Daily Devotional

A daily devotional to strengthen your relationship with God.

Today's Devotional

Humility: an antidote to vanity

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,"
Philippians 2:3

If there's one thing that can lead us away from God, it's vanity. Vanity - or egotism - is a dangerous trap set for us by Satan. If we allow vanity to grow in our lives, we will be in trouble. The devil fell from grace because of his ambition - he thought he was better than God and this led to his expulsion and condemnation. There is no way to be in God's presence if you are fed by selfishness and vanity. Identifying these feelings is very important so that vanity doesn't grow.

A life of vanity is not a life in which we can flourish. No one can bear to live with an arrogant person for long, so those who live an egotistic life - full of vanity - unfortunately tend to end up alone.

In this verse to the Philippians, Paul teaches us a principle that can help us fight vanity: considering others to be superior to ourselves. When we think we are "greater" than someone else, we deceive ourselves and at some point, we will fall into the trap of vanity. Being submissive to God, considering others greater than ourselves, literally brings us closer to the Lord and we become a channel of God to people.

A distinction should be made between ambition and vanity, although we need to keep our ambitions in check; Paul speaks of his ambition in Romans 15, saying "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known", his ambition is no vanity, it is invested in the kingdom. We too can show ambition, as long as it too is invested in heavenly goals, not our earthly desires.

Jesus is a great role model of humility and submission to God. Even though he was the Son of God - he was The Servant King - he came to serve and not to be served. Christ never humiliated anyone to be recognized. Everyone wanted to be by his side, and his presence drew crowds. Jesus still attracts crowds today of those who practice his teachings. Humility is the key to a broken heart and a life founded on God's love.

Feeding humility and not vanity:

  • Try to learn more about Jesus in his teachings. He is the greatest example of humility we can have.
  • When we are polite to people, we create a peaceful environment. Even when there is a conflict, a humble attitude eases tensions.
  • If you are the target of arrogance, avoid 'giving back in kind'; your good testimony can bring the person who treats you badly to repentance.
  • Before showing off your qualities, try to appreciate the qualities of others. Jesus always saw value in the lives of those whom people ignored.

Pray:

Lord Jesus, I am nothing in the presence of your power. I was saved by your grace and not by my own deeds. Help me to be a good servant. I want to learn more from You, my heart is open. In Jesus' name, amen.

Yesterday's Devotional

Grace for every day

Give us today our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11

Have you ever thanked God for your daily sustenance? Then don't miss this opportunity! The Lord has enough for you to meet your daily needs. So don't worry about what you'll need in the coming days, that will only make you anxious and restless... Just ask God for what you need today. He knows, hears, and gives grace with each new day. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

The people of Israel experienced what it was like to live trusting in God every day. As they walked in the desert, the Lord supplied their needs every day with manna from heaven, water, light, and warmth on cold nights and a cloud that provided cool shade for the days in the scorching desert. Try living by faith too, one day at a time! Entrust your life to God every day and see that God's grace is enough for you.

Experience God's grace this day!

  • Don't be anxious about tomorrow. Offer up your needs to God this day in prayer.
  • Trust in the Lord's provision! He doesn't forget but takes care of you every day.
  • God has not promised you riches in this world, but he gives you enough for your daily provision.
  • Seek to know God better by reading and studying the Bible: "Man shall not live on bread alone, (material) but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (spiritual bread)" - Matthew 4:4.
  • Be grateful on a daily basis for everything the Lord has done for you.
  • Talk to someone today about what God has graciously given you.

Pray:

Lord, thank you so much for our daily bread. Grant me today too, by your grace, the sustenance I need for this day. Help me to trust that you will provide according to my needs. Don't let me be anxious or worried about tomorrow, because everything belongs to the Lord. May circumstances not prevent me from seeing your care day by day in my life, in Jesus' name. Amen!

Day Before Yesterday's Devotional

Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age!

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Matthew 28:19-20

Have you ever felt lonely? In countless situations in life, we can experience this sensation: when we're away from home, traveling, in the hospital, imprisoned, homeless... when we lose someone we deeply love... There are many possibilities for feeling lonely. Or perhaps, you're in one of those moments where, even surrounded by people, you still feel alone.

Whatever your case may be, trust that Christ is always present! Today's verses bring a true command and promise from Jesus. He promised, and He will fulfill it because He is faithful! The disciples heard the command to make other followers, followed by the most wonderful promise: Christ is always present! If you understand this by faith, you will never feel alone again. Even if you're seemingly alone, trust that God is with you!

Jesus is with you right now!

  • Believe in the Word of God, despite circumstances saying otherwise. He is with you!
  • Pray and ask God to fill your heart with confidence that He will always be present.
  • Obey! By obeying what Jesus commands in these verses, you'll regularly engage with others to disciple and teach them. This active involvement will also prevent feelings of loneliness.
  • Read and study the Bible. Direct your attention to God's will rather than on outward appearances or feelings of sadness.
  • Being alone is not good. Seek a church, talk to brothers and sisters in faith, and make new friends.
  • Seek reconciliation! Perhaps you have left someone behind in your life. Forgive, ask for forgiveness, and return to communion.

Let's Pray:

Lord God, there are moments when I feel so alone. Help me to trust, having the conviction that You will never abandon me. Even if difficult times come, if You are with me, I will not be afraid. Teach me to obey Your Word and fulfill Your purpose, making other people know and follow You. Thank You very much for Your constant presence in my life. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen!

See also:

What is the Daily Devotional

The Daily Devotional is a special moment of your day that you dedicate to having a precious time of intimacy with God. It is very simple to establish an exciting routine of discovery and spiritual growth. You will achieve this by setting aside a moment each day to draw near to the Lord. During the Devotional, you will read a Bible verse with a meditation on the text. Then, you will meditate on the teachings and how to apply them in your life. In the end, you can pray.

How to do your Daily Devotional

Here are some tips for making the most of reading the Bible message during the Daily Devotional:

  1. Set aside a moment and choose a specific place: your devotional time will be more beneficial if you set aside the hustle and bustle and invest in a pleasant time alone with God.
  2. Read the verse or Bible passage attentively: develop a lifestyle committed to the Word of God every day and avoid distractions.
  3. Read the daily meditation: reflect and try to understand God's purpose for your life through the comments.
  4. Practical application: jot down your findings and don't forget to put into practice everything you have learned through the Bible.
  5. Share what you learned: try to share with people around what God has been teaching you in your moments of daily devotion as you go about your daily conversations and interactions.

Don't forget the importance of living a life fully committed to the Word of God!

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