Humility

September 20th – Psalm 104:31

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Psalm 104:31

“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works”

I love to cook. From the selecting of the recipe to the finished product, each step along the way brings joy to my heart. And I’m always filled with a sense of pride when a dish brings praise from family and friends. God is the great Creator. And David sings praises to Him, His greatness, and His control of and power over all He has created. Our work here on earth is meant to fulfill God’s creative intent. To bring each person into relationship with other people, with God, and to glorify Him. Out of His great love, God uses His power to provide for all of our needs. But it’s our job to use what He gives us to build further. All of God’s creatures look to Him for food, and while He responds by opening His hand to supply it, we still have to work hard to process and use God’s good gifts. He gives us the plants, but it’s up to us to gather and use the plants. God has done his work perfectly.  By His grace He has placed us in this beautiful world which He created.  If we work humbly in the strength He supplies, our work of cultivating the earth will be perfected.

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September 18th – Job 36:14-16

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Job 37:14-16

“Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?”

Between satellites, super powered telescopes, and exploratory spacecraft, science has gathered much information about our universe. Yet as Job’s friends pointed out, only God has perfect knowledge. So how could the awe inspiring nature of the universe and our limited understanding not humbles us? For there are aspects of God’s creation and His ways that are far beyond our comprehension. This humility in turn leads to a deeper appreciation of the Lord’s mysteries. And a recognition of our dependence on the wisdom and protection of God. It also inspires a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around us. Just as Job was encouraged to consider God’s wonders, we also should marvel at the awesomeness of creation. From the complexity of the natural world to the marvels of science and technology. Because by doing so, we can cultivate a deeper reverence for God. And a greater appreciation for the beauty and order that surrounds us.

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August 5th – Colossians 4:6

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Colossians 4:6

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

In the times of both the Old and New Testament, salt was used for more than just seasoning food. It served as a preservative, disinfectant, currency and part of a temple offering. And as followers of Jesus, our speech should carry the same value. Salt was often used to preserve meat and keep it from spoiling. Our words should preserve the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and keep it from being spoiled by those who would twist it. Salt was also often used to kill bacteria. With our speech we too can kill the bacteria of false gospels by sharing the inerrant Word of God. When the Romans were interesting in purchasing a slave, salt was given as payment. When our speech points others to Christ, we lead them to One who purchased their freedom with His precious blood. And when the people brought their sacrifices to the altar of burnt offerings, none could be offered without the seasoning of salt. The smell lifted to God as a pleasing aroma, as does as our speech when it’s filled with the flavor of grace, truth, humility, and love.

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July 26th – Proverbs 31:10

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Proverbs 31:10

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

The Proverbs 31 woman is everything admirable in both a woman and a wife. And as someone once said, she isn’t the yardstick by which all woman are measured. Rather she’s the beautiful goal we as women should be moving toward. When asked to describe beauty author Mandy Hale wrote, “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” That’s who the Proverbs 31 woman is. Clothed in strength and dignity, her heart is surrendered in thankfulness to God. And out of that thankfulness, comes a character worthy of her family’s praise. A character exampling humility, caring, wisdom, and goodness. Her beauty radiates from the glory of the Lord, sparkling brighter than the largest diamond. Her is love spread to those who cares for with every touch. And with hearts overflowing her family looks upon her with praise, treasuring her greater than the most precious jewel.

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July 14th – Proverbs 29:1

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Proverbs 29:1

“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.”

We serve a God of second, third, and fourth chances. But although His patience, is immense, it’s not infinite. While God’s mercy and grace abound, there comes a point where persistent disobedience and unrepentant hearts can exhaust His patience. Eventually He’ll wash His hands and give us over to our sin. (Rom. 1:26-28) That’s why it’s so important to understand that God desires our genuine repentance, obedience, and a humble willingness to live lives according to His will. Procrastinating in our spiritual growth, ignoring His instructions, or taking His grace for granted can lead to severe consequences. A stiff-necked attitude towards God rejects the opportunity for growth and humility. It hinders our ability to learn from our mistakes, seek forgiveness, and make necessary changes in our lives. And most sad of all, unrepentant sin distances us from the One we should be closest to. The only true source of wisdom and grace, our Heavenly Father.

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July 12th – Proverbs 14:10

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Proverbs 14:10

“Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.”

There’s nothing worse than when we share experiences with others just to hear how they too have experienced the same thing. As Christians, we need to realize that everyone’s journey is unique to them. And we need to listen to their story allow without immediately interjecting our own experience and opinion. For everyone’s feelings about a situation are their own. And instead of looking for a know it all, people are looking for someone to come alongside them to provide comfort, understanding and love. So even if we’ve had a similar experience, in humility and love we need to listen with open ears and a closed mouth. Everyone carries hidden burdens and joys that we will never know. As Christians it’s not our not to judge or assume we understand the depth of someone else’s pain or joy. Instead we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15) And unless asked, leave our opinions at the door.

 

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July 10th – Proverbs 4:4

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Proverbs 4:4

“Then he taught me, and he said to me, ‘Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.”

There’s a reason the Bible is the best selling book of all time. Because in it can found the perfect blueprint for life. Solomon’s father David knew the life saving benefits of believing and following God’s Word. And so he ingrained the need to know and study the Lord’s commandments into his son. Words echoed by Solomon to all who seek wisdom. God’s Word provides much needed guidance, discernment, and direction for every aspect of our lives. Through the stories, parables, and teachings it contains we can find answers to life’s deepest questions, discover the character of God, and learn how to live according to His will. The Bible shows example after example of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Which in turn inspires us to live with compassion, humility, and integrity. More than just a good book, God’s Word is alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword. (Heb. 4:12) And if we follow it teachings, will point us to a meaningful and Christlike life.

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July 9th – Proverbs 27:6

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Proverbs 27:6

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”

When speaking about friends and enemies Mark Twain once said, “It takes your enemy and your friend, working together, to hurt you to the heart. The one to slander you and the other to get the news to you.” Sometimes friendship involves having the courage to speak the truth, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable. But we must check our heart motives when sharing truth. Are we sharing with a spirit of love, kindness, and good intentions? Or are we sharing out of an eagerness to gossip? When sharing with our friends, it’s essential to approach those conversations with humility. And with the intention of seeking to understand and support others rather than tearing them down. Or worse yet, to embarrass or hurt them. True Christian friendship is anchored in truth, as it seeks to build each other up in love and righteousness. And true Christian friends are those committed to speaking truth in love, gently correcting and encouraging one another to grow in faith.

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July 6th – Proverbs 27:1

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Proverbs 27:1

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

I’m a list maker. I love to sit down with a cup of hot coffee and make a list of things I need to do for the day. My lists keep me organized. And I get a small feeling of accomplishment as I cross off each task at its completion. Yet most days the list I start with gets thrown out the window. Because in this world things happen, plans change, and problems occur. No wonder Robert Burns famously said, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” That’s why Solomon encourages us to approach each day with humility. Recognizing that our plans and aspirations may be subject to change at any moment. Each day we get is a gift from God, and our lives are subject to His will alone. So while we can make plans, we should also be open to God’s redirection and trust in His ultimate purpose for our lives. As Christians we need to make plans with the understanding that God is control of the future. All we need do is remain receptive to His leading and guidance throughout out journey.

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June 20th – Daniel 9:9

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Daniel 9:9

“To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him”

Everyday even the mightiest Christian rebels against God. Yet everyday, when we confess and repent of our wickedness, the Lord offers His forgiveness. And I’m so thankful He does. But why does God do it? First and foremost, because it’s a testament to His unwavering desire for a deep and intimate relationship with us. God understands that we are fallen beings who make mistakes and have sinful tendencies. But He longs to restore that relationship and reconcile with us. And by extending His unending grace, God shows us that He is willing to forgive even the gravest of offenses if we genuinely seek His forgiveness. Moreover, God’s forgiveness provides us with the opportunity to learn from our mistakes, develop humility, and have a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others. By experiencing the profound impact of God’s forgiveness, we are inspired to extend that same forgiveness to those who have wronged us.

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