December 13
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“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” (Psalm 4:8, NLT)

We are reminded daily of the perils of our time: Disease, injury, war, pestilence, mayhem, shortages. . .  It is enough to keep you up at night!

Times were just as tough and uncertain in David’s time (and his time was probably a good bit tougher that we have it today).  Yet, David — the author of today’s psalm — declares that “in peace I will lie down and sleep.”

David did not derive his peace from his wealth, his military might, his physicians, or his own intelligence.  His confidence was based entirely on God.  We do well to do likewise.   – Luther

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December 12
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“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  (Matthew 24:44, NIV)

God often first gives us the answers before giving us the test.

In these final chapters of Matthew’s Gospel (chapters 24-25), Jesus is emphatic in His teaching about the nature of the kingdom of heaven; and He is equally emphatic in His teaching about the final judgment of God, and what is required of you and me.  You see, Jesus wants everyone to pass; but everyone must pass with his or her own work.  No cheating.

The key to successfully facing any crisis — whether financial, emotional, physical, or spiritual — is readiness.  The time to get ready is now.  The adage is never more true: “You cannot give what you do not have.”

Are you ready?  – Luther

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December 11
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“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”  (Jude 1:3, NIV)

Jude encourages all followers of Jesus — past, present, and future — to “contend for the faith.”

I do not believe it to be accidental that he chose the positive, as in contending for; instead of the negative, as in contending against.  The truth is this: We can go either way, but as it concerns the faith we hold dear let us be forward looking, optimistic, and proactive.

To “contend” means to strive for a particular goal or objective.  We contend for the faith when we make choices that are consistent with our profession, and embrace those choices with confidence and joy.  – Luther

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