March 15
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“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”  (Deuteronomy 5:33, NIV)

The benefits of obedience to God are clearly set-forth by Moses in today’s scripture.

Writing to the Children of Israel, the benefits noted are: Life, prosperity, and longevity in a good place.  Most people find these benefits desirable, but one cannot truly apprehend them by following a “trial and error” method to living based on our own limited experience and point of view. God’s word provides us with the blueprint for life, prosperity, and longevity in a good place.

Obedience to God’s word delivers to us these benefits — and a personal relationship with our heavenly Father.  – Luther

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March 14
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“There is salvation in no one else!  God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:12, NLT)

Peter’s declaration to a skeptical — if not hostile — audience is not made with malice.  It is made as a faithful testimony to the scriptures and to the evidence of God’s work in our time.

Each day, we have an opportunity akin to Peter and John’s, as recorded in today’s reading. If we are diligent students of God’s written word, and vigilant for His presence, we will have numerous occasions to give faithful testimony.

People may dispute the former, and discount the latter; but our role as Christian disciples is to give faithful testimony remains.  – Luther

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March 12
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“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live.  Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”  (Deuteronomy 4:9, NIV)

We each have a capital “s” Story and a little “s” story.

The former is the history of God’s dealings with His people, with whom — as disciples of Jesus — we identify; and what we have become through adoption.  The latter is the history of God’s dealings with us personally; what He has done for us personally.  Both stories are ours.  Both stories, if remembered faithfully, will keep our focus clear; our resolve strong; and our confidence in our heavenly Father unshakable.

Furthermore, these stories are not ours to keep to ourselves as a “private collection,” but ours to share with our children and our “children.”

Today, recall your Story and your story.  These are our gifts to those who follow us.  – Luther

(Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on break tomorrow, as is customary.  Have a great day in worship — and, if you are in a place that observes Daylight Savings Time, remember to advance your clock one hour when you retire tonight!)

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