Tag Archives: confidence

December 31
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“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25, NIV)

Jude’s benediction — his letter’s final words — are a fitting close to this year.

There are things we’ve done this year that we wish we hadn’t done; there are opportunities we’ve left unexplored, but we need not despair: It is Jesus alone Who is able to present us to the ultimate Judge “without fault and with great joy.”

None of us knows what the New Year holds, but we need not despair: He is able to keep us from stumbling, both now and forevermore!  – Luther

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December 2
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“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16, NASB)

There are times when it seems as if trouble and adversity are predators, and these conditions stalk us like prey.

At such times, God’s word reminds us that we are far from alone in our tenuous condition: Prone to anxiety and bent toward fear.  There is One who has been where we are.  There is One who has faced what we are facing, and has emerged from the crucible completely victorious and utterly unsullied by sin. His name is Jesus.

The solution to our many dilemmas — whether existential or empirical — is not to seek the counsel of some and the comfort of others. Instead, immediately “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace,” that is, seek God as your first Resource — not as your last resort.  Those who assiduously seek God will always receive mercy equal to any sin; find grace always abounding in abundance; and receive help that is always on-time.  – Luther

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September 5
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“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” (Psalm 147:10-11, NIV)

Today’s scripture reminds us that what impresses God is a person who reveres Him; a person whose hope resides in Him. 

What motivates us? Is it the approval of other people, or is it the approval of God? 

In whom (or what) does our hope reside?  Is it with our extensive network of friends; or is it in our heavenly Father?

Parents delight in the love, trust, and obedience of their children. Are we giving our Father reasons to delight in us?  – Luther

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