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“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6, NASB)

If it is true that we make trouble for ourselves because, as J. B. Phillips titled his classic book, “Your God is Too Small” (1953); the same might also be said because we think some matters of our life are too small for our heavenly Father’s attention.

We ought to accept the biblical challenge to acknowledge God in everything — large and small — whether in decisions or in giving thanks.

Through the Holy Spirit — Whom Jesus Himself referred to as the “Helper” — we have a companion who knows well the path; we have an intercessor who knows the mind of God; we have an energizer to sustain us; a teacher to educate us.

However, the Helper helps only by invitation. If we have not, it is only because we ask not. – Luther

Tagged christianity, faith, God, Holy Spirit, J. B. Phillips, jesus, prayer, the book of Proverbs

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“‘Why are you sleeping?’ he asked them. ’Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.’” (Luke 22: 46, NIV)

The most compelling temptation is not the urge to do something that is wrong, but it is the urge to do something that is good but falls far short of excellent. It is the urge to settle for the near-term tactical advantage at the expense of the long-term strategic victory.

Sleeping is not a bad thing. It is while we sleep that our bodies repair, refresh and regenerate. However, in today’s scripture verse, something was happening that called for a response from the disciples that sleeping could never deliver.

To choose to pray is to aspire to see the world as God sees the world. In prayer, we avoid temptations to settle for anything less than God’s will in the challenges we confront each day. – Luther

Tagged christianity, church, faith, God, jesus, prayer, readiness, strategic living, the book of Luke

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“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (2 Timothy 2:3-6, NIV)

Suffering.

It is an inextricable part of Christian discipleship. As Paul explains in what was one of his last letters before his death while in captivity and awaiting trial in Rome: A soldier must focus on the mission; athletes must compete according to the rules of the game; and the hardworking farmer reaps the benefits of his labor. In other words: No cross; no crown.

No reasonable person seeks persecution and suffering, and the Christian disciple is no exception here. However, while others try everything within their power to avoid, evade, and to escape pain and suffering; we “please our commanding officer” by joining Him in suffering for truth and righteousness; and we are an example for others of what ought to be, when we share in the sufferings of others.

If others seek “happiness” in the dogged pursuit of a life without suffering; the Christian disciple knows that enduring joy and purpose is found only through suffering in fellowship with Christ.

Whether you are a soldier, an athlete, a farmer, a student, a merchant. . . reflect on the what it means to share the sufferings of others, and the Lord will give you insight. – Luther

Tagged christianity, discipleship, divine partnership, faith, God, jesus, obedience, suffering, the book of 2 Timothy