Author Archives: Daily Encouragement

“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.  Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”  (Romans 13:13-14, NIV)

To be clothed “with the Lord Jesus Christ” is as much of a choice for each of us as deciding what to wear each morning.

The “flesh,” represents all of the things that influence our choices: What to eat, what to drink, what to wear, where to live, what to drive, what to do to make a living.

None of these things are bad, per se.  In fact, Jesus acknowledged the necessity of food, water, clothing, and shelter in His “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 6:25-34).

Yet, each day we have the freedom to choose whether we will be clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ, and, therefore, choosing to have God feed both body and spirit; or, instead, devoting all of our attention to addressing our physical cravings, while neglecting the hunger of spirit that food cannot satisfy, possessions cannot touch, and money cannot buy.

Jesus said that we “do not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4).  Are our daily choices evidence of our belief in these words and the Person who uttered them — or in something (or someone) else?  – Luther

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”   (Psalm 37:23-24, NIV)

God is the Alpha and the Omega.

When God becomes the Alpha and the Omega (the first and last) in our personal lives, He becomes our delight; and every decision we make is made with the firm confidence that He will be our lifeguard.

There are many opportunities for us to become “tripped-up”: Some come as a result of our ignorance; some come as a result of the evil designs of others; some come as a result of our lot as humans; some come through our own disobedience.

In each circumstance, though we have stumbled badly — and are flailing-about to regain our equilibrium — the Lord’s hand arrests our fall.  The Lord’s hand re-establishes balance.

Walk closely with the Lord. Hold firmly to His hand.  Delight yourself in Him.  – Luther

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