August 10
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“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8, NIV)

We hinder the work of God in this world when we “play out of position.”

Writing here about the diverse gifts of the members of the family of God, Paul encourages us to esteem whatever gift we’ve been given; and he discourages the pettiness and competitiveness that takes root when we lament the skills and abilities we have not been given.

Over time, we become aware of our gifts.  Let us also be aware that our knowledge, skills, and abilities are gifts to us from God; but not for our own benefit.  We must “play in position” in order for the whole of God’s family to do what God needs it do; and to be what God needs it be.  – Luther

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August 8
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“Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:17-18, NIV)

The way of Christ is the way of the cross.

The way of the cross is the way of suffering, as defined as “sustaining injury, disadvantage, loss, or any unpleasantness.”

As disciples of Jesus, it is our lot to suffer; not for the sake of suffering, but in order to identify with Christ as He identifies with the persons that God created, and for whom He (Christ) died.

Remember this as an encouragement to suffer — with grace — all physical and emotional injuries; to suffer — with hope — each loss; to suffer — with patience — the unpleasantness of others; to suffer — with peace — the appearance of disadvantage.

Paul reminds us that every and each of our present sufferings — whatever they may be — pale in comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us when we see God, face-to-face.

For each hurt, there is healing.  For each loss, there is a greater gain; for every humiliation, a revelation of unassailable greatness.  – Luther

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August 7
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“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8, NIV)

Most of us never give a moment’s thought to the necessity of refuge — until we encounter a force of nature.

When our serene life becomes an angry tempest, we yearn for the safety of the harbor.  When the sunshine disappears behind the darkest clouds, we take cover.  When the air we breathe becomes a gale and uproots the features of our landscape that we thought would never change, we flee to our refuge.

Because, in a figurative sense, all of us have been, will be, or will again be, refugees; we need to remember that not all places of refuge are able with withstand the forces.  The scripture reminds us of this when it tells us not to trust in ourselves; nor in others; nor in wealth or possessions.

In every situation, and “at all times, pour out your hearts to Him.”  God is our refuge!  He is our secure shelter.  – Luther

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