Humility is the fruit of gratitude. We all know the feeling that comes when someone does something special for us or gives us something significant—we are indebted to them. The most appropriate response we can make is to say thank-you because we are touched and humbled by their generosity. That’s the way it is with our Father.Continue reading “The Fruit of Gratitude”
Tag Archives: humility
Staying Humble and Hungry
Most of us have heard of the John Godfrey Saxe poem, The Blind Men and the Elephant. It is based on a traditional Indian parable and tells of six blind men from Indostan who come across an elephant. As each touches a different part of the animal, they come to different conclusions about what theContinue reading “Staying Humble and Hungry”
Against Me or For Me?
Dianne wonders about the tension between Jesus’ statements in Luke 11:23 and 9:50. Here are those verses: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. (Luke 11:23) “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:50). Let’s take the passage from LukeContinue reading “Against Me or For Me?”
Time’s Up!
In Daniel 5 we’ve moved forward an indeterminate amount of time. Chapter 4 takes place during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign (which ended in 562 BC). Chapter 5 takes place as the Medo-Persians come to power (539 BC), so we know at least 23 years have transpired. Despite this chronological gap, the two chapters from a couplet ofContinue reading “Time’s Up!”
Hurting for Humility
Who would you rather be: a prisoner of war or someone who occupies an important position of power and influence? Doesn’t seem like much of a choice, does it? But what if I told you the prisoner of war is Daniel, and the person with power and influence is Nebuchadnezzar? That would change things, wouldn’tContinue reading “Hurting for Humility”
Too Big for the Birdhouse
Birdhouses for the eastern bluebird (indigenous to our area), have a circular entrance hole 1½” in diameter. Any smaller, and an adult bluebird cannot get in. Any larger, and things other than the bluebird will find their way in (not good). The story doesn’t end here. It seems some non-bluebird animals, despite their restrictive size,Continue reading “Too Big for the Birdhouse”
Childish or Child-like?
There’s an intriguing picture in Psalm 131. It is offered to further develop and reveal the pilgrims’ perspective as they neared Jerusalem. After confessing they had steered clear of presumptuous matters (“things too wonderful for me”), we are told, “I am like a weaned child with its mother.” Not simply a child—but a weaned child.Continue reading “Childish or Child-like?”
That Is Liberation!
Lightning is an example of electricity in a raw, uncontrolled form. We all understand the importance of respecting it or suffering the consequences. We are also mindful of electricity in more controlled forms—say an electric fence or a power line. However, thanks to the work of Ben Franklin and others, we also understand that electricityContinue reading “That Is Liberation!”
What Are You Wearing?
Hans Christian Andersen’s The Emperor’s New Clothes is one of those wonderful stories for children that has much to say to adults. If you remember, the emperor is a boastful sort who is taken advantage of by two tailors promising to make him the finest set of clothes ever seen—sort of. The catch is that the clothes are soContinue reading “What Are You Wearing?”
He Cares For You
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. These words from Peter come on the heels of his call for us to humble ourselves (1 Peter 5:5-7). In the act of humbling ourselves, we submit to God and place ourselves under “His mighty hand.” We commit ourselves to looking at life fromContinue reading “He Cares For You”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 