Category: Good Life Journal

Romans 2

Scripture:

Vs 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.

Vs 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?

Vs 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

 Observation:

Paul is speaking to the Romans who are not understanding that God’s judgment will fall on them.

They will not avoid the judgment of God just because they now have the word of God.

Incredibly, these people who now have the word of God are using it, in fact, to judge others.

And they are doing this, while at the same time, using it to excuse themselves from the judgement of God.

In fact, they are applying the good character of God in the most selfishly indulgent manner to justify themselves in their own thinking and doing.

Hypocrisy in the extreme! 

 Application:

How did the idea of the “kindness of God” become somehow equated with eliminating the “judgement of God”?

What a devastatingly atrocious idea? Actually, it’s worse than atrocious … It is thoroughly immoral … even evil.

Do we really want to live in a world without God’s judgement?

Would it be “kind” for God to avoid “judging”? Absolutely not!

In a world without judgement, chaos reigns. And the same goes for a life.

Chaos will reign in my life if I am not holding it up against the righteous judgement of God.

And this must consistently bring me to my knees again.

I want to think, “I know the word of God. I know the character of God. I have the Spirit of God.”

I want to think, “those people” deserve judgement.

Well, “those people” do deserve judgement … just as this person does. I deserve judgment.

Judgement is a good thing when it is done by a righteous Judge.

Judgement is justice. Judgement is accountability.

But in Christ, judgement is not punishment. Jesus took my punishment.

This gives me freedom, but not freedom to now judge others.

Freedom in Christ is freedom to show others they can have this same freedom through repentance.

 Prayer:

 Thank you again God that you are a Just Judge.

Thank you that your kindness leads to repentance.

Help me Spirit not to abuse your goodness.

Help me to not condemn others.

Help me to see others the way you see them.

Help me avoid the sin I am tempted to judge others of.

In Jesus name

Amen

Scripture:

Romans 1:24-25
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Observation:

Paul desires to see the brother and sisters in Rome. He wants to be there to share the Gospel with them, encourage them and build them up in their faith. He wants to learn from them as well. The Godly are called to live differently and the wrath of God is not withheld from the wicked.

Application:

Exchanging something is me believing what I am giving away is in replace to get something better. I do this all the time in my relationship with God. In this scripture it says they exchanged the truth for a lie…..I do this too. I exchange what I think is better when it comes to my life and what I think will benefit me more other than seeing what God says in his Word and being transformed by him and being different. We also exchange things when we have gotten the wrong size…people do that too. I tried God and his stuff and if just doesn’t fit me. What if I as a man said that what God reveals I keep, I own, and find satisfaction in. Namely himself.
What I’m exchanging when it comes to God? What truths do I think are not satisfying when it comes to God that I exchange lies for? God and all about him and who he is is truth, and I must find me in him and my all in him and not exchange things that are not true for him.

Prayer:

Father my I see, feel, and get that you are all satisfaction. May I not believe or think there is something or someone better. Transform me by your love and your heart and make me like you.

Scripture:  

“O God: You know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from You.  Let not those who hope in You be put to shame through me O God of hosts-Let not those who seek You be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel.” (Ps 69:5-6)

“Out of my distress I called on the Lord-the Lord answered me and set me free…I shall not die but I shall live and recount the deeds of the Lord.  The Lord has disciplined me severely but He has not given me over to death.  Open to me the gates of righteousness that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.” (Ps 118:5 and 17-19)

Observation:

  I don’t want to lose sight that these two chapters in Psalms are another set of significant prophetic resources about Jesus.  They are also pretty good sources of what confession, repentance, determination and ultimately rest in the Gospel looks like.

Application:

 I am completely transparent to Jesus.

Isn’t that something?  I cannot hide anything from the Lord of hosts.  He knows my thoughts, my actions, my efforts in self-reliance, my exertions to get my own way, and my oh so transparent rebellious heart/soul to God.

You see: Scripture isn’t written primarily for the unbeliever but for the Believer.  While it is evident that the Bible describes those apart from Christ, when it is referencing sin I have to own it-God is talking about and to me, the guy in the mirror.

