“He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree” (Luke 1:51-52 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
Pride has no value. It gives a false sense of self-importance that exists only in the imagination of the heart. When God was looking for a human vessel to accomplish His will, He bypassed all of the high profile candidates and chose a humble young woman who was “powerless” in the eyes of society. God demonstrated that His favor rested upon those who followed Him in spite of the world. Though God handpicked her from all of the women on the face of the earth, Mary did not claim any glory from it.
Prayer: Lord, You value faithfulness, trust, and obedience above everything. Teach me these essential qualities and help me to never claim glory for myself. Amen.
Devotion by Julie Long
The Bible says that Abraham was a man full of faith. On the surface it looks like he walked with God without the struggles I face in my life. But, if we dig a little deeper we see a much different story. What about the time God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son? And God said, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou has not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” (Genesis 22:12 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). When the faith test ended God said, “now I know.” In other words, Abraham proved just how much he trusted Him. God wasn’t sure how Abraham would react to His request. The tests you are facing will prove to God whether you trust Him or not.
Prayer: Lord, I know You are always faithful. I’m never alone in any situation. You are always with me. I want to be faithful and prove my faith by my actions.
Devotion by: Kaye Singleton