Grace for the Humble

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. - James 4:6

The post “Removing Bad Traits” gave some ideas to fix broken things in our life. To take the mistakes of the past and give them to God. He offers grace to the humble so admit mistakes and live with confidence in what God can do for the future. 

Like the song Live Like You’re Loved – Hawk Nelson, we don’t have to live with perfection. It’s just energy wasted. Instead, live like you’ve been set free with no more guilt. Be who God made you to be; a very valuable person to take on big challenges. He can change our character to do amazing things to fulfill His purpose.

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Taking in More Spiritual Food

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. - Romans 5:3

Taking in more spiritual food and less junk food is a great idea for shedding a few pounds as brought out in the post “Ideas for Greater Discipline”.

Not only does this idea provide added physical benefits but also spiritual benefits. As pointed out in the song Stay by Jeremy Camp, remaining in the light produces perseverance, character, and hope.

This day with God my friend, never walk away but stay in the light and throw all burdens away.

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Freedom Found by Laying Burdens Down

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness. - Titus 2:7

In the post “Freedom is Found”, the dominant theme is the importance of maintaining integrity. Freedom is found when we are honest with ourselves and lay our burdens down at the Cross.

Because of Cross, there is a freedom. A freedom that helps us live, give, and love. A freedom that will speak and teach; laying out a clear path that others can follow.

This day with God, Ask Him to examine your heart and mind. Freedom will be found if you lay your burdens down at the Cross. Just be honest with yourself as pointed out in this song: If We’re Honest – Francesca Battistelli.

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His Words Remaining in You

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. - John 15:7-8

One of the main lessons gained from reading in Hosea 7-8 and writing in the post “Hitting the Target” is the warning of guarding our hearts against blindness to sin. The way to hit the target is to repent of our own sin, give up our pride, and work to improve our own character by developing ways to look for and store up lessons from the Bible.

I’ve found that having a dog is great for anyone that needs to wake up early and study God’s Word. My Dog gets hungry very early and wakes me up. Once up, I’m more inclined and have more time to read the Bible and other devotionals before I start my day.

As was the case with Israel during Hosea’s time, sometimes we have to be brought down to our knees. We may think we know what’s best but it is our Father in Heaven who really knows. Getting into His Word and working to make them stick in our hearts so they remain in us is what we should strive for.

So the aim is to get into God’s Word on a daily basis so this action rids us of our way and leads us to the best Way. Enjoy today’s inspiring video: Lead Me to the Cross - Hillsong.

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He Knows so Fully Disclose

There is a saying that character is doing what is right when no one is watching. In the post He Knows so Fully Disclose, I wrote about Ananias and Sapphira who sold some property. They held back a portion of the money and took the rest to lay at the apostles’ feet.

The husband and wife didn’t give the full amount they had received; only a portion but wanted people to think they had given it all. Their pride made them want to look good in front of others. The result was that they died for lying.

If our world was filled with people of character, the world would work the way God designed. He knows everything we do; all our thoughts and motives. Here is today’s inspirational video of a Man Who Finds 15 Thousand Dollars in a Computer Case and Returns the Money.

In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. - Psalms 41:12

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Courageous Action Leads to Victory

Lessons can be learned from reading or through experiences of the past. In yesterday’s post Taking on Issues in Life Head On, we pointed out in reading Genesis 20 that Abimelech went right after a problem to solve it. He confronted the issue, asked questions to understand, and took the necessary steps to solve it.

During challenges in life, we can gain inspiration from remembering the suffering of Christ on the cross and how this courageous act led to victory. Here’s a video to inspire us today: Embrace the Cross- Steve Green.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

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The Word of God Planted in a Soul

The Word of God planted in a soul with integrity is like seed planted in fertile soil that flourishes into a banner crop.

Photo Credit – Meditations from Zion

We can learn lessons from others in how to live but we can also learn lessons from others in how not to live. Remember how greed put Peter in a difficult situation and he didn’t handle things with integrity in Luke22:54-71. People may make you an offer that you think you can’t resist but that doesn’t mean it’s in your best interest to take them up on the proposal. A person of integrity desires faith, hope, and love more than fame, fortune, and status.

Maintain integrity by trusting in the Lord, asking Him to examine your heart and mind. Associate with good people, love the Church, and tell others about the qualities of God’s character. Even if people are treating you bad, keep your integrity and keep doing the right thing. If they get you upset and you try to pay them back, you may be the one that gets in trouble. Instead, try to forgive and believe God will bring victory into your life. Make a decision to be a person of integrity.

To read more about integrity, visit this post: What Integrity Does For Us.