Tag Archives: good deeds

November 28
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  (James 3:13, NIV)

Deeds done in humility are particularly fragrant because the person performing the deed is not doing it to draw attention to herself.  Wisely, she sees a higher purpose and a bigger plan in play.

The greatest deeds, by God’s estimation, are performed in obscurity; the left hand unaware of what the right hand has done.  The greatest deeds provide help to the helpless; hope to the hopeless; and they empower the disenfranchised.

Everyone — regardless of title or status — can live a life of humble service to others and to God.  Make this your ambition.  With wisdom comes humility.  – Luther

REMINDER: Daily Encouragement will be on break tomorrow (Sunday).  It is the first Sunday in Advent, the season of preparation for the coming our King as an infant!  Have a great day in worship, and remember to exhibit mercy and humility in all of your dealings — particularly the difficult ones.  Lord willing, see you on Monday! 

Tagged , , ,
October 24
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

The reading, study, memorization, and recitation of scripture gives the disciple of Jesus the equipment to do good works.

If we blunder into situations with good intentions, but bad information and no tools, is it because we have not enrolled in the academy of the Holy Spirit to be schooled in both the word of God, and in the wisdom of God?

A report published in 2009 by the University of California, San Diego* says that nearly half of the average American’s day is devoted to consuming information, whether through television, telephone, radio, texting, on line searches, etc. . .

Assuming that we spend 12 hours of each day receiving information, how many hours of the 12 are spent being equipped for good works? Minute for minute, scripture is the best information available because, while it may not teach us how to make a living, it will certainly teach us how to make a life.  – Luther

* http://hmi.ucsd.edu/howmuchinfo.php
REMINDER: Daily Encouragement is on break tomorrow. See you again on Monday, Lord willing. Have a great day in Sunday services!

Tagged , , ,
October 20
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”  (1 Timothy 6:18-19, NIV)

We cannot take anything with us when we die but, while we live, we can “send ahead” treasure so that we are not destitute when we arrive on the other side.

With this in mind, Paul tells his protege, Timothy, to tell people like us (that is, blessed with earthly possessions) to accumulate wealth in good deeds; and to be willing to share — generously.

Life “that is truly life” is not about acquiring and holding; but about receiving and giving.  Be a channel, not a reservoir!  – Luther

Tagged , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →