Pride – BibleJournal.net

“1…2…3…Who’s Glory?”

Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 10.

My oldest son is wrapping up his 12U baseball season, and I’ve had the privilege of leading his team in devotionals throughout the year since he was 8U. My younger son just started 8U this season, and we started the same with his team with them finishing last week. Using a devotional from The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the main theme of the season was around playing for God’s glory, rather than your own. We could have easily used 2 Corinthians 10:11 for part of our content. As Paul defends his ministry and the work they are doing to spread the Gospel, he says the following..

Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 10:11

I have to admit..this can be tough. We naturally want to be proud of our accomplishments or the accomplishments of our children. We want to post on social media and tell others. That’s not bad, and yet Paul is also helping us recognize that nothing we do happens without the power of God and His will in it. James 1:17 also reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift comes from above..” It is really Him through us that good things are done.

It is also human nature to want self-fulfillment or the approval of others, but Paul also reminds us in the next verse we should have an audience of One. He’s the only one we should really seek an “Atta Boy!” or “Atta Girl!” from.

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one who the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 10:12

If you follow baseball at all, and especially the Chicago Cubs this year, you may be familiar with centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. He has taken the league by storm in his 2^nd year with his electrifying speed and fielding, along with his surprisingly fast development at the plate hitting for average and power. Some are calling him “MVPete” already at just close to the halfway point of the season. Even with all the praise he’s getting from some, I looked at the comments on social media of a post showing an amazing diving catch he had on the 4th of July against the St. Louis Cardinals and most all of what I saw was negative and some downright hateful comments about him and saying this was just another normal diving catch. These comments coming from many who probably never even played baseball when some baseball metrics sites later said the ball had a 0-5% chance of being caught!

Why am I sharing this? Because like we discussed with our 8 year old team, no matter how good we are or how well we do something, if we seek most the approval of other humans (even family..let alone fans, coaches and bosses), we will be left feeling empty. Even the greatest athletes, actors, and business people will always have naysayers which often leads them to being depressed. It’s sad really. But, it is also a good reminder of the truth of these verses that we should only do what we do for His glory and seek His approval. And they go hand in hand really, we will only have His approval if we do it for His glory.

I will end this post as our 8U team broke our devotional huddles this season..

“1…2…3…Whose glory?!!”

“God’s glory!!!”

Self Image

Today’s reading is Hosea 11-13 and Matthew 19.

How do you view yourself? Do you view yourself as someone who makes many mistakes? Or do you view yourself as a “good person” who may not be perfect but is “better than most people?” Some may even view so highly of themselves that they think they do no wrong.

Some friends of ours used to work for a Christian camp. They shared with us about a boy whose parents sent him there basically against his will. He didn’t really think he needed God because he thought he didn’t do bad things. Then, they read James 4:17 (or a similar verse) which says, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” This young man’s mind was blown. He finally realized he needed Jesus because he could not say he had done everything he “should do.” There are sins of commission…what we do…and then there are sins of omission…sins for what we don’t do. This young man had to admit that even he had not done everything he “should do.”

Most of us read Matthew 19:16-25 about the rich young ruler and take away the challenges with money and being willing to give to God. While this is all true, I also think of the sins of pride and omission. The sin of pride can be defined of “an excessive love of one’s own excellence” as stated by Britannica.com. This man thought highly of himself and that he could be saved because he didn’t think he had broken the Ten Commandments. But, Jesus reminded him of his sin of omission…what he wouldn’t do which was give it all to God.

These verses are a good reminder for all of us about our sins of pride and omission and that none of us are “good” and worthy of standing before God’s throne when we leave this Earth without Jesus. Let us become more aware of what we aren’t doing so that we take action and become more aware of how thankful we should be that we have become righteous and worthy to face our Creator because our sins have been washed white as snow through His blood (Isaiah 1:18).

Gods Word of Life

Chalk it up to a strong case of insecurity and a self-inflicted case of selfishness. Today’s reading of what we are focusing on is God’s Words of Life. It’s not too far into our assigned reading of John 6:25-59, and I found my life in Him.

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you have seen the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.

I can pick out the “food that spoils” I have selected along my journey. I can recall those that attempted to speak the truth to me, and I didn’t listen. The things of this world that look good, feel good, sound good but are not connected to Jesus are temporary. . It wasn’t until I genuinely ate of His bread that my life changed, and I indeed had the feeling of fullness.

This temporary physical life goes quick. The world will tell you one thing and make it feel like instant temporary gratification will make you “full.” It won’t. Only Jesus will provide you with this. The Son of Man came for you and me to give a full eternal life. Today’s a new day, what are you eating?

