Tag: Martin Luther

Consistency

Lately I have been evaluating how I so quickly can fall off “the wagon.” And for the sake of transparency, I mean any wagon that I want to be on whether it be the exercise, daily Bible reading, daily vitamins, cleaner language, or mindful eating wagon.

Mind you, I want to be on each of those wagons.

Finding ways of doing things without thinking — like automatic routines — can help me in most of those cases.

Having a buddy to walk with, read the Bible with, a simple vitamin organizer, more time around grandchildren, or great food choices in the house and paying attention to my hunger and enough cues are all ways I have tried to set myself up for success. I definitely benefit from a bit of accountability and routine or I get pulled by the sway of the day and my emotions at the moment.

I look at these things as guardrails or curbs that benefit me — both in the short term and the long term.

And, if the idea of guardrails or curbs sounds a wee bit familiar, you might be thinking about your small catechism — and some of the purpose of the law.

You can delve into all of it here: https://catechism.cph.org/

I do like to hold books in my hand but since my phone or computer are never too far away from me, it is really nice to have Luther’s Small Catechism handy.

At any rate, God gives us resources to be successful even though He knows we cannot do any of it apart from Him. So, He provides for our successes while acknowledging we will fail. He loves us even so and this week we hear about it in so many different ways.

I pray you will take time to see what ways God provides for you and recognize those good gifts. This is the week we see the depths of His love and let it permeate us in a deeper way. And let us carry forward what we learn and share it far and wide!

He Prepares the Way…

1 You, Lord, showed favor to your land;
    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
    and covered all their sins,
3 You set aside all your wrath
    and turned from your fierce anger.

4 Restore us again, God our Savior,
    and put away your displeasure toward us.
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
    Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
    that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your unfailing love, Lord,
    and grant us your salvation.

8 I will listen to what God the Lord says;
    he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
    but let them not turn to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
    that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
    righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
    and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed give what is good,
    and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him
    and prepares the way for his steps. [Psalm 85, NIV]

His steps…our steps….

We aren’t ever really standing still. There is always movement. The challenge is always in the direction.

God draws me near, but do I resist? Do I see His faithfulness and provision? Am I in His path? Under His guidance?

We always have options. But His grace covers a whole lotta ground. When I wander, am distracted, and deliberately choose an ugly path He loves me and waits for me to recognize my errors. Sometimes it is a long wait while I dig in my heels and protest my justification for my behavior. Sometimes there are lots of tears, hurt, and anger. And, unfortunately, there are usually the natural consequences that are still a part of my reality.

And yet, He prepared The Way even as He prepares the way…

In the name of the Father, + Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have graciously kept me this day. And I pray that you would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into your hands I commend myself, my body, my soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Luther’s Evening Prayer

Come, Lord Jesus!
Liz