GOD HATES ARROGANCE

By Max Lucado

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18

Proverbs 16:18 reminds us as humility goes before honor, “pride goes before a fall.”

Ever wonder why churches are powerful in one generation but empty the next? The Bible says, the Lord will tear down the house of the proud. God hates arrogance. He hates it because we haven’t done anything to be arrogant about. Is there a Pulitzer for ink? Can you imagine a scalpel growing smug after a successful heart transplant?  Of course not. They are only tools. So are we. We may be the canvas, the paper, or the scalpel, but we are not the one who deserve the applause.

David declares who does in Psalm 23, “He makes me, He leads me, He restores my soul… for His name’s sake.” For His name’s sake!No other name. This is all done for God’s glory. He takes the credit, not because He needs it, but because He knows we cannot handle it!

Devotional forwarded to you by:

Rev. Emmanuel Bart Michael B. Kimwell

Beulah Land IEMELIF Center
Greenfields 1 Subdivision
Marytown Circle, Novaliches
Quezon City, Philippines

THE MEEK

By Paul Estabrooks

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5  

Meekness is not to be confused with weakness. In Scripture, meekness means “power under control.” In this context, the contrite, praying person is blessed with the indwelling control of the Holy Spirit and the inheritance promised to the believer even in conflict.

History shows that it is the people who have learned this, people with their passions, instincts and impulses under disciplined control, who have been great (see Numbers 12:3 and Proverbs 16:32). Thus:

Blessed are those whose every instinct, every impulse, and every passion is under the control of God’s Spirit! They will be right with God, self and others and enter the life which God alone can give.

Pray for this meekness when entering into dialogue with those of opposing positions. There will be times when patience and self-control will be sorely tested. There may also be times when the Spirit will suggest a change of direction in the dialogue or a strategic retreat that looks suspiciously like defeat. To be meek is to be able to willingly accept temporary defeat in order that there may later be victory in the Spirit.

A co-worker in China was struggling with the attitudes of a house church group who forbade hand-clapping during the singing of hymns. One leader complained bitterly. Every evening in the brothers’ sleeping quarters, he would complain further. The group would then debate endlessly on whether or not clapping hands during singing was permissible. It was like the black smoke pouring out from the weeds.

This continued until the afternoon of the last day, when God used His Word, and the Holy Spirit did an amazing work. This brother stood up and admitted his wrongdoing. He asked God to forgive his ignorance, stubbornness and defensiveness. With his confession, Christ’s love tore down an invisible wall. It was as if the Lord “broke down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.” The response of the workers as they prayed together was, “The glorious King has come.” Thank and praise the Lord. He was completely victorious.

RESPONSE: Today I will quit calling the shots and surrender complete control to God.

PRAYER: Lord, today I completely surrender to the control of Your Spirit in my life. Help me to be meek.

Devotional forwarded to you by:

Rev. Emmanuel Bart Michael B. Kimwell

Beulah Land IEMELIF Center
Greenfields 1 Subdivision
Marytown Circle, Novaliches
Quezon City, Philippines

GOD HATES ARROGANCE

By Max Lucado

Proverbs 16:18 reminds us as humility goes before honor, “pride goes before a fall.”

Ever wonder why churches are powerful in one generation but empty the next? The Bible says, the Lord will tear down the house of the proud. God hates arrogance. He hates it because we haven’t done anything to be arrogant about. Is there a Pulitzer for ink? Can you imagine a scalpel growing smug after a successful heart transplant?  Of course not. They are only tools. So are we. We may be the canvas, the paper, or the scalpel, but we are not the one who deserve the applause.

David declares who does in Psalm 23, “He makes me, He leads me, He restores my soul… for His name’s sake.” For His name’s sake! No other name. This is all done for God’s glory. He takes the credit, not because He needs it, but because He knows we cannot handle it!

Devotional forwarded to you by:

UP CHRISTIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT

NCCP Ecumenical Ministry – Church of the Risen Lord

University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus, QC

PAIN’S PURPOSE

 

By David H. Roper

No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. —Hebrews 12:11

Affliction, when we accept it with patience and humility, can lead us to a deeper, fuller life. “Before I was afflicted I went astray,” David wrote, “but now I keep Your Word” (Psalm 119:67). And again, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes” (v.71).

Pain, far from being an obstacle to our spiritual growth, can actually be the pathway to it. If we allow pain to train us, it can lead us closer to God and into His Word. It is often the means by which our Father graciously shapes us to be like His Son, gradually giving us the courage, compassion, contentment, and tranquility we long and pray for. Without pain, God would not accomplish all that He desires to do in and through us.

