Focus

Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.

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Read

James 4:1-10 NRSV

“Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order so spend what you get on your pleasures. Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you suppose that it is for nothing that the scripture says, “God yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us?” But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, put gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

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Reflect

HUMBLE PIE

Do you like pie? I do! All, except Humble Pie, as my mother called it.

One particularly painful and awkward time that I was served a plate of humble pie was my first year of teaching after I graduated college. I was very busy filling my time and congratulating myself over all my accomplishments. So busy in fact, I completely forgot to keep a dental appointment. Not just once, or twice, but three times I called my dentist after the fact, apologized and rescheduled. This was the same dentist that four years earlier, even though I wasn’t his patient, took mercy on me after an auto accident. He gave his Saturday working on my broken mouth as a favor to a stranger.

Finally, the day came to keep the appointment. Upon arriving, the receptionist immediately took me to Dr. Robertson’s office. I wondered about the special treatment, and it didn’t take long to realize it was not the type of special that was going to be pleasant. With a solemn tone and restrained composure, my dentist served me a dose of humility. First, he asked me if I wanted to be his patient. When I said, “Yes, of course!”, he responded, “Then keep your appointments.” In a few short words he let me know I had wasted his time, his staff’s time, and stolen from other patients that could have used the times I wasted.

I will never forget the lesson learned that day. Even though I was hurt, angry and embarrassed at his words, they rang true. I had allowed myself to get into an adulterous relationship with a self-created, self-centered world. Pride was the idol that was at the root of my spiritual unfaithfulness, resulting in conflict between me and someone I truly respected. Apology was a good place to begin, but actions speak louder than words. Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” I needed time to not only repair my relationship with Dr. R, but more importantly, humbly bow before my heavenly Father, confessing my pride and seeking restoration of fellowship. Thank goodness God loves and forgives. He also puts people in our lives who care enough to tell the truth while at the same time loving us through seasons in our life.

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Pray

Dear Lord, my Father and God, I glorify You and praise Your name. Create within me a heart full of love and compassion for my fellow man. Help me to not think of myself more highly than I ought, but in everything give honor and glory to You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Go with God!