ME FIRST

Who is first in your life? Does your life center around you and your needs or are you able to look outside your little world and see the needs around you?

The world we live in seems to be getting more self centered what with making a newborn baby feeling the world is centered on them and some parents even carrying this on past infancy.Even in childhood children have to be taught they are not always first. This is not meaning to neglect them but in training them teach them to share and reach out. The "get what you want" attitude is prevalent. Facebook makes each of us who use it sort of put ourselves "out there" for the world to see. It can be controlled and can be fun but for many it may be their "me time".It can be fun if controlled.

Cats are a good example of self centeredness. Our cat Moses sure likes to let you know who is in charge. Anyone with a cat can attest to this. I want to be put out. I don't like that cat food. 

Philippians 2:3-4(ESV) reminds us 'Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.'. That sort of sums it up. What are you doing to not be center of attention?

PRAYER: Lord I want more of you in my life. I need to let you have center stage and the things I say and do be centered on you. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

LOOK WHAT I DID!

Have you ever given those in need something be it a donation, food card, drink of water, a warm coat? Do you go out after you do this good deed and tell everyone about it? Tempting I know.

1 Corinthians 13:3(NIV) reminds us 'If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.' If your goal is to be like Christ when it comes to loving others then according to this verse that is a big “no no“. If you can not display love and kindness to those you come in contact with on a daily basis, all that "giving" is virtually worthless. We can be this wonderfully charitable person and even put ourselves in situations not in our comfort zone but afterwards if you can't resist telling everyone, then watch out. What is the motive for sharing and being kind anyway?

Do you have the kind of Christ like love to be able to give away those things dear to you? This verse above points out to the reader basically that if you do all these wonderful things but then go out and hurt a friend, are rude to a clerk or telemarketer, and basically treat others unkind then you really are not walking in the love of Christ. Christ can help you change if you call out to Him.

PRAYER: I really do want to have your love for ALL people. People may rub me the wrong way Lord but I know you want me to be kind and show your love regardless. Help me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

MAN ON THE MOON

43 years ago today Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. What a thrill it was as television cameras brought this event to us in our living rooms! Indeed mankind, with God's help, had accomplished "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" as was spoken by Mr. Armstrong as his feet touched the moons' surface. Also on this day 14 years ago The Miller family arrived from Mesa, Arizona to our new home state of Alabama. I recall as we entered the area from I-565 the giant Saturn V rocket at the U.S Space and Rocket Center looming larger than life.

Man certainly can accomplish much with the freedoms we have enjoyed in this country. The sky is seemingly the limit. When man does do something good he needs to make sure to remember who gave him the abilities and skills he has. It is not "to me be the power, to me be the glory. Wow aren't I something?" but instead people, when they accomplish great things or not so great things in man's opinion, need to remember there were many people who may have contributed to help them. Don't become puffed up and certainly say "thank you God!"'

Our youngest son was in several plays in high school and I recall each time in the program when they printed the actor's bio, he always said "thanks" to God. This as a mom made me smile. I have seen this in other programs to even include things like on Broadway or the Army Soldier Show touring the country and coming to my area next week. The performers who loved Jesus said so!! They realized their talents and getting to where they were was a gift from God.

So what big accomplishments have you done? Remember to let others praise you and to give God the glory! Proverbs 27:2(NIV) reminds us 'let someone else praise you and not your own mouth. An outsider and not your own lips.' This is not to say you can not share an accomplishment with close friends or family who love and care for you but the key is to pray for humility in all your deeds whether big or small. Truly humble people are a joy to be around.

1 Corinthians 10:31(NIV) says 'so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.' In the Old Testament in the book of Deuteronomy 8:18(NIV) it reminds us 'But remember the Lord your God or it is He who gives the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today.'

Truly God is the giver of our freedoms and through freedom mankind is able to prosper, flourish, invent, create and help others. Many fine men and women throughout history have done outstanding things because of the freedoms in this country to "be all they can be" as the former Army motto used to say.

Remember today to ponder just exactly what man has done through the U.S Space Program and all the inventions that have come about over the years to make this country great and to help others nations. Indeed God is good and He reigns on high!

PRAYER: Today Lord help me in all that I lay my hand to. Help me to have creativity and to accomplish the work you want me to do. Forgive me Lord for ever boasting as I know all the praise and glory goes to you. In Jesus' name.Amen.

KEEP THAT HORN PUT AWAY

Have you ever been around people who like to tell others of their accomplishments or perhaps you have done it? Maybe it is an attempt to prove their worth or brag about an award or feat they achieved. Or it  might be purely unintentional. I admit I have been guilty of this and try not to. Perhaps you have the sticker on the car that says "My Child is an Honor Student". Or maybe a decal that says "26.2"? Recently I got convicted about a decal on my car and removed it. It simply said "I Served". I did not want to give the impression of boasting. Whatever it is we do is much nicer when someone else notices and praises us and not our own mouth. It is always best to try to stay humble. I feel it is something to pray for ourselves and everyone in our family.

Humility is a character trait to develop. Don't "toot your own horn" so to speak. The Bible says 'Let another praise you and not your own mouth'. Also the word of God says 'Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall' in Proverbs 16:18(NIV). Even when you do a good deed it is best not to go tell everyone. Proverbs 27:2(NIV) says '

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.' Would you rather be around someone who brags or a person who shows great interest in others? Get into the practice of trying to be interested in others. Live for God and give Him the glory when you achieve an honor. There is nothing wrong with getting rewarded, being able to run marathons, being smart, and all sorts of other things but it is best to remember who it is who helped you achieve where you are. To God Be The Glory! PRAYER: Forgive me Lord if I have ever "tooted my own horn". Help me to learn to take compliments graciously and to give you the glory for the wonderful things you have done. In Jesus' name. Amen. Click link for powerful song of praise. http://youtu.be/0iZm9__sJL8

YOUR NAME ON THE DOOR

What is it you do in life? This is often a question people ask when they meet someone. Seems like status of a great job or a title is where many get their worth. If your answer is "Oh I am just a stay home mom" stop putting yourself down. That job is better than any fancy gold name plate on a office door anytime. That job holds the future for little ones being raised by godly parents. As I used to say "I am raising leaders for the future" and indeed you are!  Now my answer is "I write" and often I feel bad that it is not a big title but in the big scheme of things I am okay with it now. What you do for the kingdom of God will last whether it is raising children to serve the Lord or being a good witness for Christ in the workplace.  

Many people do all they can to get "to the top" as it has prestige and offers many perks. If you are in a career field with prestige first of all be thankful as God has given you the abilities to study hard and get to the top. If you are not in a job like this do not be jealous of those who are. Be thankful and happy just where God has placed you in life. If your job is what the world says is worthy of a "gold name plate" on the door be humble. Do not think of yourself as better.

Matthew 23:12(NIV) says 'For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'  If you are blessed to be "at the top" just remember how you got there. If you have not do not be jealous of those who have.

Philippians 2:3-4(NIV) says 'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.'  Romans 12:15(NIV) says 'Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn'. 

Remember our purpose as Christians here on this earth is to humbly serve him and reach others for Christ. Let me leave you with your Christian job description found in Colossians 3:23(NIV) which says 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.' Now go serve Him whether you have a name on your door or not!

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for where you have me in my life. I thank you and am content just where I am. Forgive me if I have ever been jealous of others or ever been discontent. I know you have a plan for my life. In Jesus' name.Amen.

PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL

This became literal for me in a "action word picture" on my recent
annual snow ski trip. It was one of the times I had been doing my best
skiing. No, I am no where near a Black Diamond level skier, but I
started to master my turns and control. I happened to be in a "Perfect
Turn" refresher class when I took three freak falls, turning, oddly
enough. On the last two falls, my knee popped. I got the idea for this
devotion title while sitting with an ice pack on my knee, pondering
ruining our much anticipated ski vacation. At least it was day two.
Stuff happens. I will be ready for next year.

