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“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)

The word of God is alive. In order for the word of God to grow within us, we must make room for it; we must take time for it; we must nurture it.

The word of God is active. We see the word of God at work — and wanting to be at work — in our circumstances; leading, guiding, teaching, comforting, correcting.

The word of God is the criterion for good and evil. The attitude or the thought subjected to its scrutiny will always run true.

To begin any day without the word of God hidden within one’s heart is an invitation to frustration and spiritual defeat. The disciple of Jesus has the word of God as an alternative to frustration and defeat in spiritual things. – Luther

Tagged faith, inspiration, photography, relationships, soccer, the book of Hebrews, the scriptures, the word of God, victory

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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

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“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.'” (Genesis 12:1, NIV)

This recollection of God’s first encounter with Abram (later called Abraham, the father of the faithful) reminds us that we must first “go” in obedience to God before God will “show” us the promise.

Most of us prefer it the other way round, as if to say to God: “Show me and I will go”; while God is saying to us, “Go and I will show you.”

It may be a strange thing to our family, friends, and neighbors to see us commit to something without being able to describe the end-state or the desired outcomes; but obedience ahead of evidence is how God dealt with Abram — and it is how God deals with us.

Whenever God’s spirit moves you to move — move! God will be with you every step of the way and, in time, you will see the promise. – Luther

Tagged Abraham, Abram, faith, faithfulness, obedience, the book of Genesis