Tag: pride

Daily Word

Matthew 23

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Read Matthew 23 – Woe! Woe! Woe! It’s honesty day against the Scribes and Pharisees!

Jesus addresses the crowds, telling them to do what the religious leaders say, but not what they do. “For they do not practice what they preach, ” Jesus explains at the end of :3.

He follows up with seven woe’s against them. Jesus is opening the eyes of the crowd to the legalism that had hardened the hearts of these Scribes and Pharisees. Beloved, may your eyes also be opened to your pastor (priest,bishop,minister or title he goes by). Does he practice what he preaches? Is he a servant and humble?

“The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” :11-12

May these harsh and honest rebukes for those who would use religion against people give you one more reason to celebrate Jesus. Jesus stands righteously, bringing freedom, forgiveness, love and mercy to those who put their faith in him. Jesus is mighty to save! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. (Matthew 23:39, Psalm 118:26)

Daily Word

James 4

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Read James 4 – (2min, 27 sec if you were thinking up an excuse to put it off) We get in our own way so often. James asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” :1

The one you’re fighting with may be in the wrong, but where is your pride in the situation? Is there another way? Do you imagine Jesus standing next to you shouting, “Yeah! You tell em!” Of course not!! Instead Scripture reminds, that the Holy Spirit yearns jealously for us (:5).

Beloved, when you go off course, you will feel the Holy Spirit’s presence cringing within you, but you also have the free-will power to push his voice to the side. You can do this so much that you no longer hear it. Scripture tells us to submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee. That is power, that is fighting with God on your side, and the first step is on you. Lay down that pride, instead submit to God… give a quick prayer before you respond to the person who has ruffled your feathers, “Jesus, give me words.”

Verses :13-16 speak about setting goals and leaving the Lord out of them. Hold on loosely to this life; it can change in an instant. Always strive to be in the center of God’s will. “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” :15

You might enjoy listening to the David Crowder Band’s – HOW HE LOVES US. It kept spilling into my thoughts as I read this morning. May Jesus’s love fill your heart as the Holy Spirit guides your thoughts, words and actions today!

Daily Word

James 1

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Read James 1 – Wow!  This is so good!

James addresses how to handle trials (:2-4), faith and double-mindedness (:5-7), poverty and wealth (:9-11)… I could go on and on, but let the verses speak to you.  Trusting the Holy Spirit to awaken your heart to what’s important for you today.

Enjoy this short chapter, be strengthened, convicted and encouraged by these good and perfect gifts that come down from our Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows. (my paraphrase of :17).