Monthly Archives: April 2014

“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47, NASB)

The more we value something, the higher it rises on our list of what is important.

The woman in today’s scripture valued the forgiveness of God.  It wasn’t something she had taken for granted, and this singular act of God’s grace was always clear, near, and present.

Simon, who also is a part of the narrative of this scripture, took God’s gifts for granted — and it was apparent that he “loves little.”

Who are we: The woman who was filled with gratitude, awe, and love for her Lord because she appreciated the gifts of God; or Simon, who didn’t acknowledge the hand from Whom all of his blessings had come?  – Luther

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“The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails — given by one shepherd.” (Ecclesiastes 12:11, TNIV)

Today is April Fool’s Day, but every day has the potential to be the fool’s day.  Such days are when fiction is more appealing than fact; and where style trumps substance.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that wisdom may come to us as a “goad” — which is a sharp stick used to drive cattle.  But, Lord knows, most of us need prodding to get us to do the wise thing precisely because, to our nature, sizzling fiction is often more appealing than boring fact; and because we live in a time when style attracts more attention than substance. 

Be assured that living according to the wisdom of the Good Shepherd will help us to prevail in all of life’s tests and trials.  – Luther

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