Tag Archives: obedience

June 30
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“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'” (Acts 10:34-35, NIV)

As Peter was before his vision (please see Acts 10:9ff), we prefer people we like; and we prefer people like us. This is our nature apart from God, and it is the starting point of racism, sexism, nationalism, and all other preferences based on outward appearances and other superficial things.

When we begin to see people as God sees people, we will be humbled by how often our personal preferences are tied to the most superficial human qualities. We will also be amazed at how often the persons accepted by God are 180-degrees out from us in physical appearance, cultural background, native language, and national origin.

God commands us to be like Him: Accepting of every person (nationality, race, culture, gender) “who fears Him and does what is right.”  – Luther

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June 27
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“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8, NIV)

God’s love for all of us is unconditional — particularly those who have no use for God.

The noted German pastor, Martin Niemoller (1982-1984) said: “It took me a long time to learn that God is not the enemy of my enemies. He is not even the enemy of His enemies.” The enemies of Niemoller’s reference were the Nazis. While he had good reason to hate Hitler and his ilk, Niemoller knew that for Christ’s sake, he had no excuse.

We must take to heart that if God chooses reconciliation with His enemies, we, too, must choose reconciliation with both our enemies, and the enemies of God.

Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians is a pointed reminder of God’s love for all persons; and our obligation to follow our heavenly Father’s example.  – Luther

Reminder: Taking Sunday off, as normal. Returning Monday, Lord willing! Have a great day in worship!

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June 18
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“There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” (Proverbs 16:25, NLT)

“It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

How many times have we heard (or even spoken) those words?

Maybe we didn’t know any better. Or, maybe we knew the risks of the short-cut we had chosen but, having done our own “risk analysis,” we proceeded anyway thinking that no one would notice — or care.

Proverbs tells us that some decisions — even apparent “sure-fire” decisions — lead to death.  Death comes to childhood dreams because of adolescent indiscretions.  Death overtakes the prospects of a bright career because of poor choices during the young worker’s “salad days.” One dies spiritually when he or she trades a season of prosperity for an eternity of poverty.

There, however, is wisdom on this path: Obedience to God’s word leads to life.  – Luther

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