Tag Archives: obedience

February 3
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“Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him.  ‘By what authority are you doing these things?’, they asked.  ‘And who gave you this authority?’”  (Matthew 21:23, NIV)

There are some things that God requires that confounds the watching world: Love for one’s enemies; forgiveness of those who have harmed us; rejoicing in trial; and hopefulness in adversity.

As a disciple of Jesus, be prepared to answer those who ask: “By what authority. . .?”, because the ways of God are sometimes foreign even to those who inhabit the “temple courts” as the chief priests and elders of the people did in Jesus’ day.  Our “authority” is our heavenly Father.  It is His spirit within us.  It is His word informing our decisions.  We aspire to be like Him.

As many of us were taught years ago by our parents: Resist “peer pressure.”  Furthermore, obey the teaching of the One who created us, and loves us — no matter what and no matter who.   – Luther

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February 2
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“Jesus stopped and called them.  ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked.   ‘Lord,’ they answered, ‘we want our sight.’   Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.  Immediately they received their sight and followed him.”  (Matthew 20: 32-34, NIV)

“They received. . . and followed him.”

Having just received sight, the two men suddenly had a lot of options not available to them in their former condition.  Suddenly, there were new places to go, people to see, and pleasures formerly denied to experience.  However, in gratitude to the One who had compassion on them when all others were unable or unwilling to help; after receiving their sight, they used both their new sight and their new insight to follow Jesus.

What is it we choose to do after we have received the one thing we’ve asked of God?  Do we choose to follow Him, or do we choose to follow our own agenda?  – Luther

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January 22
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“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”  (Romans 14:19, NIV)

Is your and my ambition to do the things that lead to peace?  In our interactions with others, do we aspire to build-up the other as we seek to become better ourselves?

These are simple tasks, and within reach of each one of us.  Through obedience to God in these two things, we can change — for good — the nature of our personal relationships, our business relationships; and the atmosphere in our homes, churches, and schools.  – Luther

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