Tag Archives: holiness

September 11
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“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” (Proverbs 10:17, NIV)

In what things do we display “discipline”?

Is it in the practice of unceasing prayer? Is it in the practice of hospitality? Is it in the practice of humility? Is it in the practice of valuing time in worship with others?

Know it or not; like it or not; our children, our peers, our co-workers, our neighbors, and even the casual stranger are watching us live our lives.  Do they see us display a discipline that “shows the way to life”?

Conversely, when we ignore discipline and correction, our lives are on a path that leads nowhere — and know it or not; like it or not; others follow.

Heeding the discipline of healthy and holy habits not only delivers life to us, but it delivers life to others, as well.  – Luther

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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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May 2
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“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12, NIV)

In the tug and pull of daily living, we are apt to forget how God feels about His children; but Paul offers to us this reminder: We are “holy and dearly loved.”

To be holy is to be like our heavenly Father, because He is holy — which is to say, “separate,” or “uncommon.” Separate, because we follow only our God. Uncommon, because the world doesn’t see many who live as we live: “[Clothed] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

To accept that we are “dearly loved” is the fire of inspiration; it is the freedom to go beyond ourselves; it is the frame that informs and circumscribes all of our choices.

It is a rare and wonderful state to be holy and dearly loved by God; and that is us. Today. Live it!  – Luther

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