Finish 2021 Well

Today’s Reading 2 Timothy 3-4 & Titus 1

Leadership, Instructions, and Fatherly Advice were the last few posts inspiring and encouraging to us all as we lead in our ways daily. As we continue reading 2 Timothy and Titus, Paul shares his final charge to Timothy and his advice to Titus as he takes on many church responsibilities. I’m sure Titus was taking notes, highlighting, and jotting down his notes as he read the letter from Paul. For Titus, following a fantastic leader can be very challenging. Leaders can make many changes to put themselves at the forefront or improve and enhance upon previous successes while walking alongside those they lead. In Paul’s instructions to Titus, I see Paul sharing advice and providing him with a plan.

In any leadership position, having a plan is essential. Remember, we are all leaders because we all have influence. Paul’s advice was not of his own, but that always of our Heavenly Father.

Have a good character that church leaders should have
How to teach to various groups
How to conduct ourselves

Reading through the verses between Titus and 2 Timothy, I caught myself capturing the contrast between the last days Paul warns us about in 2 Timothy 3 and what will equip us on our journey to Heaven in Titus.

Without fault	Selfish
Not arrogant – or quick-tempered	Greedy
Not drunkard	Conceited
Not greedy for money	Irreligious
Hospitable	Ungrateful
Self-controllable	unkind/merciless
Agree with doctrine	Love pleasure more than God

2 Timothy 3

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Titus 1

6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe[b] and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

What way will I choose to live? What path will you choose to lead? Many will say that we are in some of the last days. I know that only He knows that day. All we can do is choose how to lead every day this side of Heaven. One of my favorite Spiritual Audit questions is, “Who did I serve in the name of Jesus today?” Have no regrets about how and who you lead today.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Finish Well!

Pride vs Humility

Pride. I can sometimes have a problem with pride. My pride can get in the way in many/all areas of my life. For example, my kids are not doing what I exactly want them to do and how I want to do it. Another one could be a conversation with my beautiful bride doesn’t go how I imagined it and according to all my standards. At work, when something doesn’t go the way I had planned it. Or a response by a group of people that wasn’t the same kind of response I wouldn’t have had can leave me close-minded. All these situations can make my blood rises, my temper gets shorter, and words or actions come after faster than I wish.

My pride can get in the way, and this predominant force can lead to sin.

Anger, rudeness, shortness, yelling sarcasm can all fall into this category. Do you have any pride issues? In today’s reading of Luke 17, three verses focus on humility. Jesus is talking to the Pharisees and His disciples. Pride can impact us all!

“Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that make people fall into sin are bound to happen, but how terrible for the one who makes them happen!”

Refrain from offending others. Verse 1

“So watch what you do! “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.”

2. Be ready to forgive.

“The apostles said to the Lord, “Make our faith greater.”

3. Recognize your weaknesses.

Jesus calls for total humiliation. Here are a couple of additional verses that can increase our faith. Help me with complete surrender—humble my prideful self.

“Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised!” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭

“He has no use for conceited people but shows favor to those who are humble.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:34‬ ‭

“In the same way, you younger people must submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble.”‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭

“But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭

“No, the Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.” ‭‭Micah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭

Proverbs 6 is very clear.

“There are six or seven kinds of people the Lord doesn’t like: Those who are too proud or tell lies or murder,” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭6:16-17‬

Father, thank you for Your truth. I have a problem, and my only answer is total surrender to you. Search my heart and help me to humble myself to my selfish desires. Amen

The Pharisees

Today’s reading is Matthew 12:1-45.

Do you have a hero of the Bible you like to compare yourself to or like to think you’re similar? Could it be Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Joshua, David, or Ruth to name a few? I doubt very many of us like to compare ourselves to the Pharisees, but I for one, have to admit that often times I am more like them than some of the other aforementioned desired people.

First, we see in Matthew 12:1-3, the Pharisees judging the disciples for picking grain and doing work on the Sabbath. We then see them questioning this again when in Matthew 12:9-10 Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. It can be easy to quickly judge someone for how they parent, how they spend their family time, the car they drive, or the home they own. I heard a quote one time that said…Question: “How big of a house is too big of a house?” Answer: “Just a little bit bigger than my house.” Please forgive me for not giving the proper credit, but one of our other Bible Journal writers commonly says they remind themselves by saying, “Stay in your lane.” What a great saying. Even if what someone does is in fact a sin (and it may not be), their sin is no worse than any of my own sins in God’s eyes.

In Matthew 12:22-24, we see the Pharisees not wanting to believe the miracles Jesus performed in front of them were from God, and then they asked in Matthew 12:38 to see a sign. How often do we have the sin of pride by not giving credit to God for what He’s doing and then not seeing the “signs” right in front of us of what He has done already or will do. Recently, I’ve faced a challenge that I’m wondering how it will be resolved, and it has consumed many of my thoughts. The crazy thing is that this same exact challenge has been overcome many, many times before under arguably more difficult obstacles. Yet, God pulled through in the past and has even used some circumstances this time to help give me clues that this to will pass. However, like the Pharisees, I find myself looking for more “signs,” nearly completely ignoring His past provisions and evidence that this to will be resolved.

Why do I consistently do this? Why am I like the Pharisees when I don’t want to be? I’m a sinful human in need of a Savior just like the Pharisees. All I can do is pray for more awareness to make me more like Him and less like the Pharisees, to not lean on my own understanding by trusting Him with all my heart, soul, and mind, and most importantly by confessing my sinful nature and by thanking Him for His saving grace on the cross.

Daniel 4: King Nebuchadnezzar

What an amazing testimony we have a chance to look at today in today’s reading of Daniel 4. King Nebuchadnezzar had authority over many nations and people of different languages. He had many leadership traits, people who worked under him, and resources to support his kingdom. Nebuchadnezzar could stay in his palace, be content, and live prosperously. I’m sure many would want to be in this position. Still, with it, all King Nebuchadnezzar lacked one thing, he didn’t acknowledge that God is Most High, sovereign over all.

Our Lord Most High reigns. Psalm 93:1

How did this life transformation take place? It started in a dream. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that terrified him. So he commanded all the people that he felt were wise or could possibly interpret it to come to him. They all came, and none could interpret until people told him about Daniel. Daniel listened to King Nebuchadnezzar to share his dream. Verses 10 through 17 share this dream. At first reading of these verses, you can understand why no one else could figure it out. Chopping trees, animals, roots bound with iron and bronze, and given the mind of an animal. In steps, Daniel ( also called Belteshazzar) and bravely interprets this dream. It was probably something that Nebuchadnezzar didn’t want to hear. He was the tree being chopped, and that the king had to renounce his sins and be kind to the oppressed.

Our Lord Most High reigns. Psalm 96:10

How would King Nebuchadnezzar respond? A year later he was still living his own lifestyle not acknowledging what God had said. God then fulfilled Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. He was transformed into the mindset of an animal. I had a conversation with a parent this evening about learning. We talked about how we all can learn differently sometimes. Some people listen and make the right choices following directions, others have to learn the hard way. King Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way until verse 34.

At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward Heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified Him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; His Kingdom endures from generation to generation.

Our Lord Most High reigns. Psalm 97:1

He reigns, our Lord has great plans for us when we listen. He has great plans for our leaders. Will you pray that we listen, that our leaders, as well as us, acknowledge that our Lord Most High reigns. Psalm 99:1

Now I, (Insert name here) Nebuchadnezzar praise and exalt and glorify the King of Heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble.

Asa

Today we get the opportunity to hear and learn from the life of another king in Asa. While you read through 2 Chronicles 14-16, it has made sense to put these three chapters into two parts. In Asa’s 41 years of reign, after taking over for his father Abijah, Asa for many of his years did what was right and good in the eyes of the Lord, and then towards the ending reign of his life, allowed his walk to drift away from the Lord, making a difference in his ending days.

Part 1

2 Chronicles 14:2 Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.

Here were some of his actions while Asa first reigned.

He removed the alters
He smashed the sacred stones
He cut down Asherah poles
He commanded others to seek and obey Lord

After Asa had done these things, the Lord gave him rest. During this rest, an army formed against Asa and his army. Asa and his army weres outnumbered and under-resourced in the chariot department. Then Asa gives a prayer that would provide victory for any Christian.

2 Chronicles 14:11 Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you.”

This prayer provides absolute confidence in God. The numbers didn’t matter when you have God on your side. There was a total commitment to God, and they gave themselves into God’s hands to accomplish His purpose. Asa and his army had courage in the Lord’s name and reminded the Lord how mere mortals wouldn’t prevail against Him.

What odds are you facing today? Have confidence, commitment, and courage that the Lord can have victory in whatever you are facing.

Part 2

2 Chronicles 15:1-2 The Spirit of God came on Azariah son of Oded. 2 He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.

The 35th year of Asa’s reign. He took silver and gold out of the Lord’s temple and gave it to Aram. Avoiding a battle, he pays of Aram. Seer comes and says Asa had messed up.

Verse 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.”

Asa becomes mad and brutally oppresses others. Thirty-nine years afflicted with a disease in his feet, verse 12, didn’t seek help from the Lord, only physicians. In Asa’s 41st year as king, he died.

How could this be? A king who stood so tall in times of victory gave a prayer to the Lord of full commitment. Still, Asa forgot who had trusted throughout his life. Sadly, Asa was eventually afflicted with a disease in his feet. At this time, he only looked to physicians and not God as he had before.

As we live on this earth, experiences can either draw us closer or farther to our Lord. Unfortunately, we can stray if we start to rely on our strength and pride. We can’t let days slip away; we are not walking with God. We need to make the daily choice to trust God with everything.

Dear God our Father, We pray for courage, commitment, and confidence in everything you have for our lives. I pray that through our days we don’t lose sight of you and rely on ourselves. Help us to share this trust and confidence with others through our commitment to you in all aspects of our life. Amen

Humble Hearts Kingdom

One statistic that I often share when talking about the Front Porch Initiative is the statistic that self-centeredness has increased 30% in the past 30 years among college students according to a study conducted by San Diego State University. This narcissism has impacted our ability to show empathy and will continue to have an impact on our communities. That’s why deepening our relationships and getting to know others is so important.

Today in Matthew 20 we read about a mother putting her own desires first for her children above God.

Jesus had just got done telling his disciples on their journey to Jerusalem that he would be leaving them soon. That He would be mocked, flogged, and crucified. Still, just like we can do, just like I can do, we think of ourselves and what’s in it for us. Not what is eternally most important. Sadly, the next story shared in Matthew 20 after Jesus foretelling His death is the request of power/position in Heaven and being able to sit on the right and left of Jesus.

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus gave his life for us. Every way He physically lived was for us. Every living word written is for us. In a world and time where being great is about self promotion or pride. Jesus has been saying to be great in His kingdom we must be least. Reflecting personally easily brings tears to my eyes. Even in this day as I on reflected Matthew 20 I made so much of this day about me. I focus on things I may have to do for work, whether or not my favorite team will win, how my children are behaving. Not really thinking about what is truly important. In listening to Grace To You by John McArthur on this chapter I think about the question John Mcarthur was asked many times, ” Who will be those who receive the greatest reward in Heaven?’ He will say, ” Those who suffered the most in life for the cause of Jesus Christ.”

I can only repent and pray for Jesus to work on my selfishness. To grab hold of my heart and mind as I look not to myself or this world, but to Him. Put my pride in check. Here are a few reminder verses that can remind me God’s view on pride.

Proverbs 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.

Proverbs 16:5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
be assured, he will not go unpunished.

That in Psalm 31:23 it says He recompenses the proud or in Psalm 18:27 the proud will be brought low.

So instead of a prideful heart, I know I need to be more humble. Micah 6:8 says He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Proverbs 15:33 says The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.

Colossians 3:12 says, ” So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;”

So here are a few verses to help us put our pride in check. That or worldly desires will mean nothing next to our place in Heaven. I pray to always be a servant leader without asking… what’s in it for me? I pray for us to live with humility and selflessness knowing and trusting that God has a perfect plan for all of us. Our greatest plans won’t ever compare to the reward in Heaven through a selfless, humble, and faithful life.

God told us it wouldn’t be easy. We need to continue to trust and have faith in His plans for us! What do you need to let go of? To humbly ask Him to work on your heart. To put away our earthly desires and spread His good news!

Have a blessed Tuesday in all you do.

Temptation

Today’s Reading: Matthew 6:13 and Psalm 76

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Matthew 6:13

Good morning Monday readers. As the temps finally begin to rise and we are seeing God’s work in the blooming tulips we have the opportunity to dive deep into the next verse of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Today, we’re focusing on temptation. As soon as I hear that word, I start thinking about tasty chocolates and expensive purses! Our family is moving to a new home this week and I’ve been forced to face the reality of my sin when it comes to materialism. I’ve given away and yet it still seems as if we have so much. It’s taken so much discipline to avoid purchasing more things! How many of us are filled with wordly desire when we walk into the store? This may lead us to ask, why did God bring temptation to our lives? The Bible teaches that God doesn’t lead us to temptations but he does allow us to be tested by them. Of course, we’re not alone in it. All Christians struggle with temptation. The enemy often chooses to tempt us when we are vulnerable. When we are under physical or emotional stress he uses that opportunity to convince us that we can get reassurance and comfort from things other than God. When we are lonely, tired or faced with a difficult decision it can be easy to look to food, shopping, the computer or phone for comfort. As we meditate and pray on the role of temptation in our life, I invite you to spend some time writing and reflecting on the three areas in which the enemy tempts us:

Physical Needs and Desires
Possessions and Power
Pride

Take some time to write down the ways in which you are personally tempted in these three areas. Ask God to forgive you for the times you’ve given in to temptation. By making ourselves aware of how subtle temptations start us down the path of sin, we can begin to change.

Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them;
let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared,who cuts off the spirit of princes, who is to be feared by the kings of the earth. Psalm 76:11-12