HUMILITY

The 12th Sunday after Pentecost

JOB 40:3-5 (MSG)
Job answered:
     “I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me.
     I should never have opened my mouth!
     I’ve talked too much, way too much.
     I’m ready to shut up and listen.”

1 CORINTHIANS 15:9-10 (CEB)
I’m the least important of the apostles. I don’t deserve to be called an apostle, because I harassed God’s church. I am what I am by God’s grace, and God’s grace hasn’t been for nothing. In fact, I have worked harder than all the others—that is, it wasn’t me but the grace of God that is with me.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Humility is an indication that God's grace is active in my life.

PRAYER
God, you have given me way more than I deserve. I confess that I can be pushy -- even when it comes to getting good things done. Help me to do your work in a way that reflects the presence of Christ in my life. I'm going to live by grace. Amen.

LIVING WORD

PSALM 119:52 (NLT)
I meditate on your age-old regulations;
O LORD, they comfort me.

1 JOHN 1:2 (MSG)
The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we’re telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus is the living breathing embodiment of all that God expects of us.

PRAYER
Living Word, we're grateful that you have come to not only save us from sin but to show us how to live. Your message is clear but I'm guilty of complicating it -- trying to accommodate it to the way the world currently works. Help me to fall more deeply in love with the complete message of Christ so that I, too, can be a faithful witness. I'm going to declare your word through my life. Amen.

HONOR

JOB 19:25
I know that my redeemer lives.

JOHN 12:28 (ABP)
Anticipating the trouble ahead Jesus prayed, "Father, through all of this might your name be honored!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Give God our redeemer the credit to which he is due.

PRAYER
Living God, who deserves our adoration. I am thankful for your real presence as well as the perfect example you sent through your Son, Jesus. When my voice is weak and I am timid, remind me of your Son. Give me the confidence to boldly and joyfully glorify your name. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

PSALM 9:2 (NIRV)
I will be glad and full of joy because of you.
Most High God, I will sing the praises of your name.

EPHESIANS 1:3 (NLT)
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.

PRAYER
Glorious God, you are worthy of all honor and recognition. Through Christ, you have blessed us in more ways than we can count. I confess that too often I'm so caught up in my routine that I neglect to count my blessings. Show me how to make counting a part of my routine. I'm going to praise you even more. Amen