Are you one whom God is instructing through suffering and pain? By His grace, you can endure His instruction patiently (2 Corinthians 12:9). He can make the trial a blessing and use it to draw you into His heart and into His Word. He can also teach you the lessons He intends for you to learn, and give you His peace in the midst of your difficulties.

The Bible tells us, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2). God is making more out of you than you ever thought possible.

Through trials we learn to overcome,
Through Christ our victories are won;
Come lay your burdens at His feet
And find this inner peace so sweet. —Halsey

Christ can transform painful trials into glorious triumphs.

Devotional forwarded to you by:

UP CHRISTIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT

NCCP Ecumenical Ministry – Church of the Risen Lord

University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus, QC

HUMBLE VALOR

By David C. McCasland

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem. —Philippians 2:29

A report by the Chicago Tribune said: “Scores of Americans, from clergymen to lawyers to CEOs, are claiming medals of valor they never earned.” Fabrication of war records and bogus claims of bravery are more widespread than imagined. One man, who falsely claimed a Navy Cross, later felt shame and said that real heroes rarely talk about what they’ve done.

Heroism is marked by an unselfish risking of life for the benefit of another. In Philippians, Paul commends two of his colleagues as true heroes of the faith. Timothy’s unselfishness and proven character gained Paul’s praise as a true son who had served with him in the gospel (2:22). And Paul described Epaphroditus as “my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier” (v.25) who risked his life for the work of Christ (v.30).

Paul told the believers in Philippi to “hold such men in esteem” (v.29). Honoring fellow believers for their unselfish service to God is a biblical mandate. It is not hero worship, but an attitude of respect for a life well lived.

Through a word of encouragement or a tangible expression of appreciation, who can you honor today for their humble valor in serving the Lord and helping others in His name?

Heaven’s heroes never carve their name

On marbled columns built for earthly fame;

They build instead a legacy that springs

From faithful service to the King of kings. —Gustafson

Faith in Christ can make extraordinary heroes out of ordinary people.

 

Devotional forwarded to you by:

UP CHRISTIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT

NCCP Ecumenical Ministry – Church of the Risen Lord

University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus, QC

CAN I LICK THE SPOON?

By Wendy Pope

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16 (NIV)

Devotion:

I find it easy to send clothes, money, food, and other necessities to those in need, but struggle with the serious sickness of a selfish spirit. The very idea of being last is not something I have wanted to embrace much less put to practice. After all don’t I deserve some simple pleasures in life? I work hard at my job. I take good care of my family. They are always fed, and most the time the meal is fairly nutritious. Everyone sleeps in bed with sheets that are clean and wake up to clean clothes to wear each day. So why shouldn’t I have a few simple pleasures in life that I can call my own, like licking the chocolate syrup off the spoon. Let me explain.

With two children in the house I often have the opportunity to come last. A tradition in my life since I was young girl is making chocolate milk with Hershey’sÔ syrup. The highlight of the experience is licking the chocolate off the spoon when the milk is mixed. This is a pleasure that I had managed to keep to myself until about six months ago. My six-year-old observed me enjoying the delightfully sweet treat after mixing his milk one day. Since my secret pleasure has been revealed, I rarely get to enjoy the treat.

One particular day when I had been the hands and feet of Jesus to many people, served faithfully in every area of my responsibilities, I wanted a treat. No, I knew I deserved a treat! Then it happened—my son asked to lick the spoon. I wish I could say that with the love of Jesus, I handed him the spoon, but I stood there in a mental argument with the Lord reminding Him of all the great things I had done that day. In a silent pause, I was reminded that I was here to serve not to be served, so I handed the spoon to my son.

Laying down what you think you deserve is difficult. Putting others needs and wants in front of your own does not come naturally. It requires a minute-by-minute reliance on the Holy Spirit to enable you to live beyond yourself.

No matter what season of life you are currently in, someone will inevitably ask to lick the chocolate off your spoon, the very pleasure you believe you deserve. Let me encourage you to live beyond yourself in that moment and hand them the spoon. The blessing you give will come back to you ten-fold. Do you know how I can make that statement? I can because I have lived this truth. After I gave my son the spoon, I remembered that I could dip the spoon right in the can to get as much syrup as I wanted and I did.

Prayer: 

Lord, I understand that by nature I have a selfish spirit. It is my desire to live outside of that nature and to live in Your nature, a nature of gentleness and kindness. Help me to do this today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

Devotional forwarded to you by:

UP CHRISTIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT

NCCP Ecumenical Ministry of the Church of the Risen Lord

University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus, QC

Let God do the Exalting

by Charles R. Swindoll

“When a man’s ways are
pleasing to the LORD, He makes even
his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Proverbs 16:7

Think of David, the young musician, tending his father’s sheep back on the hills of Judea many centuries ago.

He was a self-taught, gifted musician. He didn’t go on tour, trying to make a name for himself.

Instead, he sang to the sheep.

He had no idea that someday his lyrics would find their way into the psalter or would be the very songs that have inspired and comforted millions of people through long and dark nights.

David didn’t seek success; he simply humbled himself under the mighty hand of God, staying close to the Lord and submitting himself to Him.

And God exalted David to the highest position in the land. . . .

You don’t have to promote yourself. . . . God will promote you. . . . Let God do the exalting! In the meantime, sit quietly under His hand.

forwarded to you by UP CHRISTIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT, NCCP-CRL Ecumenical Ministry

University of the Philippines, Diliman, QC

 

If you were blessed by this message, please share it with your friends and relatives.

I love to share good messages with others. You do not have to reply to this email.

Pastor Bart B. Kimwell

Care and Concern for Others

by Charles R. Swindoll

“Clothe yourselves with humility
toward one another, for God is opposed to the
proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5

Humility of mind is really an attitude, isn’t it?

It’s a preset mentality that determines ahead of time thoughts like this:

I care about those around me.

Why do I always have to be first?

I’m going to help someone else win for a change.

Today I’m going to curb my fierce competitive tendencies.

Instead of always thinking about receiving, we’ll start looking for ways to give. Instead of holding grudges against those who offend us, we’ll be anxious to forgive.

And instead of keeping a record of what we’ve done or who we’ve helped, we’ll take delight in forgetting the deed(s) and being virtually unnoticed. Our hunger for public recognition will diminish in significance.

forwarded to you by UP CHRISTIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT, NCCP-CRL Ecumenical Ministry,

University of the Philippines, Diliman, QC

 

I hope you are inspired by these forwarded reflections. You are encouraged to think and/or talk about the message of our Today’s Scripture.

You need not send a reply to these emails, instead, you are urged to share these reflections with your friends and relatives.

God Bless! from Pastor Bart Kimwell

Care and Concern for Others

by Charles R. Swindoll

“Clothe yourselves with humility
toward one another, for God is opposed to the
proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5

Humility of mind is really an attitude, isn’t it?

It’s a preset mentality that determines ahead of time thoughts like this:

I care about those around me.

Why do I always have to be first?

I’m going to help someone else win for a change.

Today I’m going to curb my fierce competitive tendencies.

Instead of always thinking about receiving, we’ll start looking for ways to give. Instead of holding grudges against those who offend us, we’ll be anxious to forgive.

And instead of keeping a record of what we’ve done or who we’ve helped, we’ll take delight in forgetting the deed(s) and being virtually unnoticed. Our hunger for public recognition will diminish in significance.

forwarded to you by UP CHRISTIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT, NCCP-CRL Ecumenical Ministry,

University of the Philippines, Diliman, QC

 

I hope you are inspired by these forwarded reflections. You are encouraged to think and/or talk about the message of our Today’s Scripture.

You need not send a reply to these emails, instead, you are urged to share these reflections with your friends and relatives.

God Bless! from Pastor Bart Kimwell

Deflating Pride

 

by Charles R. Swindoll

 

“Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.” Isaiah 51:1

 

In the Hebrew text, the word quarry actually refers to “a hole.” The old King James Version doesn’t miss it far: “the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.” 

Never forget “the hole of the pit.”

What excellent advice! Before we get all enamored with our high-and-mighty importance, it’s a good idea to take a backward glance at the “hole of the pit” from which Christ lifted us. 

And let’s not just think about it; let’s admit it. Our “hole of the pit” has a way of keeping us all on the same level — recipients of grace. 

And don’t kid yourself—even those who are extolled and admired have “holes” from which they were dug.

• With Moses, it was murder.
• With Peter, it was public denial.
• With Rahab, it was prostitution.

The next time we are tempted to become puffed up by our own importance, let’s just look back to the pit from which we were dug. It has a way of deflating our pride.

 

forwarded to you by UP CHRISTIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT, NCCP-CRL Ecumenical Ministry

University of the Philippines, Diliman, QC., Pastor Bart B. Kimwell