March 3
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Uncategorized Aside

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’” (Mark 9:35, NLT)

Jesus doesn’t ignore humanity’s competitive spirit, but He directs it to the channel of service — and few of us want servitude to be our destination. Even in our “service” organizations, leadership comes with benefits: Recognition; greater autonomy; and strategic activities.  Conversely, true servitude (e. g. the condition of the servant) is marked by obscurity, slavish obedience, and seemingly menial activities (e. g. “foot-washing” and door-tending). 

However, no where else is leadership — as Jesus defines leadership — to be found. 

Seldom will you find a line at the doorway to true service, but inside that door you will always find the company of the risen Christ.  Is this Person sufficient, or must we have perquisites (“perks”) as well?  – Luther   

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March 1
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Uncategorized Aside

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, NLT)

When we’ve lost our way, it helps to return to the beginning; the starting point; the original idea.

In explaining the origin of all that we are and all that we see, the writer of Genesis puts God at the starting point.  

We may regret days of our past — and the decisions made there — but today is a new day!  

As you begin it, remember: With God, all things are possible.  – Luther

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February 28
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Uncategorized Aside

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38, NLT)

Jesus illustrates for us the principal that the relationships that we value in this life are the relationships that we shall inherit in eternity. In other words: If we are ashamed of Him and all that He stands for here in “time”; we shall forfeit Him for all of “eternity” because He will be ashamed of us then as we are ashamed of Him now.

The Christian disciple’s challenge in these “adulterous and sinful days” is to be faithful to Jesus and to His message in all that we say, and in all that we do.

This means that we love our enemies — all of them.  This means that we seek reconciliation — always.  This means that we pray for those who abuse us.  This means that we live each day as if Jesus were returning before the end of it.  – Luther

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