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“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 obedience, reaping, sowing, the book of Galatians

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“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.'” (Genesis 12:1, NIV)

This recollection of God’s first encounter with Abram (later called Abraham, the father of the faithful) reminds us that we must first “go” in obedience to God before God will “show” us the promise.

Most of us prefer it the other way round, as if to say to God: “Show me and I will go”; while God is saying to us, “Go and I will show you.”

It may be a strange thing to our family, friends, and neighbors to see us commit to something without being able to describe the end-state or the desired outcomes; but obedience ahead of evidence is how God dealt with Abram — and it is how God deals with us.

Whenever God’s spirit moves you to move — move! God will be with you every step of the way and, in time, you will see the promise. – Luther

Tagged Abraham, Abram, faith, obedience, the book of Genesis

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“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23, NIV)

Prophecy and miracle-working in the name of Jesus — though impressive — will not get us through the “pearly gates.” Jesus makes a clear distinction between (for lack of a better term) “exceptional religious performance” and righteous living in the day-to-day.

The Lord doesn’t care whether you or I ever perform miracles, prophesy like an Old Testament seer, or put demons to flight. (Any of that is 100 percent God and 0 percent us, anyway.) What impresses God is our obedience to Him in even the smallest and most ordinary of things.

God is not seeking rock stars, but He is seeking men and women who are “rock solid” in their commitment and in their obedience to His will. – Luther

Tagged faithfulness, God's will, obedience, the book of Matthew