As I sat there watching out the window at happy skiers boarding chair
lifts for the top of mountain, my thoughts turned to pride. I was not
bragging before my fall except for maybe a couple of pictures on
Facebook(whoops), but was feeling proud of myself for finally feeling
comfortable at higher speeds and possibly ready for a more advanced
lesson when this little mishap occurred. So there I was. Go figure.

In life we may get a little too self assured or self reliant and may
think we do not need God, then Poof. The rug of life throws us a curve
ball to keep us humble and show us our need for God. God did not cause
me to fall and I had not forgotten Him, but perhaps I was being more
overconfident than I needed to be. So there I was sitting with an ice
pack on my knee contemplating getting a refund on my lift ticket and
ski rentals.

Is there something in your life perhaps that has slowed you down and
made you see life from a different perspective? Maybe something
happens to show you you are not in control. I may have been skiing
since 1995 but a simple tumble injured my knee, more specifically completely tore
my ACL and have a partial tear in LCL among other things. So this

season is over since no snow and mountains are anywhere near me. The
good thing is though I am still walking and so therefore have next
year, the year and so on as long as God gives me breath and good
knees.

Things happen for a reason but I need to figure this one out. I am
thankful it was not worse and that Ski Patrol did not have to haul me
off the mountain on a snow machine gurney or in an ambulance.

Is there an area of your life you need to turn over to God? Do you
ever become too proud? Pride literally does go before a fall. Proverbs
16:18(NIV) says 'Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit
before a fall.'

PRAYER: Lord thank you for the talents and abilities you have given
me. Help me remember that you alone give me the abilities I need to do
what I do in work or in play. All these are gifts from you. I thank
you Lord and forgive me if I ever forget to say thanks. In Jesus'
name. Amen.

HUMILITY...THE GREATEST VIRTUE

Are you able to let your virtues speak for themselves, as a former Army boss of mine used to say? In the military especially is a great place to develop humility because you are serving your country not to expect a pat on the back but a good supervisor will remember to put people in for necessary commendations anyway. Many deserve their medals who have survived combat situations no ordinary person could even imagine.

 No one really likes to be around those who brag. Bragging sometimes is a way to maybe prove something to someone or elevate yourself. Now there may be 'proud moms' who share things but still it is best to let people find out things on their own without tooting a horn. This could even apply to the Christian community where you 'tell others' of your service or things you did. It is more fun and rewarding when people note things themselves and give you a compliment. Sometimes inferiority complexes may cause people to feel a  need to point things out  to others. Whatever the case, allow God to control your talk to include feeling a need to boast.
The following are a few scriptures about being humble:

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore,as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
 Matthew 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and who's humbles himself will. Be exalted.
John 3:30. He must increase but I must decrease.
James 4:7 Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you.
2 Corinthians 10:17 Let he who boasts boast in the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23. Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the  rich man boast in his riches.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
Psalm 147:6 The Lord lifts up the humble, he casts the wicked to the ground.
 Matthew 6:6 But when you pray go into your room, close the door, and pray unto your Father who is unseen and then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:3 But when you give to the needy , do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

Think of the famous people you hear about that seem to start to get puffed up and forget the 'little people' who helped make them well known and wealthy. Often fame goes to a person's head and they may start feeling better than others. When you receive a certain degree, sure you worked hard and deserve it, but let others praise you, not yourself. I am sure you can think of other examples as well.
As a believer too we might accidentally 'share' about a good deed with a friend and do it not meaning to brag or might 'share' about a good prayer time you have had. I myself have felt convicted after I 'shared' maybe about 'prayer walking' not doing it to get someones praise but then after they say "that is awesome" I start wishing I had kept it between me and God. Your best reward is from God someday anyway. If you have messed up, do not worry, we all probably have. The thing is to be aware of maybe telling people too many things and let your praise and reward come from the Lord.

If you say " I am a humble person" maybe you aren't. Something  to ponder. Ask God if there is anything you are doing or saying that would appear boastful and ask Him to take away your desire to tell others everything.

 PRAYER: Lord forgive me for times I have done a good deed and shared it 'innocently' with others. Help me when I do something not to feel a need to tell people. Also help me be humble when I receive accolades from others. Help me remember to always give you the praise and glory! In Jesus name. Amen.

HEY HOT SHOT!!

 Think you are pretty special huh? You have done some pretty impressive things in your time, traveled the world perhaps, won numerous awards and honors,have a job others are impressed with (or so you hope) , know important people, and make lots of money. The things of this world are so temporal and fleeting and the best person to know is not a Hollywood celebrity but is Jesus. Do you know Him? Do you live for Him?

The things of this world, all the fame and glory and huge homes and fat bank accounts will soon pass. One day you will die. Then what? Yes for skeptics out there you will either enter heaven or hell. It is no fairy tale. As much as the media pokes fun at those strong in their Christian beliefs they too will one day find out.

 It is even possible for those in Christian service to get 'puffed up' if they are not careful. When people start patting you on the back, be careful to give God the glory and don't let it go to your head.

 Romans 12:3 says  "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."  Each of us is blessed with talents and abilities that are God given and we need not forget that.  Christian athlete Denver Bronco Tim  Tebow  is an excellent example of someone living their faith and fame with true humility. If only we could emulate those actions. Better yet do not imitate him as he is only human and humans can fail and disappoint us. Imitate Christ and seek to be Christlike! 1 Corinthians 1:11 says "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

Give God the glory for the  great things He has done!

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the gifts and abilities you have given me. Help me never compare myself to others and if I am ever complimented help me receive it with true humility as your servant. Keep me from getting puffed up. In Jesus name. Amen.

PUT DOWN THAT HORN!

Do you feel pretty good about yourself and your accomplishments? Maybe you have been to fine schools, have awesome degrees, make lots of money, a wonderful job title, or have received many awards. Perhaps you are in tight circles with important people. Maybe you have done things  that are 'off the charts'. Still God wants us to be humble and not 'toot our own horn'.

The Bible says the humble will be exalted and let another praise you and not your own mouth. Bragging or boasting  is mentioned many times in the word of God. It is tempting to want to prove to someone what you have done, who you may know, and how much you make. It is human nature to a 'proud nature' at times especially as a parent. But we are to have 'God's nature''.

The real mark of a Godly person is to be able to let your virtues speak for themselves and not think you are anyone special. We all have differing gifts and talents. If you feel you are on the braggy side ask God to help you be humble and not prove things to people by boasting.

Proverbs 27:2 says "Let another praise you and not your own mouth, someone else and not your own lips."  There is nothing to be gained by letting everyone know every wonderful thing you have ever done. God knows and that is all that matters.

Proverbs 25:27 says " It is not good to eat too much honey nor is it good to seek one's own honor". If you receive accolades give the glory to God for it is only through him you have your abilities, skills, gifts, and brains. You may think "But wait I did this on my own". Watch out for you may be brought low with that kind of attitude. A humble person is much more pleasant to be around.

Matthew 23:12 says "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Where are you at? Perhaps you are on the other end of envy of others. That too is wrong for each of us has differing gifts. Bloom for Jesus where he plants you, be content,  and give God the glory for your successes. In Deuteronomy 8:18 it reminds us it is God who gives the power to get wealth. Serve Him with the abilities he has given you.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for what you are doing in and through me. Help me never envy others and be thankful for exactly where you have me. Lord I thank you for what you can do through my life. Forgive me if i have ever become proud. In Jesus name. Amen.

Happy Monday! Click on link and praise God in song!
http://youtu.be/D-zk-E55dRk

NANNA NANNA BOO BOO

  Everyone is probably familiar with this immature child hood chant that is a way of saying.."Look at me..I am better than you"  or "look at me I did this and you did not."  As a Child of God of any age this is not an appropriate way to behave and is somewhat disrespectful as well. In other words, it is not up there on a list of 'ways to get closer to God'.

 Proverbs 24:17-18 says " Do not rejoice when your enemy stumbles and do not be let your heart be glad when he falls or the Lord will see it and be displeased and turn his anger away from him." This type of attitude implies superiority, and that too is not a great Christian virtue to emulate. Also we may not approve of say,  'a political leader' but we are still not supposed to be wishing him curses and evil but are to be praying for his or her heart to change. Likewise we need to pray for our own heart to not be 'acting ugly'. Prayers will not be answered if you are being mean spirited yet naming the name of the Lord. (See Psalm 66:18). It is as if your 'religion' is in vain.

