Asides

June 20
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Uncategorized Aside

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV)

Today’s scripture reminds us our “true and proper worship” consists of self-sacrifice. Not a heroic “all-in once for all” sacrifice, but a common “all-in each day” sacrifice for every right, holy, and good thing.  

To “offer our bodies” makes our sacrifice personal. We can put in time without engaging our mind. We can give our thoughts without giving the “hands and feet” that make lofty thoughts a reality. The presentation of our body is to deliver a complete package: Mind as well as muscle.

God is merciful. Our thanksgiving for His mercy is worship. Make your worship truly, and completely, personal.  – Luther

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June 19
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Uncategorized Aside

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, KJV 2000)

It isn’t just cartons of milk that bear an expiration date.  We, too, have a fixed number of days. 

It is foolish to live — especially in the face of daily evidence to the contrary — as if we shall never die. Failing either to number our days — or to act as if our days are numbered — means that we are not truly ready to live, because we are not yet ready to die.

Consider the proverb: “A wise man gives what he cannot keep; to gain what he cannot lose.” Redeem the time.  – Luther

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June 18
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Uncategorized Aside

“When Peter saw him (John), he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’” (John 21:21-22, NIV)

As disciples of Jesus, we each have an assignment to execute in God’s plan. 

It is humanly natural to compare, to contrast, and to compete — but such characteristics have no place in the fellowship of God’s people.  We who belong to God must — instead — strive to cooperate, to collaborate, and to cheer-on all others working with God; even if we don’t comprehend what it is they have been assigned by our common Lord.

If we don’t see it, what is that to us? We do see Jesus, and it is Him alone we must follow.

Anything else is a diversion, and anything less is a distraction.  Stay focused.  – Luther

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