Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

“’You acted foolishly,’ Samuel said. ‘You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, He would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command’” (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

Reflecting on the past two years, I find it so hard to believe that God would chose me to lead such an extraordinary group of women at our church. I was lost in the world, relying on false truths, and struggled to find my identity. I was seeking God, trying to make new friends, trying to get this “God-thing” figured out.  I certainly would not have chosen me to lead this group. But 1 Samuel tells me what I missed! “The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people!”

I know that the only reason this ministry worked was because I relied on Him and followed His lead. I prayed, and as a self-proclaimed kindergartner of Christianity, I was left with one choice: to seek after God’s own heart. I did what I had to do!

We have gone from having two people at a Bible Study to having 18. That’s a 900% increase! That’s God. He’s a true miracle worker.

As I grow more confident in my skills and abilities, I become less reliant on God’s capabilities.
God points this out to me over and over again. I desire to fulfill His purpose for my life, and not my own. I yearn for more of Him and less of me. It takes a conscious effort, an awareness, and much prayer. I pray that my work is not done in vain and my motive for having a ministry that thrives on changed lives remains pure and about Him.

As you become confident, are you forgetting God? Are you becoming proud? Be careful! In the midst of growth, change, and excitement it becomes easy to forget the One who brought you to this place.

Heavenly Father,
Help me to remain humble! Thank you for the work you are doing in my ministry and in my life. Instill in me a deep desire to be obedient and honor you in ALL I do! And Lord, help me to be a leader after your own heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Questions: How can we remain humble and reliant on God’s capabilities? As you become confident in what you do, are you forgetting God?

“For Everyone who tires to honor himself shall be humbled: and he who humbles himself shall be honored” Luke 14:11

At times I am respectfully amused at the repetition of certain themes in the Word of God – repeated over and over again so that you and I will not forget the importance of the message. This is one of those principles.

Many missionaries have given up honor, acclaim, and success at home in obedience to God’s call upon their lives. Perhaps to their surprise, God has honored them in many ways despite the fact that they purposely gave up all rights to such honor.

In every field of endeavor, the principle is true. Most men who seek genuine acclaim are thoroughly humbled along the way. Conversely, most people who humble themselves as a part of their commitment to Jesus Christ and His service are eventually honored.

I have seen this truth fulfilled on numerous occasions in the work of Campus Crusade for Christ to which the Lord has called me. Many young people have stepped into unsung roles of service for their Master. God has honored them not only with fruit for their hire, but also with a measure of acclaim they never would have achieved otherwise.

It is part of God’s plan to abase the proud and raise up the humble. Our goal should be committed service for the Savior. We should let Him take care of the honoring and the humbling.

Bible Reading: Matthew 23:5-12

Do you welcome visitors into your home? Many issues hinder us from entertaining. You might think your house is too messy or too small. Perhaps you don’t cook very well or couldn’t compete with the birthday party that your neighbor threw for her daughter. Maybe you are just too busy. 1 Peter 4:9 says, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” There is no clause before or after it that says “only if you feel totally competent”.

Some of us cringe at the thought of having company over for dinner. But, God commands us to be hospitable in Romans 12:13 “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” This specific passage refers to travelers who didn’t have a plethora of hotels to choose from like today. They had to depend on others opening up their homes. Even in our culture of home security systems and closed garages, this is still relevant for us today. While you may or may not enjoy entertaining in your home, we need to learn to be hospitable.

So, what does hospitality look like?

Hospitality is simply welcoming others into our home. Dictionary.com defines it as “the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers… in a warm, friendly, generous way.” Webster’s adds “without reward.” A gracious welcome is an amazing way of showing the love of Christ! It might just be dinner one evening, or your in-laws could be staying in the guest room for a whole month.

Do you enjoy your guests or work hard to please them?

Luke 10 tells the story of two sisters who are entertaining Jesus in their home. Martha is frustrated because she is so busy doing all the things that need to be done for the event and Mary is not helping. Instead, Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus, enjoying time with Him. We can sway to one side so much that we forget the importance of the other.

Both tasks of the host are important. Obviously the preparations need to be done to eat, but being with your guests is just as significant. Balance your time so you can feel good about the tasks of entertaining, but also make sure you are able to enjoy your guests. I want to be transparent enough to show people the real me. I want to be vulnerable, to talk, to share about life and learn about God. And that involves spending time with people.

Spend time with your guests enjoying activities together. Don’t spend the whole time in the kitchen hurrying about, cleaning up every last dish. Sit down with them and get to know them. However, if they are staying for an extended period, don’t think you have to entertain them 24 hours a day. Give them ideas of things they can do in your home, in your neighborhood, in the city and in the state. Think of ways to help them enjoy their time in your home.

Are you creating an atmosphere for relationships to grow?

What kind of an atmosphere does your home provide? Fun for kids, a hangout for teens, or relaxing conversation with friends? Know your goal. I desire to offer spiritual hospitality. My goal is not just taking care of their physical needs of food and rest. I always asked God to bring people into our home so I could share His love.

