Humility

June 4th – Matthew 6:15

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Matthew 6:15

“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

C.S. Lewis once said, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” Human beings can do truly depraved and horrible things to each other. Some atrocities are difficult to describe, or to think about, let alone forgiving someone who has done them. All the same, Jesus insists we understand how much God has forgiven us for. Because we have all sinned against God, and by comparison, our sin against Him is far more than any person can sin against another. But more than that, God knows the destruction that comes with unforgiveness. How it can hinder our relationship with the Lord and create emotional and spiritual burdens. That’s why He wants us living a life that practices humility and grace towards others. Because by embracing forgiveness, we can experience the freedom and peace that comes from aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus.

June 4th – Matthew 6:15 Read More »

May 25th – Philippians 2:3

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Philippians 2:3

We all love a little pat on the back along with acknowledgement and appreciation. But when our own egos become the main focus, no longer are we working for God. Instead we’re working for the pleasing of our own vanity. Jesus, who was fully God, willingly gave up the privileges of deity and, “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in the appearance of man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil. 2: 7-8) Christ lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a humiliating, excruciatingly painful death nailed to a Cross. He willingly became our substitute for sin, paying the debt that we owed. All in accordance to the will of God and out of love for us. In light of His great sacrifice, our words and actions should reflect the honor and humility of our Savior.

May 25th – Philippians 2:3 Read More »

May 19th – Hebrews 4:16

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Hebrews 4:16

When it comes to prayer, God isn’t looking for mealymouthed, wish washy, timid followers. He’s looking for strong, bold, prayer warriors. Those who know that because we are loved and accepted by God, we can come before Him anytime, anywhere, asking for anything, without fear or hesitation. But boldly coming before the Lord requires confidence, honesty, surrender, and persistence. Confidence means having unshakable faith and trust in God’s character and promises. Honesty means bringing our true selves before Him, without pretense or hiding. Surrender means knowing the Lord always knows best, seeking His guidance and direction above our own. And persistence means not giving up or being discouraged when we don’t see immediate answers or solutions. Being bold before God isn’t about being disrespectful or demanding. But reverence and humility, combined with confidence and trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness. And an invitation to approach Him with freedom, faith, and love.

May 19th – Hebrews 4:16 Read More »

April 7th – Isaiah 6:8

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Isaiah 6:8

Have you ever thought you washed a window to crystal clear perfection only to find it full of streaks when the rays of the sun shined on it? That’s how it is with us. No matter how hard we try, or how clean we think our lives are, they are nothing more than dirty, streaky, windows compared to the perfect goodness of God. But because of His boundless love, just like He did for Isaiah, God provides a way for our sin to be taken away and forgiven. That way is Jesus Christ. Through His work on the Cross and the shedding of His precious blood, the minute we receive Him as our Savior, the Holy Spirit goes to work. First he humbles and convicts us about the filthiness of our lives. Then He begins transforming, cleansing, and getting us ready for God’s service. No longer unworthy, and like the prophets before us, we can be eagerly obedient to God’s calling. And after our own life changing encounter with the Lord, with a thankful heart we too can say to God, “Here am I. send Me!”

April 7th – Isaiah 6:8 Read More »

April 6th – Psalm 131:1

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Psalm 131:1

Psalm 131 is a little Psalm that packs a big punch. For in its few lines lies the secret to happiness, success and victory. The secret being humility and contentment. This is victory that I myself so desperately yearn for. Because like David, I too want to have a humble heart before the Lord. I too want to be content, happy, and thankful in all things, placing my complete trust in God alone. David’s message of humility and contentment is a big contradiction to a world that says more is better, and to value ourselves above all others. But as Christians we don’t live like the world. We live like our Lord. And no one exampled humility greater than Jesus. For as it says in Philippians 2:8, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” If our Lord could let go of any pride, be content in all things, and trust God completely, so can we.

April 6th – Psalm 131:1 Read More »

March 9th – Matthew 5:8

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Matthew 5:8

My grandmother had a little needlepoint plaque on her bathroom wall quoting Matthew 5:8. And even though I didn’t really understand what it meant to be pure of heart, I can remember wanting to be good enough to get God’s blessing. To be pure of heart means to have a genuine, sincere, and honest attitude towards ourselves and others. An attitude that not only pleases the Lord, but brings with it many blessings. Blessings including a heart free of shame and guilt, strong relationships with others, a greater sense of purpose in life, and growth in our spiritual walk with the Lord. But what being pure of heart doesn’t mean is being perfect or flawless. Instead it involves practicing humility and kindness, and being able to see the good in others, even when they have wronged us. The same way our Lord and Savior so generously and lovingly sees us.

March 9th – Matthew 5:8 Read More »

February 27th – Romans 12:10

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Romans 12:10

I love the saying humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. And there’s no better example of this than Christ. From start to finish Jesus, in humility and obedience, always put the will of the Father before His own. Never once seeking His own glory, His joy was found in serving God and others. As His followers, it is our job to cultivate that same kind of humility in our own lives. Because no matter how bad our circumstance, there is always someone worse off. And nothing takes our mind off our own troubles than helping someone else with theirs. Proverbs 22:4 says, “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” As Christians we are to put others before ourselves, and show love and respect to everyone we meet. And by doing so, not only are we bringing blessings into our own lives, we are reflecting the love of God and helping to make the world just a little more loving.

February 27th – Romans 12:10 Read More »

Deuteronomy 15:11

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Deuteronomy 15:11

God cares deeply for the poor and the needy and expects His people to reflect that same care and compassion. That means it’s not just enough to simply acknowledge the existence of poverty. We must also actively work to alleviate it by helping those in need. Jesus loved unconditionally, without expecting anything in return. He loved the poor, the sick, the outcasts, and the sinners. Never withholding His awesome generosity from all who called on Him in faith. And He commands us to do the same. We can follow His example by loving others regardless of their background, social status, or behavior. The Lord calls us to love our neighbors. To practice Christlike, unconditional love, forgiveness, compassion, humility, and sacrifice. By doing so, we can become more like Him and make a positive impact on the world around us.

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February 7th – Hebrews 2:9

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Hebrews 2:9

John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much, He sent His only Son to pay the sin debt we owe. A love perfectly exampled through the humility of that sent Son, Jesus Christ. Seated on a throne of righteousness at the right hand of the Father, the Lord willingly became “lower than the angels”. He gave up glory and power for pain and sorrow, all because of love. Love for us and love for the Father. Coming in the form of a man, Christ endured all things and suffered all things so He could become our perfect, compassionate, High Priest. (Heb. 2:16-17) Jesus shed His precious blood, giving His life so we can live eternally. And because of His great sacrifice, He once again sits beside God crowned with glory and honor. Such a love we can scarcely comprehend, and one we don’t deserve. Yet God offers His love freely. All we have to do is open our hearts and receive it.

 

February 7th – Hebrews 2:9 Read More »

January 20th – Philippians 2:2

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Philippians 2:2

One of the most wonderful things about the Gospel, is that it’s all inclusive. Because God loves each of us equally. And no one member of the church is more important than the next. So as members of the body of Christ, it’s important that we put ourselves aside and strive to meet the same goal in love, joy, and unity. That goal being sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, and advancing God’s kingdom on earth. We all love a little pat on the back along with acknowledgement and appreciation. But when our own desires become our main focus, no longer are we working for God. Instead we’re working for the pleasing of our own egos. And that goes against who Jesus is and what He teaches. For Jesus lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a humiliating, excruciatingly painful death nailed to a Cross. He willingly became our substitute for sin, paying the debt that we owed. All in accordance to the will of God and out of love for us!

January 20th – Philippians 2:2 Read More »