February 17
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”  (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV)

The verses preceding today’s citation, to which we commonly refer (in part) as “The Sermon on the Mount,” gives us an idea of the kind of behavior that comprises”the narrow gate” to which Jesus refers: Be humble.  Be discreet.  Don’t bear grudges.  Go the extra mile.  Love your enemy. . .

Such behaviors often take extra time and energy from us, and we prefer living the “highway life” because we don’t like delays and detours.  We do all that we can to avoid any kind of inconvenience.  As a result, we cruise on our own road to nowhere.  Today, look for the little gate.  Eschew the crowd.  Keep on the narrow road.  It is there — and there only — that you will find life in all of its abundance.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
February 16
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping.  ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter.  ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'”  (Matthew 26:40-41, NIV)

We are full of potential!  Of all of the external influences that conspire to limit our achievement and hobble the power of the spirit within us, physical fatigue is arguably the most formidable.

Then, we are tempted to excuse our failure to follow-through on our physical limitations: We are old (or young); we are ill-positioned; we are exhausted; we are handicapped.  Jesus did not expect the disciples to do more than any of them were able.  He never did. He expected only that they watch with Him for 60 minutes.

Our physical limitations are real, but they are not insurmountable — especially if we are willing to pray as we stand watch; and watch as we “stand” praying.  Our physical limitations are real, but they are not insurmountable — especially if we are willing to include those nearest to us in the task.  What might have been the outcome, despite their fatigue, had the 11 disciples chosen to (as Paul and Silas did some years later in prison; please see Acts 16:22-26 for the full story) pray and sing hymns to release the spirit; energize the flesh — and see the power of God come down?  The spirit is willing!  – Luther

Tagged , , , , , , , ,
February 14
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

St. Valentine’s Day

“We love him, because he first loved us.”  (1 John 4:19, KJV)

There will be chatter aplenty today on the topic of love, and rightfully so: It’s Valentine’s Day!

The scriptures tell us that we were always loved.  Loved before we had achieved anything.  Loved before we had become anything.  Loved before we had done anything.

The scriptures tell us that we were always loved with the purest love: God, because God is love.  He loves us on our bad days and our good days; and, as Paul related in the book of Romans, chapter 8: There is nothing that can ever separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.

The devil wants us to doubt the love of God.  Somehow, that fact got me to thinking of a story by Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), who wrote a story titled, “The Ugly Duckling.”  (Click here to read the story.)  As you recall — or re-read — this wonderful childhood tale, did you see this important fact: The ugly duckling always was a swan!

Others may not see you as a swan, but God does.  Others may not treat you as a swan, but God does.  Others may tell you what you are not (and they may be right); but instead listen to what God says you are — and Whose you are.

He loved us at the beginning — and He loved us first.  He will love us at the end.  He will love us always.

Happy Valentine’s Day!  – Luther

 

Tagged , , , , , ,
← Older posts