Archive for the ‘Humility’ Category
Wednesday, May 15th, 2013
Humility, May 15
”Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
”The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.
’I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’
”And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’
”I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18:10-14, www.solascriptura.com
Father, we do “works” in Your name of all kinds and we sometimes we feel proud, when joy would have been a better response. Thank You for teaching us that our heart must be right with You for our works to be blessed. You teach us that humility and contrition must precede our efforts to please You.
Father, we each respond so positively when people praise us that we end up, at times, being tempted to take the credit for that which was intended to glorify You. Teach us today that even good works count for nothing if we act as though they stem from our own resources.
Father, bless our efforts but more importantly help us experience the humility that is indicative of a servant, grateful to be Your friend. Mold us and make us in Your image, afresh, every day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: adulterers, breast, exalts, extortioners, fast, God, Heaven, humbled, Humility, merciful, Pharisee, sinner, tax, Temple, tithes, unjust
Posted in Christianity, Humility, Prayer, Religion | 10 Comments »
Monday, May 13th, 2013
Conscience, May 13
… I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
2 Corinthians 7:9-11, www.solascriptura.com
Father, You have taught us that humility and contrition precede repentance and now we see that it is accompanied by sorrow, genuine sorrow for our sins. This sorrow is not the sort of sorrow the world feels about having made mistakes but it is sorrow leading to repentance and to the joy of a changed heart.
You teach us that this sorrow leads to joy, a cleansing of the spirit, a clear conscience, a zeal to serve You and a sense of no longer being guilty, having been vindicated by You Jesus. Father, we are not always successful in forgiving ourselves for our sins. We tend to forget how much You suffered for our sins, taking them upon Yourself at the Cross.
Help us, this day, to know that our sin is as separate from us as the east is from the west, never to be remembered against us again. If You can, after much suffering, push our sins from Your sight, surely we can acknowledge and accept that cleansing.
The Scriptures say “east from west” because once you head east you will never be headed west unless you turn around and return to your sin. Not so, if You had said “north from south”, since if you go north long enough you will eventually be headed south, back to your sin. Thank You for the wisdom of Your Holy word. Keep us in it every day we pray. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: contrition, Father, fear, Humility, Jesus, joy, repentance, sin, sorrow, zeal
Posted in Christianity, Humility, Inspirtation, Perseverance, Religion, peace, salvation | 1 Comment »
Saturday, May 4th, 2013
God’s Children, May 4
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:5-7, www.solascriptura.com
Jesus, Peter, who was one of the most outspoken of the disciples, after he had received the gift of the Holy Spirit, became one of Your most effective ministers. He says that young people should be humble in the presence of their elders.
Peter goes on to say that pride, the opposite of humility, is resisted by God. It is “under Your hand”, Father, that we are to be truly humble, not some self-imposed portrayal of humility. You promise to exalt the humble in due time, to lift us up.
God, help us today to show our children that our humility, to the extent we have any, is simply a by-product of our commitment to You. Your concern for even our smallest needs humbles us before You. Bless us and our children and grandchildren this day, we pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin, TN 37064
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Tags: God, Holy Spirit, humble, pride
Posted in Christianity, Humility, Religion | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013
Humility, April 23
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.
But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,
in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;
by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,
by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;
as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed;
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.
2 Corinthians 6:1-11, www.solascriptura.com
Father, Paul is an example to us of one who has been severely tested, yet faithful in every way. Father, we also know that he persecuted Christians before his life-changing encounter with Jesus. Now here he tells us that “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Father, the contrast between pride and humility is always before us. We have such an inclination to allow our ego to overcome us. Help us, today, to know that it is You we seek to please and that even when we do please You, it is due to the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, not our fleshly spirit. We pray that we can turn our pride into joy as we acknowlege your gifts.
O’ God, we know that serving You requires the death of our “old nature”. Help us be what You desire us to be, this day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: dishonor, dying, fasting, God, grace, Holy Spirit, honor, Humility, killed, kindness, live, love, ministers, ministry, offense, patience, purity, salvation, sleeplessness, stripes, tribulations, truth, tumults, vain, workers
Posted in Christianity, Courage, Fidelity, Humility, Perseverance, faith | 22 Comments »
Tuesday, April 9th, 2013
God’s Gifts, April 9, 2008
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:9-11, www.solascriptura.com
Father, here Peter points out an important fact; we have received gifts. We sometimes doubt that is true but help us remember the times in our lives when a person said something kind to us or commended us and how we never forgot it! Father, each of us has had someone compliment us or tell us something we really enjoyed hearing.
We know that “flattery” is wrong so help us not offer insincere compliments. Peter says we should speak using the very words of God, words of assurance and comfort. Help us today to lift the spirit of another person by using Your word as a key element of our praise.
Father, You have taught us that if we say, “God has really blessed You with great talent” that it is much better than saying, “You have it all man, You da man!” We are so vulnerable to praise. Remind us today that, we brought nothing into this world and no matter how cool we are, we will take nothing out. Our only hope is in You.
Father, help us today as we praise You for our gifts and exercise them to Your glory. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: comfort, flatter, flattery, hospitality, Spirit
Posted in Flattery, Humility, faith, wisdom | No Comments »
Sunday, March 31st, 2013
Humility, March 31
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
…Do not be wise in your own opinion.
…”he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”
For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
Romans 12:3; 16, 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, www.solascriptura.com
Father, we truly seek to be commended by You. We long to hear You say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”, noticing that the emphasis is on serving.
