Devotion
Think your free from pride? Think again!
David Jacobs
Imagine a proud person. Are they rich? Perhaps they are in a position of power or prestige that commands respect everyone around them. Or perhaps they take pride in their beauty or looks. But this is only an image of pride. In fact, pride is a human condition that we cannot escape, even if we lack all of these things.
Knowing this, the narratives of the Scriptures repeatedly emphasize the dangers of pride. For example, Saul, who was revealed to be God's chosen leader of Israel, is described as handsome and impressive. Scripture even says that he was without equal among the Israelites (1 Samuel 9:2). God promised to guide him and provide the powerful help of the Holy Spirit in leading the nation. You can see how this might go to someone's head.
Yet, Saul was meant to follow the instructions of God in his role as leader. Due to his pride, he failed in this. He acted as if he was in charge rather than God, and as a result he crumbled under the pressure of leadership rather than be obedient to God.
As Christians, we are all in a similar situation to Saul, being chosen to belong to God's family. God has given His Holy Spirit to dwell within us so that He can use us to empower His plans for the world. When our pride gets in the way of this, we fail in our purpose. God's command is that we put away our pride allow Him to be our guide by humbling ourselves before Him, confessing our sin, and asking for His help in overcoming it.
Prayer
God, I am prideful. I confess my pride to you, because alone I am not able to overcome it. I recognize that your plan comes first, and so I humble myself before you. I will not walk my own path, but the one that you have laid out for me, and I ask for the guidance of your Holy Spirit.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
