This is my SOAP devotional for 4/15 - I find it ironic that I would read this on "tax day" when many were protesting the actions of the govt. with "tea parties". I too may not agree with the choices of govt. but it is important to remember that all leaders need our prayers more than anything else we do.
S - Psalm 21:7
For the king trusts in the LORD;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
O - Even kings who have great power to determine the actions of their subjects on this earth should trust in the Lord. Just as we read about Pilate giving in to the demands of the people, a good leader seeks God's wisdom instead of popularity, or power. God pours out His love on those that seek Him, and He keeps them from stumbling. In fact, the Lord's love is great for ALL...most especially those that put aside their personal desires and seek His guidance.
A - In a leadership role (parent, music teacher, community leader, bible teacher, etc.) I must be seeking God's wisdom in ALL things, even when I feel confident and secure in my decision making. Even when decisions seem "biblically obvious". God only allows those that He wants in power to remain in power. Therefore, I must be in prayer for ALL leaders in business, in politics, in our schools, in our communities...all of these need our prayers to seek God's wisdom, regardless of whether we agree with their decisions.
P - Lord, you promise that when I seek you with my whole heart, you are there. Just as I already prayed that I would not be subject to pressure from others, will you help me be the leader that YOU desire me to be, taking a stand to embrace YOUR standards, even when it's hard? Will you help me remember to be in prayer for all leaders in my community and in government, even when I believe they are not seeking YOUR wisdom? May I be patient to know that YOU have placed them in leadership for a reason. Your ways and wisdom, and your unfailing love are ALWAYS good. Just like the song says, "How many kings would come down from their throne to die for me?" You alone did that for me and for ALL of us! Oh, that I would be humble to remember your sacrifice and live my life with this same humility. Amen.
Showing posts with label power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power. Show all posts
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Power of Humility
My SOAP devotional for Feb. 25
S - Matthew 18:1-6
" 1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."
O - The disciples still viewed Jesus' purpose as establishing an earthly kingdom. They envisioned a hierarchy in his kingdom much like a ruler/king would have. Their ultimate focus was on who would have the power, status and influence. But Jesus was trying to teach them to switch their way of thinking, to focus on humility, and service...that status and influence don't matter in the eyes of a child who trusts and depends on adults, which is the position we should take with God. Jesus teaches that anyone that causes a little child to lose faith should be cut off from his kingdom, for the children are the most dependent and vulnerable.
A - I have a great responsibility as a teacher, a community member and a parent to have a huge impact on the children in my life. I must always remember that my words and actions can have an affect for all eternity. In addition, I need to learn from these children how to trust God and seek humility instead of influence. My focus should be on service, not on status.
P - Knock me to my knees Lord when I forget my place. Help me to remember the power of humility and to focus on what I can learn from, and the influence I do have on ALL the children in my life, especially my personal children and the students I teach. Help me see opportunities where I can teach them about you. Amen.
S - Matthew 18:1-6
" 1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."
O - The disciples still viewed Jesus' purpose as establishing an earthly kingdom. They envisioned a hierarchy in his kingdom much like a ruler/king would have. Their ultimate focus was on who would have the power, status and influence. But Jesus was trying to teach them to switch their way of thinking, to focus on humility, and service...that status and influence don't matter in the eyes of a child who trusts and depends on adults, which is the position we should take with God. Jesus teaches that anyone that causes a little child to lose faith should be cut off from his kingdom, for the children are the most dependent and vulnerable.
A - I have a great responsibility as a teacher, a community member and a parent to have a huge impact on the children in my life. I must always remember that my words and actions can have an affect for all eternity. In addition, I need to learn from these children how to trust God and seek humility instead of influence. My focus should be on service, not on status.
P - Knock me to my knees Lord when I forget my place. Help me to remember the power of humility and to focus on what I can learn from, and the influence I do have on ALL the children in my life, especially my personal children and the students I teach. Help me see opportunities where I can teach them about you. Amen.
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