Spiritual Growth / Humility

  • A Call to Self-Examination

    Galatians 6:3–4

    Take some time this day to perform some self-assessment. Do you think that you are more deserving of God’s favor than other people? Repent if you have so thought. Also, if you have believed the Lord cannot use you ...Read More

  • Avoiding Improper Judgments

    Matthew 7:1–6

    John Calvin says that the one “who judges according to the word and law of the Lord, and forms his judgment by the rule of charity, always begins with subjecting himself to examination, and preserves a proper medium and order ...Read More

  • Caring for Our Shepherds

    Galatians 6:5–6

    Our local pastors have a responsibility before the Lord for the care of our souls. They will be judged more strictly because of this (James 3:1), and we must do all that we can to help them do their ...Read More

  • Christian Men in the Church

    John 19:5

    As the only man who never sinned (1 Peter 2:22), Jesus is the supreme example of what it means to be a man, and all men would do well to live after the pattern of His life, relying upon ...Read More

  • Crossing the Red Sea

    Exodus 14:21–31

    What is your response when you see the wicked judged? Is it one of ungodly delight or does it cause you to look heavenward, to fear and praise God? As you read today’s passage, what attributes of God stand ...Read More

  • Depending on the Lord

    Isaiah 66:1–2

    Christian growth comes as we learn more and more what it means to depend absolutely on God. Our Lord, since He is a jealous God, will not put up with His people not depending fully on Him. Thus, He will ...Read More

  • He Cares For You

    1 Peter 5:6–7

    Have you humbled yourself before the mighty hand of God? Are you convinced that He cares about you? Have you entrusted all of your anxieties and cares into His hand, confident that He will take care of you? Take some ...Read More

  • Judgment on Shebna

    Isaiah 22:15-25

    Read Luke 1:52. Who is in control of promotions and demotions? Think of the political and ecclesiastical leaders in your nation. Which of them are humble men? Which are proud and self-serving? When you think of these men and ...Read More

  • Keeping Watch

    Psalm 39

    Do you keep watch over your life daily? List areas where you are most prone to temptation. Beside this list write out situations that are most likely to introduce such temptations. Ask God to help you watch for and guard ...Read More

  • Kingdom Greatness

    Matthew 18:1–4

    Matthew Henry writes: “The humblest Christians are the best Christians and most like to Christ, and highest in his favor, and fittest to serve in this world, and enjoy him in another.” Humble believers have an honest assessment of their ...Read More

  • Lessons in Humility

    James 1:19–27

    The ability to listen to many sides of an issue before adding one’s own opinion manifests self-control and a teachable spirit. Those who are quick to speak are selfishly concerned with their point of view—they like to be ...Read More

  • Lust for Material Wealth

    Isaiah 23

    Take stock of how you see your possessions. Do you see your wealth (even if it is not as great as others) as a temporary gift from God for His glory? Are you ambitious for riches? If so, confess this ...Read More

  • The Blessing of Repetition

    Philippians 3:1

    God is gracious to us in our weaknesses, and, understanding that we are quick to forget, repeats Himself often in Scripture. In many ways, the Bible is a very repetitive book, and that is a good thing. Thus, we should ...Read More

  • The Path to Exaltation

    James 4:9–10

    God promises to exalt us one day and make us to reign with Christ (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:4). However, this exaltation does not come as the result of the exertion of our own power, but results from ...Read More

  • The Poor in Spirit

    Matthew 5:1–3

    God’s presence is felt most strongly in the kingdom of heaven, which was inaugurated in Christ’s ministry and will be consummated at His return. Entry into this kingdom and, ultimately, seeing God’s beauty face to face comes ...Read More