Daily Encouragement | A scripture-based, 60-second, challenge toward fidelity in living-out the call to Christian discipleship! | Page 1203

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“But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.” (Acts 8:4, NLT)

We do not get to choose our circumstances, but we do choose how we react to our circumstances.

Today’s scripture reminds us of our predecessors in the faith, who were displaced but used their new circumstance to tell others about Jesus through word and deed.

We will often find ourselves in places not of our own choosing. Will we complain about the inconvenience, the pain, or the expense; or will we view our displacement as an opportunity to let our light shine for Jesus? – Luther

Tagged adversity, bearing witness, discipleship, the book of Acts

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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. The scriptures provide the blueprint for life, prosperity, and longevity in a good place.

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

Tagged longevity, obedience, prosperity, the book of Deuteronomy

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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 as our ancestors in the faith; and of which we have become through adoption. The latter is the history of God’s dealings with us personally; what He has done for you or for me individually. 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 biological children, our adopted children, and our children in the faith.

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

Tagged bearing witness, the book of Deuteronomy