Today the word humility is jumping around in my spirit. I’m not sure if this is God’s message to me or to share with all of you. I’m going to move forward with the Unction that it’s both. The meal today is full of sound advice for all of us. I also ask for your prayers of strength as I’m dealing with an annoyance that I must push away from.
Today’s Prayer
Father, I come before you this morning on behalf of my brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere to make these requests. Please rescue us from ourselves, our pride, our self- centered nature, and our “woe is me” attitude. Give us a swift kick in the butt when we are lazy, and continue to convict us when we are wrong. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and enable us to be the kind of believers that You know we can be with Your help. In the wonderful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Let’s eat.
Advice for All of Us
1 Peter 5:1-11
And now a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. In the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.
Quote of the Day
I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. ~Thomas Merton~