November 2
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“For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)

The word of God is alive: In order for the word of God to grow within us, we must make room for it; we must take time for it; we must nurture it.

The word of God is active: We see the word of God at work — and wanting to be at work — in our circumstances; leading, guiding, teaching, comforting, correcting.

The word of God is the criterion for good and evil: The attitude or the thought subjected to its scrutiny will always run true.

To begin any day without the word of God hidden within one’s heart is an invitation to frustration and spiritual defeat.  The disciple of Jesus has the word of God as an alternative to frustration and defeat in spiritual things.  – Luther

October 31
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“But a beautiful palace does not make a great king!  Why did your father Josiah reign so long?  Because he was just and fair in all his dealings.  That is why God blessed him.  He saw to it that justice and help were given the poor and the needy and all went well for him.  This is how a man lives close to God.”  (Jeremiah 22:15-16, Living Bible)

Reject the notion that possessions make a great person; or are the evidence of God’s favor.

Yes, it is difficult to reject this kind of thinking when it is both so prevalent and so prominent in our society; but Jeremiah reminds us that it is the practice of justice and fairness — particularly for the benefit of the least of our neighbors — that pleases God.

It’s never about what you have.  It’s always about what you are!  – Luther

Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on break — as normal — tomorrow.  Back, Lord willing, on Monday for another run.  Have a great day in worship, and remember to get that extra hour tonight by setting your clock/watch for Standard Time!

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October 30
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“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”  (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NIV)

What awaits you after this life?

In his final days on this earth, Paul — writing to his protege Timothy — declares that “the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” awaits him.

The trials of this life are many, and often cause us great pain and suffering.  However, do not despair.  Fight the good fight, meaning: Draw on all of your resources — in heaven and on earth — to resist the evil one and his schemes.  Stay in the race to the finish, meaning: Don’t quit — ever.  Keep the faith, meaning: Remember that God, through Jesus, has assured victory at the end of all things — even if it doesn’t look that way now.

The rewards written of by Paul are not only his — but ours, as well, if we wait in longing for His appearing.

What awaits us after this life?  Life in the presence of the Lord.  The crown of righteousness.  Hearing the righteous Judge say to us, “Well done.”  – Luther

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