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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

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“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, NLT)

Peter’s declaration to a skeptical — if not hostile — audience is not made with malice. It is made as a faithful testimony to the scriptures, and to the evidence of God’s work in our time.

Each day, we have an opportunity akin to Peter and John’s, as recorded in today’s reading. If we are diligent students of the holy scriptures, and are vigilant for His presence, we will have numerous occasions to give faithful testimony.

People may dispute the former, and discount the latter; but our role as faithful witnesses remains, nevertheless. – Luther

Tagged bearing witness, testimony, the book of Acts

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“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); or as a king (although he was a great king); or as a father and 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 advertising, bearing witness, Christian witness, David, repentance, the book of Psalms