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No. 272 - Clothed with Humility

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The Humility of God’s Son Clothed with Humility  1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV) "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."   Starting Prayer Dear Lord, grant me the wisdom to understand the importance of humility. Help me to embrace and practice it in my daily life. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background 1 Peter 5 is a chapter where Peter gives guidance to both elders and the younger members of the church. He emphasizes the importance of humility and submission within the Christian community. In verses 5-6, Peter particularly focuses on the need for humility, reminding us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Be Encouraged Humility is a virtue that often goes against the values of our world, which promotes pride and sel...

No. 271 - Learn from Me

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The Humility of God ’s Son Learn from Me Matthew 11:29 (ESV) "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."   Starting Prayer Dear Lord, open my heart to understand and embrace the humility of Jesus. Help me to learn from His example and apply it in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background Matthew 11 highlights Jesus' teachings and His invitation to all who are weary and burdened. In verse 29, Jesus calls us to take His yoke and learn from Him, emphasizing His gentleness and humility. This chapter shows Jesus' compassion and His desire for us to find rest in Him.   Be Encouraged Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon ourselves, promising that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Unlike the heavy burdens imposed by the world, Jesus offers rest and peace through His gentle and humble heart. Imagine carrying a heavy load and then being offered help by someone stronger and kinder. This is ...

No. 270 - The Servant King

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The Humility of God ’s Son The Servant King John 13:1-17 (ESV) Key Verses: "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 taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him." (John 13:3-5)   Starting Prayer Dear Lord, open my heart and mind to understand and follow the humility shown by Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to apply this example in my daily life. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background John 13 records a significant moment in Jesus' ministry: the Last Supper. Here, Jesus washes His disciples' feet, demonstrating profound humility and servant leadership. This act was unexpected because washing feet was typically the role of a servant. Jesus used this moment to teach His disciples about true greatness i...

No. 269 - The Ultimate Example of Humility

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The Humility of God ’s Son The Ultimate Example of Humility Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV) "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, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."   Starting Prayer Dear Lord, open my heart to understand and follow the humility of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to embrace His example in my daily life. In Jesus' name. Amen .   Background Philippians 2 is a powerful chapter where Paul encourages the church ...

No. 268 - Giving with a Willing Heart

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The Generosity of God ’s Hands Giving with a Willing Heart Deuteronomy 15:10 (ESV) "You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake."   Starting Prayer Dear Lord, open my heart to understand the true meaning of generosity. Help me to give freely and joyfully, just as You have given to me. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background Deuteronomy 15 discusses the Year of Release, where debts were forgiven every seven years, showing God's concern for the poor and the community's responsibility to help them. Verse 10 encourages the Israelites to give freely without a grudging heart, promising God's blessing in return. This verse concludes our week’s theme by focusing on the attitude behind our generosity.   Be Encouraged Giving with a willing heart is a reflection of God’s own generosity. When we help others, it should not be with a sense...

No. 267 - The Richness of Christ's Sacrifice

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The Generosity of God ’s Hands The Richness of Christ's Sacrifice   2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV) "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."   Starting Prayer Dear Lord, help me to understand the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the richness of His grace. Open my heart to appreciate His generosity and inspire me to live generously as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background 2 Corinthians 8 is part of Paul's letter to the Corinthians, encouraging them to give generously to support the needy believers in Jerusalem. In verse 9, Paul uses the example of Jesus' sacrifice to inspire the Corinthians to give freely and generously.   Be Encouraged Today's verse highlights the incredible generosity of Jesus. Though He was rich, He became poor for our sake. This means that Jesus left the glory of heaven and came to earth, living a humble life and dying on the c...

No. 266 - Living Generously

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The Generosity of God ’s Hands Living Generously   Psalm 37:21 "The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives." Starting Prayer Dear Lord, help me to understand the importance of living generously. Open my heart to be righteous in Your eyes, always willing to give and help others. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm of David, offering insights on how to live a righteous life and trust in the Lord. It contrasts the ways of the wicked with those of the righteous. Verse 21 highlights the difference between those who are selfish and those who are generous, encouraging us to live generously.   Be Encouraged Today’s verse teaches us about the importance of generosity. The wicked borrow and do not repay, showing a lack of integrity and care for others. In contrast, the righteous are generous and give freely. Think about a time when someone was generous to you. Their kindness not only met a need but also left a lasting...

No. 265 - The Blessing of Giving

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The Generosity of God ’s Hands The Blessing of Giving Acts 20:35 "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"   Starting Prayer Dear Lord, please open my heart to understand the true joy and blessing that comes from giving. Help me to follow Your example and to be generous in all things. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background Acts 20 recounts Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian elders. He reminds them of his hard work and dedication to the gospel. In verse 35, he quotes Jesus' words, highlighting the blessing of giving. This passage teaches us the importance of helping others and living a life of generosity.   Be Encouraged The words of Jesus remind us that giving brings more blessings than receiving. Think about a time when you helped someone in need. The joy you felt was not just because you did a good deed, but b...

No. 264 - The Rewards of Generosity

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The Generosity of God ’s Hands The Rewards of Generosity Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV) "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."   Starting Prayer Dear Lord, as I reflect on Your Word today, please help me to understand the true meaning of generosity and how to live it out in my daily life. Teach me to give freely and trust in Your abundant provision. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background Proverbs 11 is a chapter full of wisdom and practical advice for righteous living. Verses 24-25 highlight the principle of generosity, showing that those who give freely will be enriched, while those who withhold will suffer. This passage encourages us to trust in God's provision and to be generous in all aspects of life.   Be Encouraged The verses from Proverbs teach us an important lesson about giving. When we give freely, we are often blessed...

No. 263 - The Measure of Generosity

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The Generosity of God ’s Hands   The Measure of Generosity Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."   Starting Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, as I meditate on Your Word today, please open my heart and mind to understand the depths of Your generosity. Help me to learn and apply the truths You reveal to me. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background In Luke 6, Jesus teaches about love, mercy, and judgment, urging us to live generously and compassionately. Verse 38 emphasizes the principle of giving and receiving, showing how God's generosity flows through our actions. It highlights that the way we treat others reflects how we will be treated.   Be Encouraged Jesus encourages us to give generously, promising that our generosity will be rewarded abundantly. Imagine filling a basket with grain. As you press it down, shake it toget...

No.262 - The Joy of Generous Giving

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The Generosity of God ’s Hands The Joy of Generous Giving 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." Starting Prayer Dear God, as I meditate on Your Word today, grant me insight into the joy of generous giving. Help me understand the significance of giving cheerfully and its impact on my life. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background 2 Corinthians 9 is Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian church regarding their generosity in giving to support the needs of others. The selected verses emphasize the principle of sowing and reaping in giving, encouraging believers to give generously and cheerfully, knowing that God bles...

No.261 - The Tender Mercy of God

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The Compassion of God ’s Heart The Tender Mercy of God Psalm 145:8 "The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."   Starting Prayer Dear Lord, as I seek Your wisdom today, I ask for insight into Your tender mercy. Help me understand Your compassionate nature and how it applies to my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background Psalm 145 is a hymn of praise, attributed to King David. It exalts the greatness and goodness of God, emphasising His compassionate and merciful character. Verse 8 highlights God's graciousness, mercy, patience, and love, which form the foundation of His relationship with His creation. "The Tender Mercy of God" concludes this week's theme on the compassion of God's heart.   Be Encouraged God's tender mercy is like a gentle breeze that soothes the troubled soul. It's the hand that lifts us up when we stumble and the voice that whispers hope in our darkest moments. Just a...