 Philippians 2:3 says "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility think of others as better than yourself." Do you sometimes gloat maybe even only privately and think 'look at me?' The Lord does not approve of that either. No one is perfect. We have all 'stumbled' at one time or another. Do not start feeling like you are better than others. Only God is perfect! Matthew 6:1 says "Be careful to not do your acts of righteousness before men. To be seen by them. If you do you will have no reward from your Father in  heaven." In other words humility is the key.

Matthew 7:1-3 says "Do not judge or you too will be judged." Remember the saying when you point your 'fault finding finger' at someone three others are pointed right back at you. 1 Corinthians 6:1 speaking of those judging sinners "and such were some of you. You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

Let there be no 'nanna nanna boo boo's' coming out of the mouth of a child of God. Commit to  memory the following verse and it will help you in all you do in life. Ephesians 4:29 which says " Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth but only that which is helpful in building others up according to their needs,that it may benefit those who listen."

PRAYER: Dear Lord may I never be guilty of a haughty spirit. I desire humility. I also want to be kind and respectful and helpful to those persons you place in my path daily. in Jesus name.Amen.

SUPER CHRISTIAN...OH REALLY??

Think you are pretty good huh? Got it all together. No real major issues you are dealing with? Well be careful as when we start thinking we are so wonderful, look out! 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns us "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"

 Have you really let go of grudges you have against people? Have you really learned to forgive and forget? Can you overlook an offense or do you need to keep a fight going? Do you secretly form opinions of people in your brain? Do you avoid certain people? Do you conjur up things in your head that really aren't happening like for instance, "I do not think so and so likes me"? Do you harbor resentment? Alot of this garbage is there because Satan is alive and well and in a battle for our minds, hearts and souls. Confusion, for instance, is not from God. Lack of peace is not from God. Hatred is not from God. Grudges are not from God. Bitterness is not from God. You get the point. We have to make a conscious effort to stay in the word of God on a daily basis to feed our spirits with good things to fight off the mental attacks of the enemy that try to wage war within us and our souls and against other people.

Leviticus 19:17-18 says "Don't secretly hate your neighbor. If you have something against him, get it out into the open; otherwise you are an accomplice in his guilt. Don't seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God." You have heard it said that "love covers a multitude of sins.(See 1 Peter 4:8) and we know from the 'love chapter' 1 Cornithians 13 what love is. This pertains to love between man and wife or love in general.In verses 4 through 7 of this chapter is says "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."  Proverbs 10:12 says "Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses."

So where is your love meter set at? Do you truly love everyone? Can you forgot an offense or do you continue to 'run it into the ground'. You will never truly have peace within yourself til you can stop looking back and look forward to the good things God has in store for those who love Him.

2 Peter 3:17-18 says "Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen"

PRAYER: Father I know I have held onto hurts and pains and had grudges in my heart. I know this does not please you. I know the enemy wants to destroy me and my witness for you so I ask for your strength each day Lord to wake up with an attitude of love and forgiveness. Even if someone is hateful to me give me the supernatural ability to not lash back or dwell on the hurt but to dwell on you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.

TOWER POWER

From the beginning of their construction the tower has been the symbol of power. Think of the New York  City skyline for instance,Los Angeles  or Chicago. All the big financial places are in huge skyscrapers. They represent power and prestige and if not careful their occupants may become prideful thinking they are better than others. Think of Trump Tower in Manhattan. The Empire State building or the Freedom Tower being built on One World Trade Center in NYC.Towers represent money,prestige and importance.

In the Bible the 'power of the tower' caused real trouble. Remember Babel? Back before that, the whole earth spoke only one language. Can you imagine that? We could understand everyone. The people of Babylon in Genesis Chapter 11 started to exalt themselves above God so He confused their languages so they could no longer communicate to have power to build the tower. I guess this is where they phrase babbling comes from?Genesis 11:8 says "So in that way God scattered them all over the earth; and that ended the building of the city." These mere humans thought they were like the great and powerful Oz in the movie "The Wizard of Oz." No mere man needs to mess with trying to play God. Many have tried and failed.

