Promises for the Battle
Righteousness
God’s Awareness #8—Well-Watched Praise
Yahweh is in his holy temple; Yahweh’s throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; his eyes examine everyone. Yahweh tests for righteousness; indeed, he hates wickedness and the love of violence. Psalm 11:4–5 Faithful God, as you scan and scrutinize our lives from the beauty and majesty of your heavenly dwelling, we rely on your … Continue reading
Civility #4—Civil Righteousness
Where jealousy and self-centeredness exist, there is disruption and every worthless practice. But wisdom from God is first pure, then peaceable, considerate, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and authentic. His wisdom, planted peacefully by peacemakers, yields righteousness. James 3:16–18 ‘Politician’ has been a four-letter word for ages. In the classical age of … 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
Speech #2—Wisdom and Justice
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and speaks justice. The law of their God is in their heart; so their steps do not slip. Psalm 37:30–31 We are righteous as we commit our futures to all that God is for us in Jesus—delighting in him as the one who secures God’s blessing and teaches … Continue reading
Forgiven #2—Justly Forgiven
If we walk in the light, as God is in the light, … the blood of God’s Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. … If we confess our sins, God is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7–9 The one thing that we can … Continue reading
Goodness #5—Giver of Good
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? Luke 11:13 While it’s possible for us to give good gifts in spite of the evil in us, God gives good gifts because of the … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About the Saints’ Great Reward
… Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth …… Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God …Matthew 5:3-12 The traditions for celebrating All Saints Day vary, depending on a congregation’s theological and liturgical background. One of the ideas that ties all of the traditions together is acknowledging that … Continue reading
Abundance #7—Just Abundance
To everyone who has shall more be given. So he shall have an abundance. But from the one who does not have, even what he has shall be taken away. Matthew 25:29 While the weeds grow in the field among the wheat; while the wicked seem to prosper more than the righteous; while the rain … Continue reading
Living Wisely #9—Praised for Wisdom
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares The Eternal “When I shall raise up for David a righteous Branch. He will reign as king and act wisely, doing justice and righteousness in the land.” Jeremiah 23:5 So often, Lord Jesus, I celebrate your mighty acts, but today exaltation of your wisdom fills my soul. In the … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About the Next Advent
“It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” one of the many songs we enjoy during the Christmas season, is not really about the past. It begins there, but it quickly moves to remind us about how we should live while we await Jesus’ second advent. Since we live in the present so that we can enjoy … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 