Asides

December 14
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Uncategorized Aside

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

There was anxiety in Peter’s time. War, disease, violence, political maneuvering, and the challenges of making a living created “Maalox moments” for everyone. 

We also live in anxious times. Then, as now, God invites you to “cast” (e. g. throw, discard, pitch) your anxieties on Him. He does not desire that you be anxious — even for a moment. Why? Because He cares for you.  – Luther

Remember: Daily Encouragement will be on break tomorrow (Sunday).  Have a great time in worship during this holy season.  Lord willing, see you again on Monday!

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December 13
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“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Whether in the natural human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success depends on: (5) Displaying humility in all things.

English writer G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936) lamented the common practice of humility: “A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed.”  (Click here for full text of essay.)

The person that completely trusts his/her heavenly Father in all matters, as evidenced by faithful obedience to His word and the leading of His Holy Spirit, will always be grounded (which is the state we commend when we praise a person’s humility). The disciple of Jesus need not be certain of anyone — except God.  – Luther

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December 12
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Uncategorized Aside

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Whether in the human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success depends on: (4) Showing compassion.

Nothing dries-up the wells of compassion faster than the notion that a person in trouble — or a troubled person, for that matter — deserves whatever it is that’s got them by the throat. The fact of the matter is that at one time or another, we’ve all been in a tough spot; and we’ve greatly appreciated it when someone — anyone — has been moved to give us a hand-up, or a hand-out.

Many of us are only a few bad decisions away from poverty. All of us are only a heartbeat away from death. An honest look at our common, fragile condition may yet open again the wells of compassion.  – Luther

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