Humility

The Lord All-Powerful has chosen a day when those who are proud and conceited will be put down. ~ Isaiah 2:12 (CEV)

John the Baptist said: "Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’" ~ Luke 3:8a (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

God is going to bring down the smug and arrogant.

PRAYER:

Lord All-Powerful, I'm eager for the day when you will humble the people who are ruining our lives. Help me to live with true humility so that I don't end up going down with them. It is really easy to over-estimate how important I am. I want to walk humbly with you and to be on your side on the day of reckoning -- when Jesus, the humble king, returns. Amen.

Forgiven people

Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. ~ Psalm 32:1 (GNT)

Jesus says: "I tell you, then, the great love she has shown proves that her many sins have been forgiven. But whoever has been forgiven little shows only a little love." ~ Luke 7:47 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

People who realize their forgiveness are joyous and very loving people.

PRAYER:

There are times, Lord, when my memory of past sins and failures overshadows my joy at being your redeemed child. Forgive me for sitting in judgment of myself and forgetting that you are the one pure, merciful judge. I am freed by your cross to share your grace and mercy with others. Help me to do so with confidence. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

Peace-making

Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. ~ Proverbs 16:32 (NLT)

So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. ~ Romans 14:19 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Everyone is better off when we prioritize peaceful relationships and lifting others up.

PRAYER:

Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace! And even though you are all-powerful you are patiently working out your salvation of peace in the world -- and in my life. Thank you for not squishing me under your powerful thumb. I deserve squishing. I strive for power and I have little patience for those who annoy me. Help me to prioritize peace and the well-being of all people -- including my enemies. I'm going to follow Jesus in his peace-making mission -- starting now. Amen!

Weak

When I was helpless, you saved me... ~ Psalm 116:6b (CEV)

But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Christ's power comes to us when we are weak and helpless.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for paying attention to me when I am so needy. I feel like I bother you too much. But apparently, I'm looking at the situation wrong. You aren't looking for the strong and confident. You are looking for weak people who are willing to trust you to make things happen. Help me to turn from trying to look strong and successful. I need you to assist me in acknowledging that I am weak and in need of Christ -- continually. I want to be in a position of "braging" about how Christ meets me in my weakness. It's all about him! Amen.