One of CS Lewis’ great quotes is, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” This is an insightful way to look at humility, without tearing ourselves down.

Paul tells us in Philipians 2:3-5, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” he goes on to tell us in verses 8-9, “He [Jesus] humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names.”

If we are like Jesus, we put our focus outside of ourselves, on serving others, and God will do the work of watching out for and taking care of us.

Dear Lord, Thank you for Jesus’ perfect example of a life of service to others. Like Jesus, who rose in glory after humble service, we to know we don’t have to selfishly promote ourselves, because you will watch over us while we serve others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You probably know someone, or maybe you are someone who doesn’t worry about things, has a general comfort that everything is going to work out fine, and are confident that God has things working just the way they are supposed to.

David writes about this in Psalm 5:11-12 saying, “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”

We all can be like those described above. If we really put or confidence and trust in God, we can be happy, regardless of our circumstances, knowing that God’s favor surrounds us and He has things under His control.

Dear Lord, thank you for caring for and protecting us when we rely on you for support. Help us demonstrate this trust in you in ways that show others your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Happy New Year!

As we begin the new year, let us remember the blessing God had Aaron give, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

May this blessing of Gods grace, favor and peace be with you this new year.

Dear Lord, thank you for your blessings of grace, favor, peace and salvation. Help us renew our faith in your blessing, and reflect your love to those we encounter in the new year. In Jesus name. Amen.

You have probably heard the, tongue in cheek, expression, “What ever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” Jokingly referring to the fact that working very hard, and enduring extreme difficulties makes us stronger. This is often used in situations of physical challenge and endurance.

However, for the emotional and spiritual difficulties in life, what truly makes us strong and capable of enduring struggles is the love of God working in us.

In Ephesians 3:16,17 Paul writes, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” He goes on in verse 19, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

When we trust in God, and work to get closer to him, our strength to endure adversity will grow, and bring us the peace and “fullness of life” that a relationship with God provides.

Dear Lord, You are the source of strength in our lives. Through you we are able to endure all things life may bring. Help see this truth and draw closer to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may be familiar with the illustration Jesus gives his disciples in Luke 11; Where he tells this story; you have visitors late one night, and you don’t have any food to provide them, so you go to your neighbor’s house to ask to borrow some food. The neighbor tells you to go away because he and his family are already in bed. You keep on knocking until finally your neighbor gives in and gives you some food, not because he is your friend, but because you are so persistent; the NIV versions says “..because of your shameless audacity, he will get up and give you what you need”

What I had not realized until recently, is that this illustration is immediately before this familiar passage in Luke 11:9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” NIV

The Living Bible writes it this way. “…And so it is with prayer—keep on asking and you will keep on getting; keep on looking and you will keep on finding..”

It is pretty clear that Jesus was saying, “pray with persistence,” even “audacity” which the dictionary defines as, “bold or arrogant disregard of normal restraints.” This is probably a little uncomfortable for some, including me; being pushy and persistent with God, but that is what He told his disciples.

Dear Lord, help us remember to come to you boldly asking you for the things we need, and want to help us live our lives to glorify you. Help us also pray boldly for you to help our churches, and those in need of your healing, peace, protection, and joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.