In Psalm 2 verse number one it says "What fools the nations are to rage against the Lord! How strange that men should try to outwit God!"  It goes on in verse 2 to say "A summit conference of the nations has been called to plot against the Lord and his Messiah, Christ the King. " Seems like the word 'summit' is popular in our own US government today as the solution to everything. Verse 3 of this same chapter continues by saying "Come let us break his chains and free ourselves from slavery to God." Say what? God gives freedom not bondage. Psalm 2:4 goes on to say "But God in heaven merely laughs! He is amused by all their puny plans."

Remember the those who think they are great will be humbled.(See Matthew 23:12). Proverbs 29:23 says "A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor." It is God who gives the power to get wealth and has given people the gifts and abilities they do have.(See Deuteronomy 8:18). 1 Samuel 2:7 says "The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts." When we exalt ourselves over the Lord Almighty we are looking for trouble.

PRAYER: Father I thank you for your almighty majesty and power. Thank you for giving me the abilities you have given me. Forgive me if I have acted unsatisfied or not used the talents you have given me. I choose to let you have first place in my life and give you the glory when good things happen to me. In Jesus Name. Amen.


Note: When you have time enjoy this worshipful song I have included. Click on the link to listen. Be blessed!
http://youtu.be/HzNsEBPB-Z8

DON'T BE PUFFED UP

No one likes to be around a bragger. Constantly hearing someone boast is boring and tiring. We have to be on our guard to not fall into this trap. There is a difference in being proud and outright bragging about things. Why do people feel the need to brag? Who are they trying to prove something to? We have all probably been guilty of it one time or other.

Proverbs 27:2 says "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips." Being a former service member we are used to awards ceremonies where medals are awarded and rightly so. These men and women who receive them, especially in combat situations, are true giants of freedom! They deserve the applause when walking through airports and other places. Awards are nice. But we do not need to tell everyone about our awards. It will not matter. As a former military boss told me once, "Let your virtues speak for themselves."

James 4:6 says " But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”1 Peter 5:6 says "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." Romans 12:3 says " For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."

When you get a free moment later today read Deuteronomy chapter 8. It is basically about what happens when we forget God. Remember God is behind all our successes. We are to give Him the glory.  I love it when at the a Super Bowl or Miss America the winner occasionally has raised their hands in the air acknowledging the Lord Jesus Christ. My son used to thank The Lord in the programs of the theatrical plays he was in. God is the one who has given us our talents after all. Try praising others and encouraging them instead of talking  about yourself. It is rather refreshing.

Even doing Christian things we might slip on the 'brag wagon' occasionally and feel like we want to 'share' our good deed. Sometimes depending on the context of the sharing it is OK but not to make yourself look like a saint. For instance, if you are wealthy and give a huge sum of money to a ministry why not do it as a secret. That has happened at my church in Madison, Alabama where an anonymous donor gave a phenomenal amount of money to the building fund. He or she did not need someone to announce it or pat them on the back. When you reach that point you are truly humble. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."

When you start getting pats on back and compliments they can go to your head or you can remember to say, "to God be the glory."  It is easy to get sucked into thinking you are pretty darn special especially perhaps if you are famous, maybe work somewhere  like in New York or LA or the Nations Capitol , go to a fancy school, know important people or  have a  prestigious title. We are all special in God's eyes. Each of us is gifted for God's purposes and not one person is better than the other no matter where they live or what they do. Some gifts stand out more such as the talents of a physician , nuclear physicist or rocket scientist but everyone is important to God.

So where do you stand today? Do you need some practice on being humble? Try your best if you are overlooked at an awards ceremony or volunteer luncheon to let it go. What does it matter in the big scheme of things? To God be the glory!

PRAYER: Father if I have bragged and tried to put myself above others forgive me. Help me to find ways to compliment my fellow man and brag on them and encourage them. Help me learn to show interest in the gifts of others. In Jesus Name. Amen