“A person’s pride brings him down, and honor is gained by a humble spirit.” — Proverbs 29:23
Pride precedes humiliation and often leads to it. One man in Norway was well convinced of this. Not even wearing sports clothes, he defiantly challenged Karsten Warholm, the world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles, to a race. Warholm accepted the challenge. At the finish, the two-time world champion smiled when his opponent, explaining his loss, insisted that he just had a bad start and would like to try again!
In the Book of Proverbs 29:23 it is written: “A man’s pride brings him low, but a humble spirit gains honor.” God’s dealings with the proud is one of Solomon’s favorite themes in this book (Prov. 11:2; 16:18; 18:12). The word “pride” in these verses means “inflated” or “inflated,” that is, appropriating to oneself what rightfully belongs to God. When we are filled with pride, we think more highly of ourselves than we should. The Lord Jesus once said: “He who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt. 23:12). Scripture encourages us to seek humility. This is not a false modesty, but a proper self-perception and recognition that it is God who gives us everything we have. This means showing wisdom and not speaking arrogantly and “hastily” (Prov. 29:20).
We ask God to give us a wise heart to humble ourselves for His glory and avoid self-abasement.
When have you experienced humility that glorified God? How to humble yourself before God?
Dear God, remind me that humility is the path to Your glory.
Author: Marvin Williams
“And we prayed to our God, and set a guard against them day and night.” — Nehemiah 4:3
Wallace and Mary Brown decided to move to a poor area of Birmingham (England). A small church needed a pastor. But the couple did not know that a local gang operated on the territory adjacent to the church and the house in which they were supposed to live. Bricks were thrown at the Browns’ windows, fences were set on fire, and their children were threatened. The violence continued for months, and the police could do nothing.
The book of the prophet Nehemiah tells how the Israelites rebuilt the destroyed walls of Jerusalem. When the enemies “conspired … to cause … confusion” (Neh. 4:2), the Israelites “prayed to … God, and set a watchman against them” (v. 3). Sensing that God was guiding them through this text from the Bible, the Browns, their children, and a few others circled the walls of the church, praying that He would place angels on guard to protect them. The thugs taunted, but the next day only half of the gang showed up. Then there were only five bandits, and after another day no one came at all. The Browns later heard that the gang had stopped terrorizing people.
This miraculous answer to prayer is not a formula for our own defense, but it reminds us that opposition to God’s work will come and must be dealt with by the weapon of prayer. “Remember the great and terrible Lord,” said Nehemiah to the Israelites (v. 8). He can change even cruel hearts.
What would you do if you were the Brown family? Who needs your prayers for salvation today?
Amazing God, send Your mighty angels to protect Your people and change the hearts of the enemies.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
“And Abraham called the name of that place: ‘The Lord will see’.” — Genesis 22:14
Judson Van DeVenter was born on a farm, where he learned to draw and studied art. Eventually, he became a drawing teacher. However, God had a completely different plan for him. Friends appreciated his work in the church and encouraged him to engage in evangelism. Judson also felt that God was calling him to this, but it was difficult for him to give up art. However, according to him, “finally the decisive hour of my life came, and I gave everything to Him.”
We cannot imagine the broken heart of Abraham when God called him to give up his son Isaac. Reading God’s command “bring… him as a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:2), we ask ourselves: “And what valuable thing does God call us to sacrifice?” We know that in the end God had mercy on Isaac (v. 12), but the point is clear: Abraham was willing to give up what was most valuable to him. He believed that God would help him in fulfilling the most difficult calling.
We say we love God, but are we willing to sacrifice the most precious thing? Judson Van DeVenter followed God’s call to evangelize and wrote the hymn “I want to give everything to You.” Later, God called Judson to teach, and one of his students became a young man named Billy Graham.
God’s plan for our lives has purposes beyond our imagination. He wants us to be ready to give the most precious thing. It seems like the least we can do. After all, He gave His Only Begotten Son for us.
What is God’s calling for you? What might you have to sacrifice for Him?
Dear God, it is difficult for me to surrender all areas of my life to You. Please help me to trust You.
Author: Kenneth Petersen
“Has no one condemned you?” —John 8:10
Maggie’s young friend appeared at the church in a shocking outfit. However, this should not have surprised anyone, because she was a prostitute. The visitor shifted uneasily in her seat, often tugging at her too-short skirt and shyly wrapping her arms around herself.
“Oh, are you cold?” asked Maggie, deftly diverting attention from the way her friend was dressed. “Here! Take my shawl.”
Maggie introduced dozens of people to Jesus just by inviting them to church and making them feel comfortable. Her effective methods made it possible to shine the Gospel. Maggie treated everyone with respect.
When the religious leaders brought a woman to Jesus with a severe (and just) charge of adultery, Christ ignored her until he had dismissed all her accusers. Left alone with a woman, He could simply quarrel with her. Instead, He asked her just two simple questions: “Where are those… who challenged you?” and “Has no one condemned you?” (John 8:10). The answer to the last question was “no”. Then Jesus explained the Gospel to her in one short sentence: “Neither do I condemn you.” And then he added: “Go, but sin no more!” (v. 11).
Never underestimate the power of genuine love for people, a love that refuses to judge and instead shows everyone respect and forgiveness.
How do you react when you see someone’s bad lifestyle? Who can you invite to church this week and how can you help them come?
Merciful God, please forgive me for my condemnation and help me to show others Your love and grace.
Author: Tim Gustavson
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget for all His goodness!”— Psalm 102:2
Christina Costa was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After spending some time in the clinic, she noticed that the talk about cancer was dominated by belligerent rhetoric. Patients “struggle” or even “fight” with their illness. Christina quickly got tired of this metaphor. She “didn’t want to fight with her own body for more than a year.” Instead, she found another approach: a daily gratitude exercise. The girl found an excuse for this every day. She thanked the team of doctors, for the fact that she got better. From her own experience, Khrystyna was convinced that no matter how difficult the struggle, gratitude helps to resist depression and “wire the brain” for recovery.
This story reminded me that practicing gratitude is not just our duty. Yes, God deserves our gratitude, but it is also very useful for us. When we lift up our hearts, saying: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and do not forget for all His good deeds” (Ps. 102:2), we remember the many ways of God’s work: the assurance of forgiveness, the healing of our bodies and souls, the experience of His “grace and mercy” and the infinite “goodness” manifested in His creation (vv. 3-5).
Not all who suffer will receive complete healing in earthly life, however, our hearts can always be renewed with an expression of gratitude, because God’s love is with us “for ever and ever” (v. 17).
How have you received healing through gratitude? What are you thankful for today?
Dear God, thank you for always giving me reason to be thankful and hopeful.
Author: Monica La Rose
“Some give generously, but it is added to him.” — Proverbs 11:24
On her wedding day, Gwendolyn Stulgis wore the wedding dress of her dreams, and then she gave it to a stranger. Stulgis believed that the dress deserved more than just gathering dust in the closet. Other brides also agreed with her. Now dozens of women have joined together on her social media page to donate and receive wedding dresses. One donor said: “I hope this dress will be passed down from bride to bride until it wears out and falls to pieces from all the celebrations that have taken place in it.”
Gifts are pleasant not only to receive, but also to give. It is said in the Holy Scriptures: “Some give generously, and still more is added to him, and some hide beyond measure, but only become poor. The soul that blesses will be satisfied, and he who feeds others – he will also be drunk” (Prov. 11:24-25).
The apostle Paul also taught this principle. As he bid farewell to the believers in Ephesus, he blessed them (Acts 20:32) and reminded them of the importance of generosity. He set himself as an example to follow: “I showed you everything that, working like this, you need to help the weak, and remember the words of the Lord, because He Himself revealed: “It is more blessed to give than to receive”” (v. 35).
Showing generosity reflects God. “For God so loved the world that he gave…” (John 3:16). So let us follow His glorious example!
What kind of gift did you give recently? How did your gift help someone else?
Dear Father, please open my hands to give to others with Your love in my heart.
Author: Patricia Raybon
“Go in peace! And what we both swore in the Lord’s Name… let it be forever.” — 1 Samuel 20:42
In the chapel of Christ’s College, Cambridge, there is a monument dedicated to two seventeenth-century doctors, John Finch and Thomas Baines. Known as “inseparable friends”, Finch and Baines collaborated on medical research and went on diplomatic trips together. When Baines died in 1680, Finch mourned their “unbreakable marriage of souls” of thirty-six years. It was a friendship based on love, loyalty and devotion.
David and Jonathan had the same close friendship. They shared a deep mutual affection (1 Sam. 20:41), and even made a vow of loyalty to each other (vv. 8-17, 42). Their friendship was marked by total loyalty (1 Sam. 19:1-2; 20:13). Jonathan even sacrificed his right to the throne so that David could become king (1 Sam. 20:30-31; see 1 Sam. 23:15-18). When Jonathan died, David lamented that Jonathan’s love for him was “more luxurious… than the love of a woman” (2 Sam. 1:26).
We may be uncomfortable comparing friendship to marriage today, but friendships like those of Finch and Baines, David and Jonathan, can help our friendships reach greater depth. Jesus invited His friends to cling to Him (John 13:23-25), and the affection, loyalty and devotion He shows us can become the basis of the deep friendship we build together.
How do you think faith in Christ can deepen friendships? How can you show more affection, loyalty, and devotion to your friends?
Dear Jesus, please help me to build real friendships.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
“But He humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant.” — Philippians 2:7
After the game, the college basketball star stayed behind to help workers clear away empty cups and food wrappers. When one of the fans posted the corresponding video, it was viewed by more than 80,000 people. One person commented: “The young man is one of the most humble guys you will ever meet in your life.” It would be easier for a basketball player to go with his teammates and celebrate his role in the team’s victory. Instead, he volunteered for a thankless job.
We see the highest manifestation of humility in Jesus Christ, who left His high position in heaven to accept the role of a servant on earth (Phil. 2:7). Jesus voluntarily humbled Himself. His earthly ministry included teaching, healing, and showing love to all people, as well as death and resurrection for their salvation.
While Christ’s example may inspire us to sweep the floor, pick up the hammer, or set the table, his imitation is most powerful when it is reflected in the way we treat others. True humility is an inner trait that not only changes our actions, but also changes what is important to us. It motivates us to appreciate “one another as more than ourselves” (v. 3).
Author and preacher Andrew Murray said, “Humility is the flower and beauty of holiness.” So let our lives reflect this beauty as we, with the help of the Holy Spirit, reflect the heart of Christ (vv. 2-5).
How has the humility of Jesus Christ affected you? In what areas do you want to show pride?
Dear Jesus, thank you for humbling yourself for me. Help us to follow Your example of perceiving the needs of others as higher than our own.
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
“What good is it to a man who gains the whole world but loses his own soul?” — Mark 8:36
In 1920, John Sung, the sixth child in the family of a Chinese pastor, received a scholarship to study at one of the universities in the United States. He graduated with honors, completed a master’s program, and earned a Ph.D. Unfortunately, during his studies, he drifted away from God. However, later, in 1927, he rededicated his life to Christ and felt called to become a preacher.
There were many high-paying positions waiting for him in China, but when he sailed home, he threw all his awards into the sea, leaving only his doctorate to give to his parents as a sign of respect.
John Sung understood Jesus’ words about how to become His disciple: “What shall it profit a man that shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mr. 8:36). If we reject ourselves and leave our former life to follow Christ (vv. 34-35), we may need to sacrifice personal desires and material interests that will get in the way.
For the next twelve years, John was fully devoted to his God-given commission, preaching the Gospel to thousands of people throughout China and Southeast Asia. What about you? Perhaps you are not called to be a preacher or a missionary. But whatever service the Lord has appointed you to, may His Spirit help you to give yourself completely to Him.
What do you need to leave behind to truly follow Jesus? What personal ambitions might you be holding on to?
Heavenly Father, help me to put aside everything that prevents me from fully giving myself to You in service.
Posted by Jasmine Goh (guest)
“So by righteousness the king will reign… like streams of water in the desert.” — Isaiah 32:1-2
When geologists were drilling an oil well in one hot and arid country, they unexpectedly discovered a huge underground water system. For example, in 1983, the “big man-made river” project appeared, within the framework of which a network of water pipes was laid to supply high-quality fresh water to a large city. The sign near the well reads: “Here begins the artery of life.”
The prophet Isaiah used the image of a spring in the desert to describe the righteous reign of the future king (Is. 32). His princes, who will rule according to the law, will become “like streams of water in the desert, like the shadow of a heavy rock in a thirsty land” (v. 2). Many of today’s rulers prefer not to give, but to take. But a God-fearing leader provides people with shelter, shelter, refreshment and protection. In the beautiful future described by the prophet Isaiah, “the work of truth will be peace, and the work of truth will be tranquility and security forever” (v. 17).
Isaiah’s prophecy will find its final fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who will “descend from heaven”, after which we will “always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The “Great Man-made River” is just a man-made water supply system. Someday this water reservoir will be exhausted. And our righteous King brings freshness and living water that does not run out.
Where do you need the living water of Christ? How can you follow His example to bring freshness to others?
Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing peace through Your perfect, righteous rule.
Author: Karen Pimpo
