good deeds | Daily Encouragement

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

A few verses earlier in today’s scripture citation, we are reminded that we “reap what we sow.”

It is worth remembering that even while we are engaged in sowing “good seed” by doing good deeds, it takes a while before the planted seed sprouts; and longer still before the sprout matures and is ready for harvesting.

Particularly when we are doing the right thing, we want to see results. Paul reminds us that the desired results will come but, in the meantime, we must not tire of doing good; and we must not grow weary in the wait for harvest.

Sow. Water. Weed. Fertilize (encourage). Wait. “At the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Luther

Tagged charity, compassion, good deeds, obedience, the book of Galatians

September 6

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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV)

The comfort and compassion available to us for use when helping others is as powerful, as resilient, and as timely as what we’ve received from God when we ourselves have been troubled.

In fact, what we receive today fills our reservoir for service to others tomorrow. God does, indeed, reach-down to bring us up; but God also employs His willing children to come alongside to bring us along. When we are faithful to reach-out, to reach-over, or to reach-back for others, it is not only our own power that strengthens our grip; it is the power of God through us!

Never hesitate to go where God has ordered; or to serve where God has placed you. We are His hands and His arms to those in distress. – Luther

Tagged comfort, compassion, God's care, good deeds, the book of 2 Corinthians, trial, trouble

July 25

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“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Jesus says that you and I are the light of the world. This is not aspirational, as in a state to which you and I may, one day, arrive. It is a fact – today!

We may, through disobedience, dim our light’s brightness; and we have no say in where we are placed. That is God’s prerogative. He may place us in unusual and challenging places. Places where, were it our choice, we would never go.

It should cheer us to know that God has entrusted the illumination of the world to us. By our good deeds God is glorified.

Do good and shine wherever you are today. God has not made us the light to hide us under a bowl. He has made us light to illuminate the world. – Luther