Today’s Word & Prayer – January 11, 2012

Today’s Word and Prayer

On a few occasions I have shared with others about my “ministry” of reaching out to the lost as well as to pastors and Christians in transition. I began to list example after example of how I had “helped” and “ministered” to the various pastors and preachers and some churches that were in need of leadership and instruction. I was more than happy to expound on the discipline and focus necessary to publish a devotional every weekday morning, a biblical commentary every weekend and conduct a Bible study group five days a week as well as the occasional preaching engagements-all without staff or salary.

I didn’t realize how braggadocios my actions were until later on. I’ve also noticed that I tend to be less than humble when it comes to sharing about my sacrificial giving in the service of others. I won’t fall into my own trap and list them all right here and now, but I sure would love to. Why? Because I want the praise. I want the recognition. I want to feel like others like me and appreciate me. I want to feel admired and loved by those whom I serve and minister to.

And that’s where we all get it wrong. That is where a lot of Christians and Preachers alike get it wrong. We want to be accepted and recognized for our good deeds and excellent work. We want to be loved by those whom we serve and minister to. We want to be lifted up and applauded while pretending we are humble when we are not. The Bible says that the Lord is the one who is supposed to lift us up. Not us.

“This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isa. 66:2b, NIV).

Even if no one ever found out what our“good deeds” were or how we prayed for that person or how we gave financially here and there, we should still be satisfied in knowing that God knows and he will reward. Because everything we do should be for His glory and not our own. It’s a tough pill to swallow. But Jesus tells us to live counter to our culture and to our fleshly desires.

Let us encourage ourselves—and one another—to seek true humility and look to what HE is doing in our lives!

All Honor and Glory Belongs to God.

TODAY’S WORD

¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. – James 4:10

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, it is in the name of the LORD YeHoWsHua* (Jesus) the Christ that I pray to You today. I confess that I have sinned against You. I have not always remained humble as I should. Please forgive me O God for my arrogance and pretentiousness. Forgive me for seeking the praises of others. I REPENT! I only want to please You. I seek Your approval and not that of my peers, my church or my pastor. I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. It is only through the power of Your Holy Spirit that I move, breath and have my being. Thank You Father in the Name of Your Son and My Lord YeHoWsHua (Jesus) the Christ for instilling in me a heart of righteousness and divine love. Thank You for ministering to others through me. Thank You for guiding me and teaching me so that I may be a more effective witness for You. Now help me to always remember where my help comes from. All of my help comes from You. You deserve all of the praises and all of the glory. I dedicate my life today to honoring Your name and giving You all the praises and Glory. This is my prayer in the name of the LORD YeHoWsHua* (Jesus) the Christ, Amen.