Tag Archives: obedience

November 20
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”  (James 1:26, NIV)

For today and tomorrow, two thoughts about religion’s value.

The first thought is from verse 26 of James’ letter:  A religion that is incapable of affecting something as common as our verbal interactions is worthless.

This is not to say that the religion, per se, is worthless.  It says that to us, the religion we are professing is worthless, because it has failed to affect our behavior in the most simple and ordinary way.

As disciples of Jesus, if we take seriously our profession of faith, then that faith must affect our lives in not only extraordinary ways, but in ordinary ways as well; not just on the mountaintop or in the valley (for these are temporary extremes in human experience), but on the boring, level plain, too.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
November 19
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.” (James 1:22, NIV)

Information.  Inspiration.  Perspiration.

Information is knowledge.  God presents every person with the information that leads to life and peace.

Inspiration is the desire to act on that information.  It is the bright light of revelation.  It is the “I get it” moment.  The devil attacks at the moment of inspiration to delay our engagement, because delay brings doubts; and doubts always conspire against truth and reality.

Perspiration is the work of taking information — fueled by inspiration — to reality.  Information and inspiration without perspiration is akin to having a construction blueprint and all building materials at hand, but never breaking ground.  Nothing of either temporal or eternal value is established or sustained without perspiration, whether literally or figuratively.

Get informed.  Get motivated.  Get to work.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
November 12
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”  (Hebrews 13:2, NIV)

Years ago, during the funeral service for a dear friend and early mentor of mine, Yvonne Keefer; Yvonne’s former pastor commented on how Yvonne and her husband Jim were models of hospitality.

“Hospitality is inviting someone to inhabit your space,” the pastor said.  I had not heard a more simple yet profound definition of that word before — or since.

The writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us to invite strangers to inhabit our space.  Our spaces are usually cultivated, comfortable, and secure.  Yet, the stranger often enjoys none of those benefits because he is often far, far from his own home.

It is through the practice of hospitality that we expose ourselves to the possibility of serving one of God’s angels; the possibility of making a new friend; and the certainty of being obedient to God.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →