December 17
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“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

There was anxiety in Peter’s time.  War, disease, violence, political maneuvering, and the challenges of making a living created “Maalox moments” for everyone.

We also live in anxious times.  What is it that is causing you anxious moments, the loss of sleep, or an unsettled mind?

Then, as now, God invites you to “cast” (e. g. throw, discard, pitch) your anxieties on Him. He does not desire that you be anxious — not even for a moment.  Why?  Because He cares for you.  – Luther

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December 16
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“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”  (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Whether in the human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success depends on: (4) Showing compassion.

Nothing dries-up the wells of compassion faster than the notion that a person in trouble — or a troubled person, for that matter — deserves whatever it is that’s got them by the throat.  The fact of the matter is that at one time or another, we’ve all been in a tough spot; and we’ve greatly appreciated it when someone — anyone — has been moved to give us a hand-up, or a hand-out.

Many of us are only a few bad decisions from poverty.  All of us are only a heartbeat away from death.  An honest look at our common, fragile condition may yet open again the wells of compassion.  – Luther

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December 15
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“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”  (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Whether in the human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success depends on: (3) Displaying love for one another.

Arguably the best-known description of what love is — and is not — is found in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13: Love is patient; it is kind; love does not envy; it does not strut; it is not proud; love does not force itself on others; it isn’t always “me first”; it doesn’t fly off the handle; love doesn’t keep score of the offenses of others; it doesn’t revel when others grovel. . .  (Credit: New International Version and The Message translations)

Love is as love does.  – Luther

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