God of the ages, it is possible for us to be carried away by our own importance, by the way our thoughts are turned into action by those we lead. We can be justifiably proud of our accomplishments, the revenue and profit that our company earns, by the esteem our organization commands and our own place in society. It can be easy to attribute all that to our own goodness, competency, effort and even luck; but at the beginning and the end of the day, all things originate in You and have their meaning.
Is not humility good when it conforms to truth? Is not success to be celebrated when it is not vainglorious? Help us to stay in close relationship with You, so that our successes and failures are not something apart from You but are contemplated within our relationship with you our creator.
Section 2, Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Romans 12:9-21
| Hebrew Scripture | New Testament |
| David’s Prayer
10 Then David blessed the LORD in the sight of the whole assembly. David said: “Blessed are you, LORD, God of Israel our father, from eternity to eternity. 11 Yours, LORD, are greatness and might, majesty, victory, and splendor. For all in heaven and on earth is yours; yours, LORD, is kingship; you are exalted as head over all. 12 Riches and glory are from you, and you have dominion over all. In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give greatness and strength to all. 13Therefore, our God, we give you thanks and we praise the majesty of your name. UCCB 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 |
9 Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. 11 Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. 19 Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Rather, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.”r21 Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.
Romans 12:9-21 |
Section 3
You may wish to be silent for a few minutes. Listen and discern.
Section 4
In your own words, in your own silence, speak with God.