ that will gain us access to God’s … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About the Works of God’s Hands
The authors of Scripture insist that God works with a “mighty hand and an out stretched arm,” and that it is to our advantage to let our awareness of this truth affect how we live. For example, before imparting the behavioral code we know as the Ten Commandments, Yahweh reminds Israel that he is the … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About the Gratitude of Faith
The Bible clearly teaches that thanksgiving is essential to prayer and fellowship with God. We should never draw near to God without expressing our thanks. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4). Thanksgiving should accompany all our prayer requests. “In everything by … Continue reading
Loving God #7—Happy in Prayer
For non-Israelites who love my name and want to serve me––all who genuinely observe the Sabbath as they uphold my covenant––I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them happy in their prayer to me. For my dwelling place will be known as a dwelling where all peoples may pray. Isaiah 56:6–7 Regardless … Continue reading
Thanksgiving for Being Restored
You turned my lament into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and covered me with joy. So now my heart will sing to you and not be silent; O Yahweh, my God, I will always give thanks to you. Psalm 30:11 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his gracious kindness is everlasting. … 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
Promises for the Battle 