I want it to be a safe, cozy and inviting place where people want to stay. I want my kids’ friends to want to come over. I want families to enjoy spending time with us. I want every person who walks through our door to feel the love of God in our home and through our hospitality. I pray that God will continue to bless us as we have the pleasure to share His love with them.

We are reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to build relationships. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” So, who are you encouraging? Are you building relationships? We can be intimidated by the thought of inviting others to our home because of the expectations that we put on ourselves. Hospitality is about people. It is not a competition. Don’t make entertaining about your house, your decorations, your food or anything else. Share God’s love by opening your door today.

Do you feel unloved? Take this study.

After I dismissed the children that day I said to the 14-year-old pianist, “I’m sorry, Chris, but I just couldn’t seem to get the starting notes today!”

She snapped back.  “You’re never able to do anything right, are you?”

I was shocked.  How dare this child speak to an adult that way?  I didn’t say anything more, but my first reactions were anything but the right ones.

We can’t have this kind of conflict going on in our assembly, I thought, while driving home that day. How can God bless unless there is love, respect, and cooperation between the workers!

Talking Things Out

After dinner I realized I should pray about the situation.  The Lord had a solution, I knew.  This girl was precious in His sight, and talented, too.  The way I handled this situation might make a difference in her life as well as mine.

When I knelt before the Lord, it seemed as if He was saying, “The answer to this situation is for you to humble yourself.  Call Chris and talk this matter out in a Christian way.”

So I called Chris that afternoon. “Chris,” I said, “I don’t know why you spoke to me the way you did today, but I’d like to get to the bottom of it.  I don’t believe the Lord can bless unless you and I can work harmoniously together.  So I want you to know right off that I’m truly sorry if I’ve ever unwittingly hurt or offended you.”

“Well, to tell the truth,” she answered, “I’ve always had the feeling that I couldn’t play well enough to suit you.”

“I’m truly sorry if I’ve given you that impression, Chris,” I said, “for I really think you play quite well.  I believe the problem lies mostly in getting started.  Why don’t we try having you just give the one starting note loud and clear? Once we get started right, then we sing just fine!”

“All right,” Chris said, in a friendlier voice than she had ever used to me before.  “And I’m sorry I spoke to you the way I did today.”

A warm glow filled my heart by the time we bid each other a pleasant goodbye.

The Bible says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:12-14, NIV).

Questions: What do you understand the phrase “to humble yourself” to mean?

About the Author Muriel Larson

“If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”
(2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV)

“Humility is perfect quietness of heart,” Andrew Murray once wrote. “It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and above is trouble.”

For years, I have claimed God’s promise recorded in 2 Chronicles 7:14. My emphasis has been on the humbling of ourselves and turning from sin. But recently a minister friend made a passing reference to the phrase, “seeking God’s face,” and it triggered in my mind some new thoughts about this great promise from God.

In a sense, the humbling of ourselves and turning from sin are the by – products, or end results, of coming to know God as He is, by meditating upon His character and attributes. To “seek God’s face” is to meditate upon His sovereignty, His holiness, His power, His wisdom, His love – getting to know Him as He is.

The disciples of the first – century church were mightily used of God because of their exalted view of Him. There was nothing too great for Him. God could do anything. The church today can once again experience that same dynamic that characterized those first believers if we, too, become totally absorbed in the character and attributes of our great God.

It is then that we will truly begin to believe God for supernatural, impossible things and make a great impact for good on the world.

Question: What part of the promise recorded in 2 Chronicles 7:14 speaks most to you and your situation today?

About the Author: Bill Bright

Is it okay for Christians to be competitive?

I thought about this as I watched the Iron Man 2 movie a few days ago. It was an enjoyable (albeit trite) movie. The Tony Stark character seems to represent the opposite of the idea of Christian humility: Prideful, arrogant, even conceited. In the movie, after reading a report which concludes he “displays textbook narcissism,” he readily agrees.

Conversely, Paul tells us in Romans 12:3, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” In context, he talks about each of us being uniquely gifted and members of the same body of believers. Basically, he’s telling us to be humble.

Humility is a strange and paradoxical thing. It’s pretty tough to just “be humble.” The moment you start to believe you’re humble … you’re not! I’m reminded of these lines from that old Weird Al song about the Amish: “Think you’re really righteous? Think you’re pure in heart? / Well, I know I’m a million times as humble as thou art!”

The apostle Paul elsewhere (in his letter to the church at Philippi) restates his admonishment: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) Maybe part of the process of pursuing humility is continually considering others better than we are, so that we won’t become conceited in our own successes?

What about you? Do you ever struggle with this sort of issue? How can we practically strive towards success while not becoming conceited? Please share any tips and wisdom you have with us …

“For Everyone who tires to honor himself shall be humbled: and he who humbles himself shall be honored” Luke 14:11

At times I am respectfully amused at the repetition of certain themes in the Word of God – repeated over and over again so that you and I will not forget the importance of the message. This is one of those principles.

