Promises for the Battle
Strength
Strength #4—Strengthening Words
Paul and Barnabas strengthened the souls of the disciples by urging them to continue in the faith and that they would encounter many unavoidable tribulations as they enter the Kingdom of God. … With a lengthy speech, Judas and Silas encouraged and strengthened the disciples. Acts 14:22; 15:32 Jesus made it clear that only those … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Convicted Strength
During the Last Supper, Jesus spoke more specifically about the lives of his followers after his resurrection and ascension: “If I go, I will send the Paraclete to you. When he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; and concerning righteousness, … Continue reading
Strength #3—Renewing Strength
After you have suffered for a little while, the most gracious God, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, stabilize, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 Peter knew from experience that this promise is true. He was able to write about it here because God caused it to come … Continue reading
Strength #2—Strong Examples
Be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s coming is near. … Behold, we consider those prophets blessed who endured. Also, you have heard of Job’s endurance, and you have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, because he is emotionally tuned in and sympathetic. James 5:8, 11 We can strengthen our hearts by considering … Continue reading
Strength #1—Greater Strength
Loving God with all our heart, loving our neighbors as ourselves, resisting the Devil, and building up the Body of Christ require strength—specifically, strength of both mind and heart. While God commands us to be strong in these endeavors, he also promises to provide what we need to strengthen our resolve. Additionally, he offers us … Continue reading
God’s Awareness #7—Binocular Vision
A warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory. … Behold, Yahweh’s eye is on those who fear him, on those who hope for his extraordinary kindness. Psalm 33:16–18 Strong and valiant warriors went down to glorious defeat at Thermopylae. Courageous and well-trained horses were not enough for … Continue reading
God’s Awareness #1—Carefully Watching
We live in a surveillance society. CCTV cameras observe our movements in public. Internet service providers and search engine applications track our movements in cyberspace. Nearly 600 spy satellites circle the globe, and our phones can be tracked through the GPS satellite system. Despite this pervasive scrutiny of our lives, we can be free of … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Strength Through Adversity
Sometimes evangelists, in our desire to see people turn to Christ, lay such emphasis on the blessings believers will experience that converts may enter the Christian life without being fully aware of the suffering it necessarily involves. One significant emphasis in the apostles’ message to new Christians, however, was that they will indeed suffer. As … Continue reading
Comfort #8—Comforted Praise
The Eternal has comforted his people. He has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations so all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 52:9–10 On a hill far away, on an old, rugged cross, you comforted me, O God. Contrary to expectations, you rolled … Continue reading
Comfort #1—Conquering Comfort
The concept of comfort combines the ideas of fellowship, community and companionship with the ideas of protection, strength and safety. When we feel hopeless because we can’t see the possibility of any good in our future, we need comfort so we have courage to take the next step. When we feel alone in the face … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 