March 17
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. ” (James 5:13a, NIV)

Prayer is not the first resource for many of us when we encounter trouble — although we might keep it in reserve as a “last resort.” Too often, we prefer to get free of trouble with our own resources (e. g. intelligence, cunning, friends, wealth. . .).

For the disciple of Jesus, our heavenly Father is not just our first resource, He is our only resource!  (When others help us, such assistance arrives through the mercy of our heavenly Father.)

Trouble hunts and haunts all of humanity.  Don’t be surprised when it arrives at your door.  However, if we turn first to God, we will be amazed at how quickly the storm passes, and at our composure during the ordeal.  – Luther

 
Tagged , ,
March 15
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5, NIV)

The humorist Will Rogers said, “Learn from the mistakes of others; you won’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” 

Wisdom lightens the burden of decision-making. The source of wisdom is God, “who gives generously to all.”  We need only ask for it to receive it. 

Another thing: God’s wisdom is not derived from the collected errors of humanity, but from a perspective that sees all things perfectly; and aims to deliver us to each way point in life whole, ready, and on-time.   

Will you invite the wisdom of our heavenly Father into your decisions today; or will you persist in living by trial-and-error?  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,
March 14
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:25-27, NIV)

A disciple is a follower. A disciple aspires to be exactly like his or her teacher.  As Jesus is Truth, we must be scrupulously truthful — and everything else He is, including a cross-bearer. Anything less is not true discipleship.  Anything else is not obedience.

A disciple is holy.  The disciple’s holiness is measured in the points of similarity to his or her teacher; and in the degree of difference from the “common way” in his or her way of thinking (e. g. love for enemies, blessings for curses, concern for the poor, readiness to reconcile, etc. . .). 

Today’s scripture takes us to the bedrock of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus: Holiness, obedience, and cross-bearing.  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →