"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 30 November 2016 with Scripture Romans 13:11-14

"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 30 November 2016 with Scripture Romans 13:11-14-------

Romans 13:11 Besides all this, you know at what point of history we stand; so it is high time for you to rouse yourselves from sleep; for the final deliverance is nearer than when we first came to trust. 12 The night is almost over, the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and arm ourselves with the weapons of light. 13 Let us live properly, as people do in the daytime — not partying and getting drunk, not engaging in sexual immorality and other excesses, not quarrelling and being jealous. 14 Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Yeshua the Messiah; and don’t waste your time thinking about how to provide for the sinful desires of your old nature.[Complete Jewish Bible]
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In the midst of the city of peace, there, the thrones of judgment are set up, the thrones of justice. We can call them God's mercy seat. The judgment that is uttered is one of mercy. God's immeasurable goodness is revealed and shared with us, a goodness that completely transforms our lives. No longer are we lost in the ways of self-centered desire, in the pursuit of our own happiness, in drunkenness and addiction that make the world and the neighbor all about "me." God's mercy opens the door, breaks down the walls, calms our fear and says: now is the time, know that I am with you; in baptism you have been already clothed in Jesus Christ. Jesus is your life. Your identity is found in his abundant mercy that dispels the darkness.
God of peace, shape our life, hold us in your mercy that is stronger than any darkness. Amen.
Dirk G. Lange
Associate Dean, Graduate Theological Education and Fredrik A. Schiotz Chair of Missions and Professor of Worship, Luther Seminary 
Romans 13:11 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers;
12 the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light;
13 let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy.
14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.[New Revised Standard Version]

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