Tag Archives: accountability

September 23
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

You’ve heard the expression: “Your work is cut-out for you.”

It is a good thing to have one’s work clearly defined and waiting to be accomplished.  As disciples of Jesus — “God’s handiwork” — our work is cut-out, and waiting, for us from all of the other missions and tasks in the world that wait to be taken-up.

When we were made new in Christ we became an instrument for good works.  Don’t allow yourself to become a tool for anything less.

How do we know whether the task before us is of God?  Make it your ambition to walk with God in, and through, every circumstance.  “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:6)  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,
September 18
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.” (Proverbs 3: 9-10, The Message)

Do we honor God with everything we own: Our time, our talents, our treasure; the power at our disposal by virtue of our position in life and its prerogatives?

If not, we are operating at a level far below both our potential for blessing the lives of others; and we have restricted the “return” from God to our own lives.

You are what your are; and you have what you have.  Begin to give God the first fresh hour of your day, rather than the left-over minutes at its end.  Give God a tithe of thanksgiving from the dollars at the beginning, rather than the pennies that remain after everyone else has taken their due.

These small, but significant, steps lead to a life of usefulness, abundance, and joyful surprise.  – Luther

Tagged , , ,
July 9
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Lord, the Lord Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me.” (Psalm 69:6, NIV)

As children of God, we represent the “family name.”

All that some people know of God — particularly those who do not know God — is what they see of God in us; and what they hear of God from us. For this reason, it should be our ambition to grow to maturity in the grace and knowledge of God.

Today’s psalm is attributed to David, of whom it was written that he was “a man after God’s own heart.”  (1 Samuel 13:14)

David didn’t always live up to his potential as a warrior (although he was a peerless warrior); as a king (although he was a great king); as a father, or as a husband. However, when David failed he didn’t make excuses for his failures.  He fought to regain sight of God’s standard, turned his heart toward the Lord, and owned-up to whatever personal sacrifices and behavior changes he needed to return to fellowship with his Creator.

David knew, as we should know, that we are always under observation. When our children watch us, as they do, what do they see?  When our co-workers watch us, as they will, what do they see? When our casual acquaintances think of us, as they shall, does integrity, self-control, fairness, gentleness, patience, peace, faithfulness, and love come to mind?

The world watches the children of God.  Does what they see of us; and what they hear from us speak well of our family name?  – Luther

Tagged , , , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →