Tag Archives: the book of Matthew

February 16
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“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”  (Matthew 7:21, NLT)

Do not allow inaction to invalidate your profession of faith.

Jesus says that it is not just through our confession (who we say we are), but also through our obedience (what we do) that we establish our lives as securely as a house that is built on bedrock.  (Please see the verses that follow: verses 23 and 24.)

Clearly, it is not only our creed (from the Latin word credo, meaning “I believe”) that impresses our heavenly Father; it is also action that is consistent with our creed that pleases God.

How different is that from what we see today: Professions of belief without actions that validate the words?  Strive to let your deeds speak as loudly as your words.  – Luther

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February 15
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“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”  (Matthew 6:33, NLT)

If we’re not careful, we might think for a moment that God will leave us in the lurch; that is, without resources; without hope; and without help.

In such moments, remember our Lord’s reminder that our heavenly Father wants to give us everything — everything — that we will ever need.  The key to having all that we will need, exactly when we will need it, and in a form that we can receive it, is to seek first the rule (read: kingdom) of God in our lives above all else.

As citizens of this world, we understand the rule of others, whether that “other” is civil law, or the unwritten laws of the social order.

As disciples of Jesus, we need to actualize the rule of God in our daily living by being obedient to His law, the first of which is that we should love the Lord God with all our being. . .  Or, in the words of today’s scripture: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else. . .”

In the Kingdom of God, there are no paupers.  – Luther

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February 6
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“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you.  Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”  (Matthew 20: 25-28, NIV)

I like the adage: “Unless you’re the lead dog, the view never really changes.”

The problem is that my ambition for leadership almost always conflicts with what Jesus says His disciples’ ambitions ought to be vis-a-vis leadership.  While the common ideas of leadership usually involves the exercise of power, the acquisition of perquisites, and the maintenance of prestige; as a disciple of Jesus, I need always be on guard that I not use religious language to hide the agenda of secular objectives.

We cannot argue with the common concepts of leadership and their place in this world.  However, regarding their applicability in the kingdom of heaven and in the life of the Christian disciple, we must never forget Jesus’ words: “Not so with you.”  – Luther

Reminder: “Daily Encouragement” will be on its customary break tomorrow but, Lord willing, shall return on Monday.  Have a great day tomorrow in worship, fellowship, thanksgiving, and praise!

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