Humility Month Day 26: The Believer’s Problem With Sin

Posted on August 26, 2024 by Pastor Jesse

We live in a judgmental age, and the judgments are accompanied by hypocrisy.  The Bible warns us against trusting in our own righteousness, but in our pride, many who should know better do not heed the warning. This truth should humble us. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it – somehow. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
Almighty God, I humbly ask you to make me like a tree planted by the waterside,
that I may bring forth fruits of good living in due season.
Forgive my past offenses, sanctify me now,
and direct all that I should be in the future, for Christ’s sake.
Help me worship you now! Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
A little background: Paul is continuing to make the case that everyone has a sin problem – he started with Gentile Pagans but has now turned to those who believe in God and look down on others. He is making the case that everyone needs a savior, and that savior is Jesus Christ.

Come Holy Spirit, help us to hear your still, small voice as we read your word:
Romans 2:1-11

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
Lord, help us to acknowledge our sinfulness and help us believer the good news in your word.
“The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” It is clear to me that I am one of them, but “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, that we might be dead to sin, and alive to all that is good.
Believe the good news: in the name of Jesus Christ, you and I are forgiven. Amen!

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
The first advice I would give to those who have been saved from sin by grace is to watch and pray continually against pride. For it is pride not only to ascribe what we have to ourselves (that is to give ourselves credit), but also to think we have what we do not. One man, for instance, ascribed his knowledge to God and was therefore humble. But then he thought he had more than everyone else which is dangerous pride.
Even to imagine that those who are not saved cannot teach you is a very great and serious mistake. Dominion (self-control, the ability not to sin) is not found in grace. Not observing this has led some into many mistakes and certainly into pride. Beware even the appearance of pride! Let there be in you that lowly mind which was in Christ Jesus. Be clothed with humility. Let modesty appear in all your words and actions.
One way to do this is to own any fault we have. If you have at any time thought, spoken, or acted wrong, do not refrain from acknowledging it. Never dream that this will hurt the cause of God – in fact, it will further it. Be open and honest when you are rebuked and do not seek to evade it or disguise it. Rather, let it appear just as it is and you will thereby not hinder but adorn the gospel.

— Let this glorify God today: (4)
God, your word teaches that we will someday judge angels, but we are not ready for that yet. Shape us today to reflect the humility and kindness Jesus showed to sinners. For it is by living into his ways that we will truly live. Through Christ we pray, Amen.

Sources:
(1) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources with additions and edits.
(2) From 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Peter 2:24 as found in The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources with additions and edits.
(3) From Christian Perfection, by John Wesley
(4) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.

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Humility Month Day 25: God’s Wrath and Having It Your Way

Posted on August 25, 2024 by Pastor Jesse

When we hear of God’s wrath, we usually think of ‘thunderbolts from heaven, and earthly cataclysms and flaming majesty’. A careful and humble reading of scripture can help us understand that God’s wrath is much quieter. He uses it to draw us back to him. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it – somehow. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
Loving God, we come to worship you today.
We come to sing, pray, and listen.
You always hear us.
Help us to hear you. Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
A little background: The is the beginning of Paul’s argument in Romans that everyone has a sin problem – no exceptions. He argues that everyone needs a savior, and that savior is Jesus Christ.

Come Holy Spirit, help us to hear your still, small voice as we read your word:
Romans 1:18-32

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
When we come into the holy presence of God, our own humanity is laid bare.
When we stand in the living presence of truth, our own falsehood is revealed.
Let us acknowledge who we are.
Let us confess our foolishness and sin.
Let us ask our ever-present God to forgive us.
Let us receive the grace he has promised us in Jesus Christ.

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
How is God’s wrath revealed?
The first answer to this question is that God’s wrath will be revealed in the future, at the end, in the judgment of the last day… Secondly, there is a present disclosure of God’s wrath through the public administration of justice, to which Paul will come later in his letter. Thirdly, there is another kind of present disclosure of the anger of God, to which the apostle will devote the rest of Romans 1. It is being revealed from heaven now, he says, and he goes on to explain it by his terrible threefold refrain “God gave them over…” (v24, 26, and 28).
When we hear of God’s wrath, we usually think of ‘thunderbolts from heaven, and earthly cataclysms and flaming majesty’, instead of which his anger goes ‘quietly and invisibly’ to work, handing sinners over to themselves. As John Zeisler writes, it ‘operates not by God’s intervention but precisely by his not intervening, by letting men and women go their own way.’ God abandons stubborn sinners to their willful self-centeredness, and the resulting process of moral and spiritual degeneration is to be understood as a judicial act of God. This is the revelation of God’s wrath from heaven.

— Let this glorify God today: (4)
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Sources:
(1) Original.
(2) The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources with additions and edits.
(3) From The Message of Romans, by John Stott
(4) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.

