Asides

May 1
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Uncategorized Aside

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. . .”  (Philippians 1:27a, NIV)

To be a disciple of Jesus means surrendering the privilege of self-justification. 

Paul reminds us that external circumstances must not dictate our response. In all that we do, our sole ambition is to please our heavenly Father. We engage in self-justification at the risk of causing the gospel of Jesus to lose its opportunity to engage those who need it.  

Today, resolve to conduct all of your affairs in a manner worthy of the good news of our Lord. We can do no more; we should expect from ourselves no less.  – Luther     

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April 30
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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3, NIV)

As we mature as disciples of Jesus, we ought not to fret the appearance of “trials of many kinds.” According to James, such occasions are opportunities to develop in us the endurance that is required for the days ahead.

We should also look at “the testing of [our] faith” as a natural step in validating it, as an examiner tests the knowledge of a physician before he or she is licensed to practice medicine; or as a flight examination tests the knowledge and technical proficiency of a commercial pilot before he or she is permitted to carry members of the paying public. 

Who would knowingly consult a physician whose knowledge had never been tested? Who would knowingly board a plane whose captain’s flying skills had never been examined through testing? Testing is a good thing.

We can “consider it pure joy” in the hour of trial because we know that it validates our faith; and develops within us the endurance we need for all future challenges. Because we are being made ready, we may smile in the trial. – Luther

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April 29
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“As he came from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return; to go as he came. And he shall take nothing from his labor which he may carry away in his hand.” (Ecclesiastes 5:15, NKJV)

Two things survive us: What we do for others; and what we do for the Lord God.

Ecclesiastes reminds us of the fact that we entered this world with empty hands, and that we shall leave it in the same way. In the interim, much passes through our hands: Money, opportunities to lend assistance to others, occasions to bless with a written word of encouragement, the embraces of forgiveness.

What have we done this week that will survive us?

Today will offer again many opportunities “to store up for ourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupt; and where thieves do not break through and steal.” Act boldly for the sake of the kingdom (rule) of God!  – Luther

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