Humble Yourself
S - "The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:11-12
O - Jesus spoke against teachers of the law and Pharisees because they didn't serve. They didn't practice what they preached, they placed heavy burdens on people, they acted so people could see them, they loved being given places of importance and being seen and noticed. They found pleasure in being called "Rabbi" and "father" and "teacher." They loved to feel important. They didn't serve and they didn't humble themselves.
A - I am so thankful that I am called simply, Jonathan. I think Baptists are good at honoring their leaders but not putting them on a pedestal. Not "priest," "reverend," "father," just plain old Jonathan. Of course I am called a pastor but that is more describing my role not a name to address me by. I don't wear a robe. I am not the only one who can preside over communion, read the scriptures or preach. In fact my role is to teach, lead and empower others to serve God. My role is to serve! I must remember this and always seek to simply humble myself and serve.
P - Lord, thank-you for the joy of serving you today! May I practice what I preach and serve wholeheartedly. Amen.
Daily Readings Matthew 22-23
A - I am so thankful that I am called simply, Jonathan. I think Baptists are good at honoring their leaders but not putting them on a pedestal. Not "priest," "reverend," "father," just plain old Jonathan. Of course I am called a pastor but that is more describing my role not a name to address me by. I don't wear a robe. I am not the only one who can preside over communion, read the scriptures or preach. In fact my role is to teach, lead and empower others to serve God. My role is to serve! I must remember this and always seek to simply humble myself and serve.
P - Lord, thank-you for the joy of serving you today! May I practice what I preach and serve wholeheartedly. Amen.
Daily Readings Matthew 22-23
What does my house look like?
ReplyDeleteS - "Look your house is left to you desolate" Mathew 23:38
O - Jesus is addressing the crowds and the disciples and speaking about the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. These were the people who had the ultimate influence and power and assumed their place in heaven (possibly the most prominent place). The whole context of Chapter 23 is a litany of oppressive behaviour from the Pharisees towards the masses, while they themselves fail to live Godly inner lives. Inside, they are hypocrites! "Look your house is left to you desolate"! Jesus always looks at the inner person. These words speak of an inner desolation of character and conduct. Internally, the Pharisees were desolate - there was nothing Godly or alive in their inner beings. Outwardly their Godliness was all show. What a caution, and a reminder for our inner lives to remain committed and transformed to God.
A - I need to tend constantly to my inner life. To ensure that my character, my thoughts, my will, my love and my attitudes are being constantly shaped and enriched by God's word and the holy Spirit. I never want my inner life to become desolate.
P - Dear Jesus, help me to remain open and growing to become more and more like you. Help me to keep dying to self so that the fullness of your life can reside in me. Amen.
Matt 23:26 "First cleanse the inside of the cup, then the whole cup will be cleansed." WOW What words of wisdom. Money can be spent on the way we look or keeping up with the way we live. Time can be spent on our appearance physically/socially, but apart from taking care of myself- what a waste! (if that is where i'm actually investing my time and money) I know The Bible says physical fitness has value but much greater is that of spiritual fitness! If I simply keep the inside of my 'cup' (my body, soul and Spirit) clean- my whole self is clean. I find that amazing. This week on 'tired' mornings where I may have read the scriptures The Church is following at the time, but have nothing jump out at me- I have known that I have been too tired to truly give time to being in The Word- as my mind was on things I needed to do that day and not on 'being still' and listening for Gods voice. So I do need to be careful, as I'm falling in love with The Word of God- just like any romance- I'm thinking about Him and I want to spend time with Him/ but I want to physically be at my best by simply taking care of me and getting enough rest, so I can be open, ready and alert to hear the voice of the one I love. Father help me to be wise, and to learn from what You have shown me today. You are opening my heart to Your Word and filling me with Your joy- I don't understand how such life comes from eating Your Word- but it does! I thank You for the lessons i've learned from my 'tiredness' this week, help me to remember all You are showing me, and please give me grace to do all You desire me to do. Help me live my life- daily cleansing myself (the cup). By Your Spirit give me eyes to see when I need to forgive, when i'm heading in a wrong direction and when I need to repent. You are The Way, The Truth, The Life. I love You with everything I am, teach me to please You Lord. I've loved you for quite some time, but I am falling more- in love- with You as we spend more time together, may that never be taken away from me. You are beautiful.
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