Tag Archives: God’s word

October 11
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“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NIV)

When we are presented with an opportunity to obey God’s word, do we demur by looking at the messenger instead of the message?

In today’s scripture, the Christians in Thessalonica were commended by Paul because they obeyed the word of God as they heard it — even when it came through a corrupted human vessel (Paul).

God is continuously speaking: Through His creation; through His creatures; through our circumstances; through unlikely messengers.

As a disciple of Jesus, be discerning. Don’t embrace the words of the devil because it appears to you in robes; and don’t dismiss the word of God because it appears to you in rags. – Luther

REMINDER: Daily Encouragement will be on break tomorrow (Sunday). Have a great day in worship.  Lord willing, see you again on Monday.

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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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March 20
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“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. . . The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:6b, 8, NIV)

In the spring of each year, we are reminded of the splendor of nature as lawns and fields green-up; and flowers add bright colors to every scene. It is wonderful to behold, but we know it lasts only for a season — even if it is repeated next spring.

Isaiah reminds us that we, too, are like the grass and the flowers: Magnificent in many ways, but also fleeting. In the context of more than 6,000 years of recorded history, our singular 70 or 80 years of life is less than a dim spark.  

Isaiah also reminds us that though we are less than a vapor, God’s word endures for all of time and eternity. If we desire any permanence in what we do or say, it must be enveloped in — and consistent with — God’s word. Such consistency comes only through the reading and the heeding of scripture.  – Luther

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