Promises for the Battle
Trials
Perseverance #6— Sympathetic Grace
We have a high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, One who has been tested according to all the things that test us, yet without sinning. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews … Continue reading
Perseverance #2—Way Out Endurance
If you think you stand, pay attention so you do not fall. No trial of faith is new or unique; and God is faithful, in that he will not permit you to be tested beyond your ability, but with the test will even provide the way out, that you may be able to endure it. … Continue reading
Thinking #6—Joyful Consideration
Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, because the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its full effect, so you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2–4 In the best sense of the word James is a pragmatist. He is concerned that we survive long enough in … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Christmas Time!
Way back in 1965 I sang with four of my friends in the Oak Park and River Forest High School’s “Senior Follies.” One of the songs we performed was Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” But, as it turns out, Alphonse Karr was correct, “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” (the more … Continue reading
Conquerors #8—Conquering Praise
In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have conquered the world. John 16:13 Almighty God, Ruler of your vast creation, we take heart in the midst of tribulation because of how Jesus, who emptied himself of the prerogatives of deity and incorporated himself among us as a servant, achieved victory and … Continue reading
Conquerors #6—Permanently Connected
Hold on to what you have so that no one can take away your crown. I will make those who conquer pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never depart from it. I will write on them my God’s name and the name of my God’s city (the new Jerusalem …), and … Continue reading
Conquerors #2—Avoiding the Second Death
The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: … “Do not fear suffering. As you are tested, be faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life. Those who conquer will not be hurt by the second death.” Revelation 2:8–11 Truth in advertising: In … Continue reading
Mentoring #5—Rescuing Mentor
If God preserved Noah, when he brought a flood upon the ungodly … and if he rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men … then the Lord understands how to rescue the godly from trial. 2 Peter 2:5–9 Sometimes it seems as though we are swimming upstream in class six rapids. … Continue reading
Refined Integrity
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Eternal tests hearts. Proverbs 17:3 During the holidays, broken airplanes, cancellations because of weather, miscommunications about rides to the hotel, and snoring roommates are not just annoying incidents in our daily lives. They are opportunities for us to inventory the stock of … Continue reading
Servants #5—Fellowship of Servants
Let the leaders among you be servants, for … I am among you as the one who serves. And you are those who have stood by me in my trials. So just as my Father has granted me a kingdom, I grant you that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 