Tag Archives: scripture

April 6
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“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. . .  The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”  (Isaiah 40:6b, 8, NIV)

In the spring of each year, we are reminded of the splendor of nature as lawns and fields green-up; and flowers add color to every scene. It is wonderful to behold, but we know it lasts only for a season — even if it is repeated next spring.

Isaiah reminds us that we, too, are like the grass and the flowers: Magnificent in many ways, but also fleeting.  In the context of more than 6,000 years of recorded history, our singular 70 or 80 years of life is less than a dim flash.

Isaiah also reminds us that though we are less than a vapor, God’s word endures for all of time and eternity.  If we desire any permanence in what we do or say, it must be enveloped in and consistent with God’s word.  Such consistency comes only through the reading and the heeding of scripture.  – Luther

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March 14
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“There is salvation in no one else!  God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:12, NLT)

Peter’s declaration to a skeptical — if not hostile — audience is not made with malice.  It is made as a faithful testimony to the scriptures and to the evidence of God’s work in our time.

Each day, we have an opportunity akin to Peter and John’s, as recorded in today’s reading. If we are diligent students of God’s written word, and vigilant for His presence, we will have numerous occasions to give faithful testimony.

People may dispute the former, and discount the latter; but our role as Christian disciples is to give faithful testimony remains.  – Luther

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October 24
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“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

The reading, study, memorization, and recitation of scripture gives the disciple of Jesus the equipment to do good works.

If we blunder into situations with good intentions, but bad information and no tools, is it because we have not enrolled in the academy of the Holy Spirit to be schooled in both the word of God, and in the wisdom of God?

A report published in 2009 by the University of California, San Diego* says that nearly half of the average American’s day is devoted to consuming information, whether through television, telephone, radio, texting, on line searches, etc. . .

Assuming that we spend 12 hours of each day receiving information, how many hours of the 12 are spent being equipped for good works? Minute for minute, scripture is the best information available because, while it may not teach us how to make a living, it will certainly teach us how to make a life.  – Luther

* http://hmi.ucsd.edu/howmuchinfo.php
REMINDER: Daily Encouragement is on break tomorrow. See you again on Monday, Lord willing. Have a great day in Sunday services!

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