Humility and Faithfulness By: KB © 12.13.14

I woke up bright and early, like I do;  I checked my phone messages, checked  and responded to my emails and then read my devotional. Note the order of how I started my day; I was already out of sync with my normal routine. My routine is to read my devotional first. I didn't put God first.  When I did read the devotional, the words jumped out of the computer and grabbed my heart and mind. I normally sit and wait for the message to come to me but today's word was written for just for me.

For most of my life, I missed the importance of Joseph in the Christmas story. But after I became a husband and father myself, I had a greater appreciation for Joseph’s tender character. Even before he knew how Mary had become pregnant, he decided that he wasn't going to embarrass or punish her for what seemed to be infidelity (Matt. 1:19).

I marvel at his obedience and humility, as he not only did what the angel told him (v.24) but also refrained from physical intimacy with Mary until after Jesus was born (v.25). Later we learn that Joseph was willing to flee his home to protect Jesus (2:13-23).

Imagine the pressure Joseph and Mary must have felt when they learned that Jesus would be theirs to raise and nurture! Imagine the complexity and pressure of having the Son of God living with you every moment of every day; a constant call to holiness by His very presence. What a man Joseph must have been to be trusted by God for this task! What a wonderful example for us to follow, whether we’re raising our own children or those born to others who are now entrusted to us.

May God grant us the strength to be faithful like Joseph, even if we don’t fully understand God’s plan.

The word humility seems to have taken on the meaning of weakness; this was a definition that I held on to for most of my life but as I matured on a spiritual level I began to understand it's true meaning and I began to "slow my roll" to stop demanding and forcing what I believed to be respect. I stopped fussing and cussing about my stuff and began to notice how people treat each other. I began to realize that my "grind" was no longer about the material things and creature comforts; don't get me wrong they're nice to have but they're not essential to life. I began to take of the cause of the people who don't have a voice. I began to stop arguing about the things that do not bring life  John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I began to humble myself in spite of how I was addressed; don't get me wrong, you can't talk to me just any old sort of way; I am still human, full of fault and frailties but what I mean is that I can look at myself, examine my character and know my value and worth to God.

Galatians 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Romans 12:1  Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship

Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'

I now get the many labels and adjectives that are used to describe me and why they've come to be...I don't fit a "worldly" mold and people have to have a label in order to relate....

Romans 12: 1 - 3, 9 -21     1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.…

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

How ya livin'?