Tag Archives: discipleship

September 8
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“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV)

In 17 words, Paul provides the Christian disciple with a challenge for every day, and a charge for each life.  From the end of this short verse to its beginning — phrase by phrase — let us look at what Paul has said.

“Do everything in love”: Treat others as you would have others treat you. Live to please our heavenly Father. 

“Be strong”: If the Holy Spirit of God is your strength, you are strong indeed. His strength never flags. His power never fails. Rely on this strength.

“Be courageous”: Going against “conventional wisdom” with God’s wisdom; swimming upstream; standing alone in one’s convictions; or choosing the “narrow gate” requires moral, physical, and spiritual courage. Choose it — then be it!

“Stand firm in the faith”: Conventional wisdom, enlightened self-interest, and fashion are “currents and tides.” Faith is the disciple’s anchor, and the word of God is the anchor’s chain. 

“Be on your guard”: Thieves do not steal things that have no value. Because you are a person of inestimable worth and value, there is a bounty on your life. Therefore, guard your heart, your thoughts, your motives, and your affections against theft and/or misuse by unworthy agents.  – Luther 

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August 28
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“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11, NIV)

For the disciple of Jesus, walking the narrow path that leads to life (please click on Matthew 7:13-14 for full scripture reference) is as natural as breathing; but it doesn’t begin that way. 

It may take us years to reach the place where we are naturally in stride with the will of God, and we will never arrive at that point without first subjecting our ambitions, habits, preferences, prejudices, and pastimes to the scrutiny God’s word — and modifying our actions accordingly. 

To “sin” means is to “miss the mark.” There are some deficiencies in our living that are the result of ignorance, but these instances are few (and become fewer and fewer with each year of our life).

Most of the shortcomings in our relationship with God are the result of our willful disobedience.  We yield to bad habits, craven ambitions, and prejudices because it is far more comfortable to continue living that way than it is to change-up our lifestyle and come alive to God’s plan.

The key to staying in stride with our heavenly Father is to read His word; to heed His word; and to hide His word in your heart.  – Luther

 
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August 19
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“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn.” (Psalm 89:15-17, NIV)

Learning to “acclaim” the Lord requires both discipline and practice. 

Discipline, because it is something that is contrary to our ego-centric selves.  Practice, because it is only through repetition that it becomes our nature to give God the glory that is rightfully His.

In life, we take so much for granted. If we only thought for 60 seconds of all of the things that God gives us as a matter of His grace: The air we breathe; the water we drink; the food we eat; longevity; the love of our family members; the fidelity of our friends. . ., we would rejoice in His “name all day long.” 

As it is, these simple gifts are seldom noticed, until we are at risk of losing them; or, until we have begun to “walk in the light of [His] presence.” 

As large as the blessing may be in the receipt of God’s gifts; a larger blessing is knowing that God’s reservoir of grace is inexhaustible.  – Luther

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