Tag Archives: judgment

November 3
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“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”  (Hebrews 4:13, NIV)

“Character” is often defined as “who you are when no one else is looking.”  Be certain of this: Someone else is always looking.

The kind of things we would say about someone if that person were listening; the kind of things we would do if we knew that we would see it replayed on television or on “You Tube”; and the places we would go (or not go) if we were never alone, form the basis accountable behavior.

Trouble, embarrassment, and ruin are certain when individuals, organizations, and governments cease being ever mindful of the fact that each is accountable, regardless of perceived power, prestige, or privacy.

The wise person is mindful that every day of his or her life is “on the books.”  – Luther

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October 30
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“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”  (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NIV)

What awaits you after this life?

In his final days on this earth, Paul — writing to his protege Timothy — declares that “the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” awaits him.

The trials of this life are many, and often cause us great pain and suffering.  However, do not despair.  Fight the good fight, meaning: Draw on all of your resources — in heaven and on earth — to resist the evil one and his schemes.  Stay in the race to the finish, meaning: Don’t quit — ever.  Keep the faith, meaning: Remember that God, through Jesus, has assured victory at the end of all things — even if it doesn’t look that way now.

The rewards written of by Paul are not only his — but ours, as well, if we wait in longing for His appearing.

What awaits us after this life?  Life in the presence of the Lord.  The crown of righteousness.  Hearing the righteous Judge say to us, “Well done.”  – Luther

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March 26
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“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.” (1 Peter 1:17, NIV)

In today’s scripture, Peter reminds the reader of two important things: (1) We are foreigners (some translations read “pilgrims”) on this earth. Heaven — not earth — is our home.  We are, for a time, merely visitors here; and (2) We need to live each day of our lives in “reverent fear.”

Contrary to what the world would have us believe, fear is not a bad trait. The problem is that we too often fear the things and people we should pay no mind; and we pay no mind to the things that we ought to fear.

For example, a fear of electricity is warranted. Although we use electrical power every day, we observe and teach others a reverence for it that keeps us from abusing it. Such an attitude is not a bad thing.  In fact, this “reverent fear” may have kept us from destroying ourselves by accidental electrocution!

As pilgrims on this spinning sphere, we need to keep in mind that our time is short, and our opportunities for good are constantly opposed by evil.  If only for these reasons, live in “reverent fear.”  Our heavenly Father is awesome in His power, yet He deals with us with gentleness and grace.  – Luther

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