Tag Archives: holiness

December 20
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)

One of my favorite definitions of a cynic was offered by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), who said: “These days man knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing.”

As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, some people see only a historical fact; when it is an “all in” commitment by God for the rescue of every person He had ever created.

On such occasions as this one — whether it be Easter, or the anniversary of our own birth — are we as cognizant of the value of God’s commitment to us as we are of the apparent “cost” of holiness?

Once we begin to grasp the meaning of the words of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. . .”, the value of God’s gift makes any price we might pay pale in comparison.   – Luther

Tagged , , ,
December 8
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV)

As a disciple of Jesus, do you think of yourself as chosen? Do you see yourself as a member of a royal priesthood; an intercessor between man and God? Do you consider yourself a citizen of a holy nation? To whom do you belong; are you God’s special possession?

On the average large American university campus, it would not be uncommon to encounter students who — outwardly — look like the stereotypical poor college student but are, in fact, heirs of family fortunes. It seems not to matter to them whether they are dressed-up or dressed-down, because it doesn’t change the facts of who they are or of their trajectory in life.

Peter’s words remind us of how God sees everyone — repeat — everyone who claims His name. Don’t sell yourself short, and remain mindful of the great gift God gave you when He “called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”  – Luther

Tagged , ,
November 18
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27, NIV)

Today, the second of two thoughts on religion’s value.

The pollutants of the world are many: Greed, envy, a preference for form over substance, and self over others; pride, a contentious attitude, a peculiar type of laziness about spiritual things. . .

Religion that motivates its adherents to be mindful of the low and the powerless is acceptable to our heavenly Father. Does your religion motivate you in that particular way?

Religion that preserves its disciple in every conceivable posture of life, despite the world’s pervasive influences, pleases God. Does your religion also keep you in that way?  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →