With pride on the rise in many countries today, being peaceably, considerate, and showing true humility, aren’t a recipe for humiliation…
READ TITUS 3 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
The final years of my work in finance were split between two jobs. One role was a real joy but the second ended in a “crash and burn” moment. After taking on the management of a department, I walked out three months later. At the time, I had plenty to say about how the directors above me mismanaged my appointment. I refused to back down in humility, or to apologise for my part in the confusion. That would feel so humiliating. Instead, I used my free time, to pace up and down my kitchen in incredulity, hurling slanderous abuse into the air as I hit the “repeat button” on everything that happened at the office! However, I forgot that even in the privacy of my own home, I had an audience of One …and HE wasn’t so impressed…
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle showing true humility towards everyone.” [v1-2]
It took months, and a couple of well-timed books, to figure out how seven years of work could end so badly. But one thing was sure, my line manager wasn’t the evil monster that I’d brain-washed myself into
believing. If I took a good look in the mirror, I’d see my own faults. [v3] So while it may feel humiliating to back down and admit/apologise for my part in the problem, there’s a huge difference between showing humility and feeling humiliated. I won’t lose the ground I’m standing on, when exercising God-given humility. On the contrary, I’ll gain ground far beyond the “here and now”. When the kindness and love of God my Saviour appears, He’ll save me – not because of righteous things that I’ve done, but because of His mercy. [v4-5a] …Read more?… CLICK to follow “21 November – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to speak to the only God to ever humble Himself for your sake? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[a]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in Heaven, how great is Your name! Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…”
Praise the Lord! I praise You, God, in Your sanctuary. Even the universe You created, brings praise to You! [Psalms 150:1]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Pray for Togo – the Togolese Republic[b]
Your Nation: Pray for the homeless and poor
Yourself: Health and Strength to serve God
Your concerns for today
Jesus said: “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” [John 14:14]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Lord, please help me not to be wise in my own eyes. Help me to fear You enough to turn away from evil. [Proverbs 3:7]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one…”
Thank-you Father God for promising to be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day: a refuge and protection from the storm and the rain. [Isaiah 4:6]
“ For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen”
When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[c] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing the script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Spiritual CONFLICT
“Watch out! Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” [1 Peter 5:8]
[a] Matthew 6:5-15
[b] http://www.operationworld.org/country/togo/owtext.html
[c] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31