Tag Archives: discipleship

November 13
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20, NIV)

There is not a more succinct statement of what the disciple of Jesus should aspire than what we read in today’s scripture.

Whomever first uttered the bromide: “The reason God gave us two ears and one mouth is because we should listen twice as much as we talk,” was on to something.  We all should major in listening and minor in speaking!

When you “listen” with every sense the Lord has given you, you will see what others do not see; you will hear what others cannot hear; and when you are compelled to speak, your words will convey the wisdom of God.  – Luther

Tagged , , ,
October 31
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3, NIV)

The antidote for fatigue and discouragement is the life of Jesus.  Because of His spirit within us, we each can be as Jesus was when facing opposition from others.

For example, when reviled (verbally abused) He did not revile in return; He prayed for His enemies; He sought reconciliation with His foes; He remembered that even though the devil and the agents of evil might win an occasional battle, God and His righteousness shall always, ultimately, prevail.

If you say that you cannot overcome opposition as Jesus did, you are correct — if your only resources are your own. To overcome as Jesus overcame, we must follow in His steps.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
October 25
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3a, NIV)

As followers of Jesus, it it good to be reminded Whom it is that we are following, lest we acquire ideas about the person or the purpose of Jesus that are both unscriptural and unsupportable.

Ask an architect about a structure she has designed, and she will be able to speak to every detail of its form and its function.

The words of Jesus resonate as they do in human experience because it was through Him that the universe was created. In other words, He is its architect.

The longer and the closer one follows Jesus, the more one comes to appreciate the work of God.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →