Promises for the Battle
Trials
I Was Just Thinking … About Necessary Suffering
The other day, while I was memorizing and meditating on Chapter 1 of 1 Peter, the Lord gave me something that I believe will strengthen me whenever tribulations strike. In the hope that some of you might also find this thought helpful, I will share it with you: 1 Peter 1:6–7 says, “In this [salvation … Continue reading
Help #4—Hope-based Help
We were so afflicted in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. … He on whom we have set our hope will … 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
I Was Just Thinking … About the Certainty of Perseverance
God’s Word teaches that throughout life, the Christian is engaged in a warfare with the powers of sin and darkness. With each of us, Satan’s objective is to destroy our confidence in Christ so that we will despair and stop following him. We know that this is Satan’s objective from 1 Thessalonians 3:5, where Paul … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Jesus’ Triumph on Palm Sunday
Shortly before the day that we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus walked into the village of Bethany and raised his friend, Lazarus, from the dead. This event did not go unnoticed. Word spread. This sign, as John’s gospel labels Jesus’ miracles, was the capstone of a series of signs that began when he turned water … 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 #6—Trial Tactics
If you put on the full armor of God, you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the Slanderer … you will be able to resist in the evil day, and, having done all you can, stand firm. Ephesians 6:11–13 Soldiers practice their skills, study the terrain, read intelligence reports, make and … 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
Trials #4—Necessary Testing
It may be necessary for you to suffer for a short time in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith … will be displayed, resulting in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6–7 When Jesus walked the earth, his life was no bed of roses. The residents … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 