September 15
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“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”  (Proverbs 10:17, NIV)

In what things do we display “discipline”?

Is it in the practice of unceasing prayer?  Is it in the practice of hospitality?  Is it in the practice of humility?  Is it in the practice of valuing time in worship with others?

Know it or not; like it or not, our children, and our peers, and our co-workers, and our neighbors, and the casual stranger are watching us live our lives.  Do they see within us a discipline that “shows the way to life”?

Conversely, when we ignore discipline and correction, our lives shift to a path that leads nowhere — and know it or not; like it or not, others follow.

Heeding the discipline of healthy and holy habits not only delivers us, but it delivers others to life, as well.  – Luther

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September 14
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“Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator.  Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, ‘Life is not pleasant anymore.'”  (Ecclesiastes 12:1, NLT)

To “honor God” is to give weight to His will and His way in all that you do.

We “dishonor” God when we “dis” (as in “disregard,” “dismiss,” and “discard”) His invitations.

Most of us do not think of ourselves as “old” (even if we’ve passed the two-thirds point of our life expectancy).  For such people — in particular — the words of Ecclesiastes have a message: Honor God while you can!  Do not allow what the bible calls “the pride of life” to cause you to forget your Creator.

All living things are like grass: Waxing in the springtime, then waning in the autumn.   All living things are like the flower: Fading at the end of its day.

It is far better at the end of our days — when our strength is waning — to have memories of God’s love, care, and faithfulness.  Employ your vigor to make more such memories today!  – Luther

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September 13
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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:5-6, NASB)

As disciples of Jesus, we sell-short the vast and powerful Resource available to us in decision-making when we refuse to trust our heavenly Father with all of our heart.

A divided heart encourages confused loyalties.  The antidote is to be committed to do whatever it is — however small — to maintain a vital, growing, relationship with God; and make that task first thing you do.

Even when we err, “He will make your paths straight” back to fellowship and peace with Him.  Such journeys are easiest when we act while inspiration burns within us; and when the path to reconciliation, liberty, and life begins with the smallest of steps to the side.  – Luther

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