The Gospel and the Cross: different for us than it was for David.  The Gospel was unfolding for the House of Israel but the Cross was still to come.  Now that it is here, we can know Redemption in Christ through faith in Jesus’ work on the Cross.  Still: it is good to know the two significant works resulting from the Cross.  One is Justification: Faith in the Atonement is a done deal-just have to persevere to the End.

Sanctification? Another ball of wax entirely.  This is the Walk of the Gospel that Paul refers to in Eph 4:1, Phil 1:27, Col 1:10, 1 Thes 2:12, and a few other references.  It is the summarized basis of what David wrote above.

Do I do foolish things?  Sure.  How about wrongs?  Yep, check.  Shameful things?  Another check.  Dishonorable things?  I am getting tired of checking all of these things off like this.  When is the “rest” from my sin that the Bible talks about kick in?

Biblically from my understanding: Always and never at the same time.  Our rest is in the Cross-we are not condemned any longer-no Wrath of God for Believers.  Good thing too.  Now comes the “working out our salvation part”: Asking the Holy Spirit to expose us, reveal our hearts, make the working out of the “old man” visible and recognizable-so that we can mortify that creature.

David understood this.  He confessed in the 1st person.  My folly, my wrongs, my shameful influence on others, my dishonorable actions to be kept from influencing others.  David also declared his desire (which if you notice is a prayer right up God’s alley to approve of-see James 1): I called upon the Lord; I shall recount the deeds of the Lord and live; I recognize the Mercy of God in disciplining me but not to death; I want to walk through the gates of righteousness-basically I want to walk worthy of the Gospel.

Prayer:  

 Father: Short prayer today.  Even as I am writing this I am shaking my head in my known sin and dishonorable conduct lately.  I have not responded in faith and surrender to You.  I recognize this, ask for specific forgiveness (blankets are only good to snuggle in and not suitable for forgiveness); state my desire to repent and look to You for plans to change my ways through faith in the Gospel.

Scripture:

Psalm 49:7-9 – Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit.

Observation:

The Psalmist wants to provide wisdom to all who will listen about those who have a rich lifestyle. We should meditate on God’s word for understanding and to have it in our heart.  There is no reason to fear individuals who have amassed wealth on earth and want to let you know that.  They can’t take their wealth with them and more importantly no one man can pay the cost to ransom his life.   

Application:

We are all mortal and will face the same inevitability of death one day.  While people with a lavish lifestyle may seem like they have everything, without a savior they have nothing.  I need to not fear or be jealous of someone who has accumulated material gain as they can’t take their wealth with them and it is not their greatest need.   Rather I should be burdened for their soul as they are lost like all others who do not know/believe the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jesus plus nothing equals everything.  I must recognize my sin and understand that only Jesus has paid the high cost to redeem our souls to an eternity with the Father in full. 

Prayer:

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word and your soverign plan to save me. Help me to share your love and the high price you paid for me on the cross. Let me be burdened for the many in our culture who are lost and place wealth above a relationship with you. 

Scripture:

Scripture:

“My God, my God: Why have you forsaken me?  Why are you so far from saving me; from the words of my groaning?  O my God, I cry by day but you do not answer.  And by night but I find no rest.
Yet: You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.  In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them.  To You they cried and were rescued, in you they trusted and were not put to shame.” Psalm 22:1-5

Observation:

This is a significant prophetic reference about Jesus on the Cross-one to remember.  There is also a significant principle for disciples to embrace here as well.

Application:

How many times have I run into a situation that tilts against me and I have said (or thought): “This isn’t fair!!”  Or “I don’t deserve to be treated like this!!”  Or “Why is this happening?  Why is (so and so) against me?”  A lot.  Let’s put it this way: I am not unfamiliar with these responses in my life.

For instance: I feel beat down.  I get surprised at responses going against me when I thought that they shouldn’t.  I give grace and understanding: Shouldn’t I receive grace and understanding in return?  Why aren’t my prayers being answered?  Why aren’t I getting good things (even if those desired good things are just warm fuzzies)?

At the root of this thinking and emotion is a focus on me and not on God.  “Aren’t I special enough to spare me this pain?”  In other words: I am making an idol of myself.  This also indicates that I have not understood the implications of the Gospel and being a disciple-God’s stated objective with me is to make me in the Image of the Son. (Rom 8:29)  Also, even issues that feel like being ignored, forsaken, must be considered in the fact that God is Good and all the things He does is Good and especially for me (Rom 8:28).

I have to continually remind myself that He is the Creator, I am created; He is the Potter, I am the clay.  It is His prerogative to mold me, shape me, to His purpose.  Reference Rom 9:20-21a.

So, this may read like I am advocating “Suck it up, Buttercup.”  Not at all.  Jesus, knowing our weakness, shows us in Ps 22 that He hears and understands our complaint.  For us, though, in our prayer we need to acknowledge “Yet You are holy; In You I trust; In you is found rescue; in You I will not be put to shame.”  These statements are not addendum to make my prayer OK-they are necessary for me to embrace fiercely and with determination.  It is necessary to conform my mind to the Scriptures in this matter.

Prayer:

Lord God, You hear my cry in the daytime, in the night; when I thinking You know my thoughts, the musings of my heart.  You see when I am weak.  You hear me when I pray.  You hear me when I pray well; You hear me when I pray in a way that makes You chuckle and shake Your Head.  You see my Now and see my End and all the points of growth in-between.  Thank you for now forsaking me even when my faith gets wobbly.  I want to walk worthy of the calling with which You called me.  I will cooperate with You, Holy Spirit, to grow into my Lord’s likeness.  AMEN.

Scripture:

Psalm 16:5  Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

 Observation:

 In this psalm, David praises God for several things that are apparent in his life. He praises God for being the only truly good thing, for being one of His people, for his portion or spiritual inheritance and for the Lord’s guidance and council.  David knows that God will keep him safe affirming that God is both a sovereign God and a God that keeps His promises.

Application:

 Sometimes it is the little things in life that we need to remember. We get too caught up in our health, wealth and our what is happening around us that we forget who is in control. My God is a God that deserves my praise and thanks. He is a God that loved me first and wants to have a relationship with me. Putting my faith and trust in God and all that He has provided and promised is enough.

 His portion for me is enough. I don’t need more money or more stuff. I don’t need the promotion or a bigger house or newer car. I want the promotion to get the bigger house and all the stuff.  Sometimes I need a reminder that He is enough. I have been provided with a spiritual inheritance that is waiting for me and others because of our belief in Jesus Christ and his resurrection from the dead.

 I must focus my attention and praise now to the one that provides. I must be thankful for all that God has done for me and provided to me.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for being my provider, my counselor, my guide and my protector. You are enough. You are all I need and a relationship with you is what I should strive most for in my life. Thank you for sending your son and keeping your promises.

Scripture:

  “…Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said “Peace be with you.”  Then (Jesus) said to Thomas: “Put your finger here and see my hands; and put out your hand and place it is my side.  Do not disbelieve, but believe.”  Thomas answered (Jesus) “My Lord and my God!”  Jesus said to him: “Have you believed because you have seen Me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs…which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His Name.  John 20:26b-30

Observation:

 It appears that Jesus is addressing Faith: specifically Thomas (who took a principled stand against the testimony of the rest of the disciples) and generally all the rest of the generations following about whether or not Jesus is who He says He is-the physical Son of God at the right Hand of the Father.

Application:

Every so often I get distracted by stinking thinking concerning the physical reality of Jesus.  I mean, look: I am so used to communicating with Him the Holy Spirit (unseen but present) that I forget that Jesus is physically in Heaven sitting next to the Father.  That forgetting of His physical presence also lends itself to forgetting that He is making supplication on my behalf all my days before God.  (Jesus is doing a lot of things but according to the Scriptures kicking back and taking in a ball game isn’t one of them-or maybe He is: He is God after all…).

What got me thinking this morning is the distinction about Faith and Signs.

I have been listening (and singing with) a new album lately.  There is a song with this particular lyric: “Hope that is seen is no hope at all, our hope is in what is to come…”  Is this the same as Faith?  I am wondering if it is.  Heb 11: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen.”  So now what?  Are you as puzzled as I am?  Probably not: I scratch my head often when in the Word.

Here we have Jesus telling Thomas: “Ok, see me, put your fingers in the nail holes; your hand in My side.  Satisfied now?  Oh, and by the way, I don’t do this for just anybody-there will be a group of folks called “Blessed” who will not need this particular step in their walk with Me.”  But-in the very next sentence John writes “Jesus did other signs, a lot of them.  Some are written in this book-many are not.  But what was done and written about is to help you believe…”

I think there are two distinctions to ponder: 1) Faith isn’t blind belief.  Our faith (or maybe conviction is the better word here) is in Him and what He said about Himself and what He will do.  Another way to say it is “I have Faith/Conviction in His Word (who happens to be the Living Word).”  My faith isn’t blind or unseeing-it is in Faith of His Word.  2) Signs are not for the unfaithful alone.  Signs are a treasure of the Mercy and Grace of God to remind us not to falter in unbelief.  Face it: there are times we all are shaky in the knees concerning belief.  Signs are part of the Holy Spirit’s tool kit (along with more prosaic tools like Thankfulness in all things, Encouragement and Hospitality) to keep us biblically healthy.

Faith/Conviction in His Word. Thankfulness towards Signs:  I don’t meditate/think about these enough.

Prayer:

 Lord God: Help me see each day in the Splendor of You and Your Works in Creation.  Your mercy is new every single day.  I don’t deserve Your mercy and You give it to me anyway.  I want to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel.  Therefore please help me (make me) walk in accordance with Your Word, line upon line, precept upon precept until, like Chucky Spurgeon, I bleed the Bible.  AMEN.

Scripture:

John 19:35-37 – He who saw it has borne witness – his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth – that you may also believe.  For these things took place that the scriptures may be fulfilled: “Not one of his ones will be broken.” And again another scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” 

Observation:

John was at the crucifixion by the cross and he gives us an eyewitness account of the event.  John lets us know that this is the truth he is telling us in order that readers may believe.  The events and roles people played in the crucifixion were not by happenstance but rather to fulfill scripture authored by Jesus as part of God’s soverign plan.

Application:

We have an eyewitness account, from Jesus’ disciple John, regarding the events of the crucifixion.  This is a high level of evidence still used in courts today.  I need to be in the word and trust in the truth of God’s word. The crucifixion of Jesus fulfills so many prophecies that this is not a made up or chance occurrence. God’s living word is true and speaks to us so we may believe and follow His path for or life.   I must trust in the truth of God’s word, act accordingly and share that confidently with others.

Prayer:

Father,

Thank you for your love, undeserving grace and mercy in sending Jesus to redeem us.  Help me to know the truth in your word, apply it in my life and share with others.

Scripture:

Scripture:

Jesus is praying: “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me for they are Yours.” John 17:9 “I do not ask for these only but also for those who will believe in me through their word…” John 17:20

Observation:

Why is Jesus praying like this in John 17? He is being very precise in “praying for this” and “not praying for that.” He is emphasizing relationship with the Father, witness of the Father, actions of protection for and by the Father: Praying for us.

Application:

Could have selected the whole chapter. I still have to wonder “Why is Jesus praying all of these things?” If I read (and re-read and re-read one more time) in some way it still confuses me because it reads like He is simultaneously repeating Himself and praying in circles. But what should I be taking away from this chapter? Some thoughts: 1) Perhaps Jesus is really praying to the Father for us. Not necessarily praying so that we would have record of His prayer but interceding for all of us. 2) Even so: Now we have an example of how to pray with biblical principle and conviction (synonym of Faith). 3) We can find confidence in the things that Jesus is praying. After all: It is not like He is tossing up empty words to the ceiling. Note: I am guilty of tossing up empty words in prayer every so often…Ok: Got me. A lot of times. Helps me to review how I pray especially in public. 4) There are particular jewels to be found in John 17. Some can be taken out and made greeting cards and plaques out of. Others can be extracted out of context and bent out of shape. I must be aware and careful. What jewels did I find? Well, to be candid, I found references that continue to make me think about the Doctrine of Election. I also found the care in which Jesus prays-he said many words but the words were calculated and accurate; they weren’t empty. I also found broad (but specific) references to the Gospel and the Living Word of God. Reading through daily devotions: Not everything is a home run. Sometimes (often) they are base hits, piling on each other until runs are scored. Patience and joy in patience. The Holy Spirit will provide.

Prayer:

Father. You see my heart. You see that it is wayward at times. My heart does not like to dig in the Holy soil for jewels; it likes to pick the shining bauble from the low hanging fruit tree. I recognize, however, that jewels and gold are found in diligently digging, amassing doctrine, principles, and yes, Your Living Word line upon line, precept upon precept. Please continue making me satisfied in Your Word for in Your Word is life found. Joyfully hungry, joyfully patience, joyfully diligent. AMEN.

Scripture:

John 16:23-24 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Observation:

This chapter represents a turning point in Jesus’s ministry. People will start praying to Jesus and he acts as an intermediary. Jesus is talking to His disciples and they are beginning to understand. Before this time, no one prayed to Jesus or through Jesus. Now, however, Jesus is making it clear that we can pray to and through him.

We spend more time looking at the world and interpreting and forecasting the future to make our lives easier. We need to turn to prayer. When we ask in Jesus’s name it suggests the one who prays understands that Jesus is the sole mediator between us and the father. We can have confidence that if we can ask in prayer as if Jesus was asking for it.

Application:

I should examine my prayer life. Is it lopsided? If I am praying for only the things I want and not praying for God’s will in my life it is not in alignment. Are my prayers confident and bold? My prayer life parallels and demonstrates my belief that the father has sent his son and his son is now with the father. My prayers must be according to His will, character and purpose. If I am praying to Jesus, he will only act as an intermediator if my will is according to His father’s will.

I can use answered prayer to spread the Gospel. Prayer is not restricted to prayers of thanksgiving. If I want something, I must ask. And it’s okay to ask. It can be something for me or my family or it can be prayer for someone else. It doesn’t matter. Answered prayer results in fulfillment and joy. I should use an answered prayer to help others understand and believe.

Prayer:

Help me to examine my prayer life and the joy you bring me when you answer my prayers. Help me use my prayer life, and answered prayer, to lead others to you.

Scripture:

8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Observation:

Jesus is having a deeply personal conversation with the apostles.
Jesus is telling them that there must be an constant communion with Him for their life to produce anything that lasts or has worth.
And Jesus gives them the highest compliment he can, “I chose you”.
They were chosen, not just by another rabbi, but by the Messiah.
And they will have incredible responsibilities: “bear fruit” and “love one another”.
But they will also have incredible privileges: “your joy may be full” and “whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you”.

Application:

I often want something to be “proven”. Show me the evidence that something is true.
Well, here Jesus tells me what the evidence is that “proves to be a disciple”.
The proof of a disciple is the bearing of fruit.
But I can’t do this on my own effort.
I can only bear fruit by “abiding”, staying connected, with Jesus.
If a vine is not beating fruit, then it is unhealthy or immature.
What about me?
Am I growing in a deep and healthy abiding relationship with Jesus?
Am I maturing in who I am in Christ?
And my abiding in Christ is not just a bunch of selfless acts.
Abiding in Christ actually gives me the greatest reward, fullness of His joy!
And Jesus tells me what the result is of this internal growing of joy and external bearing of fruit: “By this the Father is glorified”.
We can’t bear right now to see the pure glory of the Father.
But we can see the fruit of his disciples.
And this leads to the Father’s glory.
So, I get joy.
The world gets fruit.
The Father gets glory.
This follows the same pattern of Jesus on the cross.
Jesus went to the cross “for the joy set before Him” and that the Father would be glorified.
And the Holy Spirit was sent producing fruit from each disciple.
And the fruit will happen if I abide in Him.
This is the natural result of healthy and mature living vine.
The fruit will happen. This is “spoken”.
But there is also something that is “commanded”.
Love one another!
This I must do!
But again, love, like joy, is a spiritual fruit.
I will only follow this command if it flows from a communion with Jesus.
And this is the only way to truly live.
And why wouldn’t I be eager to do so?
I get fullness of joy!
And when I become joined to The Vine and take on the nature of The Vine, then I will ask for what the Vine needs and wants …
… and it will be given.
… and the Father will be glorified.

