Daily Reading: Matthew 18
Scripture Focus: Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18.4)
Devotional Thought: My friend Gerry has recently 'caught up' with me in having 5 grandchildren. He loves to have his grandchildren come to his house and play in Grandpa's pool. He says it's a grandchild magnet! I need one of those. Those kids just take it for granted that they are going to have fun Grandpa's. Grandpa has everything they need. They don't have to bring a thing but themselves. That's a good thing.
Jesus said we are to be like 'Gerry's kids.' We come to our Heavenly Father as a child comes to their earthly father. We just bring ourselves and trust God to take care of the rest. One person said, "The humility of a child consists mainly of a mood of trust and dependence. That is the attitude which God desires His children to take toward him. The prevalent modern mood of self-sufficient, worldly-wise sophistication is inimical to genuine spirituality" (BBC).
Isaiah 55.8 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." Christ's way runs directly counter to the way of the world. We want to accomplish great things so that we can be proud of our achievements and be important to God. But, if we want to be great in the Kingdom, the main characteristic we must have is humility. "Not ability, but humility. Not achievement, but humility. Not impressive performance, but humility." Trusting in our heavenly Father is the key to success.
Prayer: Father, thank you for your amazing love! Before I ever did anything to deserve your love, you welcomed me 'home.' Help me to always maintain the innocence and humility of a child in your presence. Through Jesus my Lord, Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. 12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. 15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. 17 Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. (Psalms 86:11-17)
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