Tag Archives: obedience

July 24
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Jesus says that you and I are the light of the world.  This is not aspirational, as in a state to which you and I should aspire.  It is a fact!

We may, through disobedience, dim our light’s brightness, but we have no say in where we are placed.  That is God’s prerogative.  He may place us in unusual and challenging places.  Places where, were it our choice, we would never go.

It should cheer us to know that God has entrusted the illumination of the world to us.  By our good deeds God is glorified.

Do good and shine wherever you are today.  God has not made us the light to hide us under a bowl.  He has made us light to illuminate the world.  – Luther

Tagged , , ,
July 16
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts.”(Nehemiah 10:31, NIV)

There are some things that other people accept that are wrong for the disciple of Jesus. In such instances, the Christian disciple must accept the inconveniences of decisions to do or to be otherwise, based on his or her convictions.

The wisdom of Sabbath-keeping is clearly evident in a 24/7 world, even though we are no longer required to do so.  For millennia, farmers of all creeds have seen the value of allowing a field to “lay fallow”; and were we to unshackle ourselves from the love of money, our faith and trust in God would grow stronger and our lives would flourish.

These are not easy things to do, but such commitments are necessary if we are to maintain our distinctiveness in a world that does not share our perspective or our values. When we find ourselves needing to act contrary to culture, we do not call attention to the deed or — worse — call attention to ourselves. If we are out of step with the prevailing culture, let it only be because of our obedience to a different cadence.  – Luther

Tagged , , , , ,
July 9
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Lord, the Lord Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me.” (Psalm 69:6, NIV)

As children of God, we represent the “family name.”

All that some people know of God — particularly those who do not know God — is what they see of God in us; and what they hear of God from us. For this reason, it should be our ambition to grow to maturity in the grace and knowledge of God.

Today’s psalm is attributed to David, of whom it was written that he was “a man after God’s own heart.”  (1 Samuel 13:14)

David didn’t always live up to his potential as a warrior (although he was a peerless warrior); as a king (although he was a great king); as a father, or as a husband. However, when David failed he didn’t make excuses for his failures.  He fought to regain sight of God’s standard, turned his heart toward the Lord, and owned-up to whatever personal sacrifices and behavior changes he needed to return to fellowship with his Creator.

David knew, as we should know, that we are always under observation. When our children watch us, as they do, what do they see?  When our co-workers watch us, as they will, what do they see? When our casual acquaintances think of us, as they shall, does integrity, self-control, fairness, gentleness, patience, peace, faithfulness, and love come to mind?

The world watches the children of God.  Does what they see of us; and what they hear from us speak well of our family name?  – Luther

Tagged , , , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →