The Psalms are uncomfortably honest about us. We are not basically good people who occasionally make bad choices. Sin runs deeper than that. We are born with hearts bent away from God. We justify ourselves. We minimize our sin. Sometimes we even convince ourselves that God doesn’t see what we’d rather keep hidden. Psalm 14 … Continue reading When God’s Holiness Meets Our Sin
humility
Grace That Bows, Not Grabs
“Woe to them! For… they perished in Korah’s rebellion.” — Jude 11 Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16 was not simply a rejection of Moses and Aaron—it was a rejection of God’s grace. Though God had graciously called Korah to serve as a Levite, he was not content with the place God had assigned him. Instead … Continue reading Grace That Bows, Not Grabs
Humility That Leads to Life
One of the greatest dangers in the Christian life is self-reliance. When we become wise in our own eyes, we stop seeking God’s wisdom, trusting God’s Word, and depending on God’s grace. Pride quietly places us at the center of life, while humility gladly yields the throne to God. Scripture teaches that true wisdom begins … Continue reading Humility That Leads to Life
Prepared in the Prison, Proven in the Palace
Genesis 41 reminds us that God’s preparation often happens in hidden places. The seasons that feel like delay may actually be divine development. The prison may be the classroom. The waiting may be the qualification.
The Song Grace Teaches Us to Sing
Luke 1:46–56 Mary’s song overflows with Scripture. Her praise echoes the Psalms and closely mirrors Hannah’s song (1 Sam. 2:2–10). This is no accident. Mary’s heart had been shaped by God’s Word. When the Spirit moved her to praise, the language that poured out was the language Scripture had already formed within her. What fills … Continue reading The Song Grace Teaches Us to Sing
Pursuing Peace When You Are Wronged
How can you pursue peace and generosity in conflict when you feel vulnerable, wronged, or afraid of losing something? Abram’s way of dealing with conflict with Lot in Genesis 13 can teach us several gospel-shaped lessons. 1. Abram values peace over personal rights. He chooses unity over entitlement, reminding us that faith often sacrifices “winning” … Continue reading Pursuing Peace When You Are Wronged
The Lamb and His Betrayer
Luke 22:1–18 Judas Iscariot stands as a solemn warning to every follower of Christ. He walked with Jesus, heard His teaching, witnessed His miracles, and even preached in His name—yet his heart remained unchanged. Outwardly, he appeared genuine; inwardly, he was enslaved to sin. His tragic fall reminds us that proximity to Jesus is not … Continue reading The Lamb and His Betrayer
Jesus’ Challenge to Leaders
In Matthew 23:1–12, Jesus warns against hypocrisy, pride, and seeking human praise, calling His followers instead to live with humility, integrity, and a heart to serve rather than to be exalted. Here are three prayer requests drawn from a devotional reading of this passage: Prayer for Integrity and Humility “Lord, guard my heart from hypocrisy. … Continue reading Jesus’ Challenge to Leaders
The Ancient Sacrifice – Humility
The poet Rudyard Kipling wrote the following words in 1897, as an admonition to the British Empire against pride: “The tumult and the shouting dies; the captains and the kings depart. Still stands thine ancient sacrifice, a humble and a contrite heart.” When Kipling spoke of a contrite heart as an “ancient sacrifice,” he was … Continue reading The Ancient Sacrifice – Humility
Walking Humbly with God
Why is it important than we learn how to walk humbly with God? First of all, it pleases the Lord. But, secondly, it can protect us. It delivers us from the disasters that come into our lives through pride. Listen to what Micah 2:3 says: "Therefore thus says the Lord: Behold, against this family I … Continue reading Walking Humbly with God
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