We are so tempted to remind others of how we have served You, that it embarrasses us when we reflect on our error. Please turn our tendency to be prideful into joyful humility in serving You. Joyful humility sounds like a non-sequitur but we know that You expect both of us. It is just a little tough to do both at the same time!
Help us O’God not to fail in recognizing that You are the Shepherd and we are the sheep, following Your voice. Call us today to do specific good works in Your name, not in order to gain “merit badges” but to honor You.
In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project P.O.Box 302 Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: faith, glory, God, grace, Humility, Lord, measure, opinion, soberly, wise
Posted in Christianity, Fidelity, Humility, joy | 40 Comments »
Thursday, March 28th, 2013
Conscience, March 28
Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.
I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.
…I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
1 Peter 2:17-19, Jeremiah 17:10, Revelation 2:23, www.solascriptura.com
Father, honoring You is easy and right for You alone are worthy of our eternal love. Honoring the king, when the king is not honoring You is very difficult, from a human perspective. Thank You for teaching us that we are to be different in that regard. Our obedience to people that You have placed in authority is Your will. While we pray for their souls we must be courteous and obedient to those that enforce the laws of the land and to those You have given authority.
If we only honor the good and gentle we have not distinguished ourselves from others in the world. We are to be known by our love for You and for our neighbor and if our neighbor has been granted authority by You (You, Father are sovereign), so be it. The test is theirs.
You search our minds and our hearts. Our agenda, our thoughts and actions are bare before You. How else could You be omnipresent and omniscient if that were not true? It is true and we pray that this day You will not only be a light unto our paths but we acknowledge You as our constant companion and friend. Help us seek your counsel every moment of the day. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project P.O.Box 302 Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: Conscience, fear, gentle, God, grief, harsh, honor, King, love, masters, servants, submissive, suffering
Posted in Christianity, Conscience, Humility, faith | 51 Comments »
Tuesday, February 26th, 2013
Prayer, Part I, Febrary 26
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
”But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
”And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
”Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
Matthew 6:5-8, www.solascriptura.com
Jesus, we thank You for these specific teachings. We read Your word because it is a lamp unto our feet. You guide us in paths of righteousness. Here You make it clear that prayer is not a performance, to be seen by others, nor a vain repetition of words that are repeated over and over.
Teach us Jesus to be comfortable talking with You all day, privately and in public (Paul tells us to pray unceasingly about every circumstance and to be grateful for every gift, and to see You in all that is created, constantly).
We know that You know our needs but we also see that You want us to express them to You. Help us be open to Your leading and give power to our prayers. What a great thought You express when You tell us that what we pray in private You will reward openly. And when You do answer our prayers, give us a sense of humility and gratitude. Our joy is in Your presence. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: heathen, hypocrites, love, men, openly, pray, Prayer, repetitions, reward, room, secret, seen, shut, streets, synagogues, vain
Posted in Christianity, Humility, Law of God, Prayer, Religion, Worship, faith | 190 Comments »
Saturday, February 23rd, 2013
Law of God, February 23
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
”But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
”If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
”And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
Matthew 5:38-41, www.solascriptura.com
Jesus, this teaching goes against our nature. We seek revenge when we are wronged, as a natural instinct of the flesh. Why, Jesus, would You have us act in this way? The answer is clear enough in all of Your teaching; one can not say they love You and continue hating their brethren.
Jesus, only by Your strength in us can we behave as You have instructed. We must set aside our fleshly instinct and rely upon Your Spirit for guidance. Your word tells us that when we befriend someone that does not deserve it, that person feels a weight upon them. Our supportive actions confuse them and they feel as though our kindness is as “coals of fire heaped upon their head”.
Jesus, we do not intend for our kindness to those who do not deserve it, to be an act that brings glory to us. Help us to say “I live, yet not I, but You live in us” so we can endure praise without falling victim to pride.
We know this is a “love your neighbor as yourself” circumstance. We will need Your Spirit in us to do so. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: cheek, cloak, compels, evil, God, law, resist, slaps, tooth, tunic
Posted in Christianity, Flattery, Forgiven, Humility, faith, joy | 32 Comments »
Tuesday, February 5th, 2013
Humility, February 5 … God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. …”God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Galatians 6:14; 5:26, Philippians 4:5, James 4:6; 10, www.solascriptura.com Father, we know that to be like Jesus is our goal and we also know that our lower nature, our flesh, often causes us to act more like a goof ball than a saint. Give us the humility we pray to allow You to overcome that which is present in all of us. You promised to do so if we but ask. Boasting is such a natural instinct. We all want to do well but we sometimes get carried away in telling others how well we are doing. In the process, we become entrapped in a practice that You have warned us about. We know some of the disciples boasted now and then but we notice that You, Jesus, did not. Jesus, we should ask less and less for forgiveness of sins, such as bragging; it makes us look immature in our Spiritual journey. If we repeatedly make the same mistakes help us examine our hearts and make the changes we need to make. Remind us all that we should not even try to make corrections without the power of the Holy Spirit being our guiding Light. Our strength is in You and if we are inclined to boast, let it be of You and Your leadership in our lives. In Your Holy name we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: boast, Christ, conceited, cross, crucified, envying, gentleness, God, Humility, Jesus, Lord, Philippians 4:5, proud, provoking, world
Posted in Christianity, Conscience, Humility, Providence of God, faith | 424 Comments »