September 10
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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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September 9
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“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”  (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV)

In 17 words, Paul provides the Christian disciple with a challenge for every day, and a charge for each life.

“Do everything in love”: Act for others as one would act for self.  Live to please our heavenly Father.

“Be strong”: If the Holy Spirit of God is your strength, you are strong indeed.  His strength never flags.  His power never fails.

“Be courageous”: Going against “conventional wisdom” with God’s wisdom; swimming upstream; standing alone in one’s convictions; or choosing the narrow gate requires moral, physical, and spiritual courage.  Choose — then be!

“Stand firm in the faith”: Conventional wisdom, enlightened self-interest, and fashion are “currents and tides.”  Faith is the disciple’s anchor, and the word of God is the anchor’s chain.

“Be on your guard”: Thieves do not steal things that have no value.  As a person of inestimable worth and value, there is a bounty on your life.  Guard your heart, your thoughts, your motives, and your affections against theft and/or misuse by unworthy agents.  – Luther

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September 8
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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV)

The comfort and compassion available to us for use when helping others is as powerful, as resilient, and as timely as what we’ve received from God when we’ve been troubled.

In fact, what we receive today fills our reservoir for service to others tomorrow.  God does, indeed, reach-down to bring us up; but God also employs His willing children to come alongside to bring us along.  When we are faithful to reach-out, to reach-over, or to reach-back for others, it is not only our own power that strengthens our grip; it is the power of God through us!

Never hesitate to go where God has ordered; or to serve where God has placed you.  We are His hands and His arms to those in distress.  – Luther

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