Tag Archives: commitment

September 10
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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NASB)

As disciples of Jesus, we sell-short the vast and powerful Resource available to us in decision-making when we refuse to trust our heavenly Father with all of our heart.

A divided heart encourages confused loyalties. The antidote is to be committed to do whatever it is — however small — to maintain a vital, growing, relationship with God; and make that task first thing you do.

Even when we err, “He will make your paths straight” back to fellowship and peace with Him. Such journeys are easiest when we act while inspiration burns within us; and when the path to reconciliation, liberty, and life begins with the smallest of steps to the side.  – Luther

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December 20
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“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)

One of my favorite definitions of a cynic was offered by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), who said: “These days man knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing.”

As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, some people see only a historical fact; when it is an “all in” commitment by God for the rescue of every person He had ever created.

On such occasions as this one — whether it be Easter, or the anniversary of our own birth — are we as cognizant of the value of God’s commitment to us as we are of the apparent “cost” of holiness?

Once we begin to grasp the meaning of the words of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. . .”, the value of God’s gift makes any price we might pay pale in comparison.   – Luther

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October 21
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“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV)

The Holy Spirit is not, as it is sometimes described, a gift from God; it is the gift of God. 

As finite beings, we lack the capacity to have 100 percent of an infinite God; but we should aspire (and perspire) toward the place where God is 100 percent within us. In other words, His will is our will — and we desire no other.

What corners and niches in our living are bereft of God’s holy presence?

If God’s Spirit is only an ember within us, then it is easy to see why our so-called “business life”; and our so-called “social life”; and our so-called “political life” are beyond the mere influence — let alone, the control — of the Spirit of God.

As Paul reminded his protege, Timothy, an ember easily becomes a flame when it is “encouraged.” Through prayer and practice, fan into flame (work-out) the gift that God has “worked-in.”  – Luther 

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