Tag Archives: God’s word

October 28
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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

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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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