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Humility Month Day 24: Paul and Barnabas Separate

Posted on August 24, 2024 by Pastor Jesse

Today’s question is the same as yesterday’s: How do you treat the people who weren’t there for you? Who let you down? Who blew it when you needed them? How good is the church at reinstating people after they’ve blown it? This is the day the Lord has made. Let us agree to rejoice in this day. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
God of the Nations, God of the Generations, God who is mighty to save.
You are Savior, Victor, Example, and Lord.
You call us, equip us, and fill us with your Spirit.
You work in us and through us. You give gifts for ministry. You form the church.
Remind us today of your Providence and Grace.
And teach us to trust you. Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
Come Holy Spirit, help us to hear your still, small voice as we read your word:
Acts 15:36-41 A little background: Paul and Barnabas had a fruitful ministry and a close friendship. Mark would write the gospel of Mark.
36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (ESV)

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
Paul was a born adventurer and could never stay long in one place. He decided to take the road again; but the preparations for the journey ended in a tragic breach. Barnabas wished to take John Mark but Paul would have nothing to do with the man who had played the deserter in Pamphylia. The difference between them was so sharp that they split company never to work with each other again. It is impossible to say whether Barnabas or Paul was right. But this much is certain, Mark was supremely fortunate that he had a friend like Barnabas. In the end, as we know, Mark became the man who redeemed himself. It may well have been the friendship of Barnabas which gave Mark back his self-respect and made him determined to make good. It is a great thing for a man to have someone who believes in him. Barnabas believed in Mark and in the end, Mark justified that belief. [In part by writing the Gospel of Mark.]

— Let this prayer be answered in us today: (4)
God of every good and perfect gift,
our lives, like our gifts, are not always good, and they are always imperfect.
We surrender, knowing that our motives are mixed and our mission is unclear.
Still, we offer ourselves to you with confidence,
knowing that your love is stronger than our problems
Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sources:
(1) Original.
(2) From Romans 5:6-10 NRSV as found in The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.
(3) From The Acts of the Apostles, by William Barclay
(4) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.

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Humility Month Day 23: Jesus Reinstates Peter

Posted on August 22, 2024 by Pastor Jesse


How do you treat the people who weren’t there for you? Who let you down? Who blew it – with you? How good is the church at reinstating people after they’ve blown it? This is the day the Lord has made. Let us agree to rejoice in this day. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
Almighty and everlasting God,
you have willed to restore all things
in your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King.
Grant that the people of earth,
now divided and enslaved by sin,
may be freed and brought together
under the gentle and loving rule of Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
Come Holy Spirit, help us to hear your still, small voice as we read your word:
John 21:1-19
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
While we were still weak,
at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—
though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die.
But God proves his love for us
in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.
Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood,
will we be saved through him from the wrath of God.
For if while we were enemies,
we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son,
much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
William Law made a lasting impact upon eighteenth-century England with his book, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life. In it Law urges that every day should be viewed as a day of humility. And how does he suggest we do this? By learning to serve others. Law understood that it is the discipline of service that brings humility into the life. If we want humility, he counsels us to, “… condescend to all the weaknesses and infirmities of your fellow-creatures, cover their frailties, love their excellencies, encourage their virtues, relieve their wants, rejoice in their prosperities, compassionate their distress, receive their friendship, overlook their unkindness, forgive their malice, be a servant of servants, and condescend to do the lowest offices to the lowest of mankind.” The result, then, of this daily discipline of the flesh will be the rise of the grace of humility.

— Receive this blessing as we begin this day: (4)
Lord God,
you have declared that your kingdom is among us.
Open our eyes to see it,
our ears to hear it,
our hearts to hold it,
our hands to serve it.
This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

Sources:
(1) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.
(2) From Romans 5:6-10 NRSV as found in The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.
(3) From Celebration of Discipline, Richard J. Foster
(4) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.

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Humility Month Day 22: The Burial of Jesus

Posted on August 22, 2024 by Pastor Jesse

What does it say about the King of Kings that he was buried in a borrowed tomb? What can we learn from the example of those who find courage to serve only after his death? Let us not miss our chance to serve Jesus today. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us agree to rejoice in this day. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
God of Creation, God of Mercy, God Who Sustains Us, we praise you.
King of Glory, we adore you, our Savior and Lord.
You suffered on the cross and gave your life as a ransom for many.
We bless and thank you for the outpouring of your love
and offer our worship today out of unspeakable gratitude. Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
Come Holy Spirit, help us to hear your still, small voice as we read your word:
John 19:38-42 – 38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[a] 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
Let us remember Jesus, who, though rich, became poor and dwelt among us.
Let us remember Jesus, who prayed for the forgiveness of those who rejected him
and for the perfecting of those who received him.
Let us remember Jesus, who humbled himself and became of obedient to death,
even death on a cross.
Let us remember Jesus, whom God has exalted.
Let us remember Jesus, who has redeemed us from the bondage of sin and given us new life and freedom.
May we ever be grateful for Jesus Christ and what he has done, what he will do, and for what he is doing for us. Amen.

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
More than any other single way, the grace of humility is worked into our lives through the discipline of service. Humility, as we all know, is one of those virtues that is never gained by seeking it. The more we pursue it the more distant it becomes. To think we have it is sure evidence that we don’t. Therefore, most of us assume there is nothing we can do to gain this prized Christian virtue, and so we do nothing.
But there is something we can do. We do not need to go through life faintly hoping that someday humility may fall upon our heads. Of all the classical Spiritual Disciplines, service is the most conducive to the growth of humility. When we set out on a consciously chosen course of action that accents the good of others and is, for the most part, a hidden work, a deep change occurs in our spirits.
Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness.

— Receive this blessing as we begin this day: (4)
May God, who gives us a new vision of life through the cross,
enlighten our understanding, inflame our affections,
and enable us to walk the way of the cross.
And may the love of God—the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit—
surround us as we seek to discern that love. Amen.

Sources:
(1) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.
(2) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.
(3) From Celebration of Discipline, Richard J. Foster
(4) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.

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