Promises for the Battle
Sonnet
Christmas Sonnet 2025—Surprised by Jesus
As the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. … The tribes of the earth will see the Son of Man arriving on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. … As for that day and hour, no … Continue reading
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
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
Remembering and Celebrating the Lord’s Kindnesses
When the godly see God’s wondrous work, they rejoice, and every sinner shuts his mouth. If you are wise, remember these things, and pay attention to the kindnesses of I AM. Psalm 107:42–43 This year’s Thanksgiving prayer springs from following the psalmist’s command to remember and celebrate the extraordinary kindnesses God has extended to me … Continue reading
Advent 2023 #3—Impossible Joy
Thus says Yahweh Sabaoth, “If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in my sight? Behold, I am going to save my people … and they shall be my people, and I will be their deity in faithfulness and righteousness.” … 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
Thanksgiving Prayer 2023
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15 As I thought about this year’s Thanksgiving prayer, I noticed that the Apostle Paul rarely runs out of words to express the power and scope of his delight for all that God did for his people through Christ. But at the close of his … Continue reading
Christmas 2022—Advent Trumpets
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. … “Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.” Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God. Luke 2:9 The Lord himself will come down from heaven with … Continue reading
Advent 2022 #3—Fear Not!
The glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them: “Fear not! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is … Continue reading
Advent 2022 #2—Christmas Wildness
This Christmas sonnet/prayer comes from thinking about what Paul writes to the Christians at Ephesus. It also arises from an objection to the typical rhyming pattern found in Christmas carols: child – mild, as in “meek & mild;” meek, yes; but mild? I never perceive Jesus as “mild;” rather he always seems untamed to me, … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 