Prayer:

Father, take what needs to be taken
And prune what needs to be pruned that I will be a healthy and maturing branch of the Vine.
Help me love others
And help me know and experience your joy
Im Jesus name
Amen

Scripture:

John 14:15
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Observation:

Jesus tells the disciples that the key to obedience is love. Loving Him results in obedience.

Application:

For many years I would read this passage and assume Jesus was saying, “prove your love to me by obeying me!” However the longer I follow Jesus the more I understand that He is trying to help us get a very simple concept. Love comes first. I don’t obey my way to loving Jesus. I love my way to obedience. Once I realize that I am loved by God, my life changes. I learn to love Him back and once my love increases, I begin to obey out of love.

A couple things…

-He first loves me. He always goes first. Therefore anything I do is a response.

-Love first. The basis of my whole life is the love that God gives and the love I get to reciprocate.

-Obedience follows. If I find myself in disobedience there is a lack of love. My greatest chance of obedience is acting and behaving from a place of love.

Prayer:

Thank you for loving me first. Thank you for giving me the chance to love back. May my actions be a result of love. Love for you and for others.

Scripture:

Jesus (knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that He had come from God and was going back to God) rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments and…began to wash the disciples feet…When He had washed their feet, put on his outer garments, and resumed His place, He said to them: “Do you understand what I have done to you?” John 13:3-4a, 12.

Observation:

Kind of neat that Jesus teaches by the “”see what I have done?” then explanation afterward” method. Some of the things He does are puzzling to the Disciples (like Peter). Maybe because guys like Peter (and like me) think there should be a different outcome? Does my “stinking thinking” get in the way of the Holy Spirit?

Application:

I don’t get Jesus sometimes. Like has been written before some of the things He says are hard. They are hard to think about, they are hard to assimilate into reflexive action, they are hard to replace other thoughts in my punkin’ head, they are just plain difficult to understand at times.

Take for instance towards the end of John 13 (v 35): The world will know you are My disciples if you have love for one another.” (Confession: I had to look this up. My first writing was “…if you love one another.” Maybe not a huge distinction but certainly different from Jn 13:35 in the ESV. Ever wonder if there is a distinctive difference? I haven’t but I am going to look into it. This is what Journaling can bring to you, an “I wonder why” attitude to the Scriptures and Church Doctrine.)

Anyway: Love for each other and Washing feet have a connection. Jesus is mining for gold in the disciples by asking “Do you understand what I have done…?”

I think it has to do with my attitude towards service-not the act of service in particular but the attitude.

In Luke 22:24-27 Jesus tells the disciples don’t be like politicians or as like what leadership is usually displayed as: I am over you, top dog, boss, etc. Paul tells the church at Philippi to “think of others as more important than yourself.” (Ph 2:3) It is the attitude of leadership that expresses itself in “boss-manship.”

After the Cross, the disciples were starting to get it. Paul writes of Jesus:

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others as more significant (or important) than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. HAVE THIS MIND among yourselves (which is yours in Christ Jesus) who, though he was in the form of God did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself taking the form of a servant…” (Phil 2:3-7)

Last thought: There is a difference between being a humble servant and having holy ambition. That difference is in dynamic conflict because the ambition side of this equation can be infected with worldly ambition. I need to shake the worldly cobwebs out of my mind and participate in renewing my noggin.

Prayer:

Lord God, I am aware of a distinction in myself that struggles day in and day out: Service to be seen by men and service to be done in secret only before You. How difficult it is to resist pointing out “my halo” to others. How difficult is it to resist “tooting my own horn?” I am not quite sure of all the details behind service but I do have a grip on this: Polishing my halo before others to receive the applause of men isn’t cool and certainly isn’t Eternal. Help me look at the Eternal daily, please? AMEN.