Many missionaries have given up honor, acclaim, and success at home in obedience to God’s call upon their lives. Perhaps to their surprise, God has honored them in many ways despite the fact that they purposely gave up all rights to such honor.

In every field of endeavor, the principle is true. Most men who seek genuine acclaim are thoroughly humbled along the way. Conversely, most people who humble themselves as a part of their commitment to Jesus Christ and His service are eventually honored.

I have seen this truth fulfilled on numerous occasions in the work of Campus Crusade for Christ to which the Lord has called me. Many young people have stepped into unsung roles of service for their Master. God has honored them not only with fruit for their hire, but also with a measure of acclaim they never would have achieved otherwise.

It is part of God’s plan to abase the proud and raise up the humble. Our goal should be committed service for the Savior. We should let Him take care of the honoring and the humbling.

Bible Reading: Matthew 23:5-12

Question: How do you see God’s plan at work in your life and the lives of those close to you?

About the Author:  Dr. Bill Bright

“For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.”  (Galatians 6:3, NKJV)

And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:7, NKJV)

So, to sum up, we are nothing, we know nothing, we have nothing, and we can do nothing! Ouch! Even Jesus said that He “could do nothing of Himself”.(John 5:19)

The good news is that when we came into Christ we were clothed in His righteousness. His ability became our ability, His strength became our strength, His wisdom became our wisdom. True humility is to recognize that it is only in and through Christ that we can do anything worthwhile.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (2 Corinthians 9:8 & Philippians 4:10, NKJV)

That is an amazing shift, from nothing to “all things.” “In Christ” is the key!

Father, I know that without You I am nothing.  Remind me to put all my trust in You.  You will not disappoint me.  In You I have everything I need.  Amen.

Question: What have you received lately that you can thank God for today?

About the Author: Emmie Stanley

“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:3

A young Christian leader, who was probably more impressed with himself than he should have been, shared with me one day how he had difficulty in being humble about all of his talent. He was a better than average speaker and a reasonably gifted singer, he had a good mind and personality, and in his heart of hearts he knew that as a Christian he should be humble.

He said, “I spend many hours on my knees asking God to make me humble.”

I responded, “I can save you a lot of prayer time in that regard if you are interested.” He assured me that he was. Whereupon I explained to him that every gift he possessed – personality, good mind, his ability to sing, speak, and other qualities – were all gifts of God and could be taken from him at any moment by a brain tumor or a car accident or plane crash or any of a thousand different things. Furthermore I reminded him that Scripture admonishes us to humble ourselves.

“Humility is perfect quietness of heart,” Andrew Murray said. “It is to have no trouble. It is never to be fretted or irritated or sore or disappointed. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed hope in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness when all around and above is trouble.”

Few Christians achieve such high standards, nevertheless it is an objective toward which we all should strive as long as we live, following the example of our Lord recorded in Philippians, chapter two.

To be poor in spirit implies not only that we have a humble opinion of ourselves, but also that we recognize that we are sinners and have no righteousness of our own; that we are willing to be saved only by the grace and mercy of God; that we are willing to serve where God places us, to bear the burdens He allows and to stay in His hands and admit that we deserve no favor from Him.

As commonly interpreted, the word “blessed” means “happy.” You and I are assured of happiness when we are making conscious strides toward humility. All of this becomes possible as we yield to God’s indwelling Holy Spirit.

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:17-20

Today’s Action Point: With the help of the Holy Spirit I will consciously humble myself, asking Him to enable me to love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as myself as an act of humility and as a major factor in achieving the supernatural life.

About this Author: Bill Bright

Do you remember Sodom and Gomorrah, the wicked cities which God destroyed in Abraham’s time? (Genesis 18:16 – 19:29) Although most people today may not know the story of how God told Abraham His plan to destroy the city, how Abraham bartered with God to spare the city if ten righteous people could be found there, and how God rescued Lot and his family before completely destroying it, yet the name Sodom has become synonymous with evil.

Therefore, it is interesting to hear what Ezekiel chose to record in his warning to the Israelites.

“Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen” (Ezekiel 16:49, 50).

They were arrogant.
They were overfed.
They were unconcerned.
They did not help the poor and needy.

Does that not sound like us?

Oft times we are proud; unconcerned with God’s holiness or His authority; we are accustomed to comfort; we think we deserve luxury; in our busyness we neglect the ministry of mercy toward the outcast and downtrodden.

Because of its sin, Sodom was wiped off the face of the earth when God rained down burning sulfur on it (Genesis 19:24). Let us take heed and not imagine that their sins were more detestable than our own.

Let us be humble, self-controlled, concerned about God and our fellow man, let us help the poor in our family, our community and the world.

Holy God, You alone are righteous. Forgive our complacency and our pride. Help us to humble ourselves before You and do what is right. Amen.

Questions: Why is it easy to think our sins are minor? Why is arrogance so detestable to God?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, God’s Command, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog