Perseverance
Contentment
Humility
Av1611.com defines humility as in ethics, freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one’s own worth. In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one’s own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will.
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6
God chooses the simple things to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). He does so to achieve His plans and bring honor and glory to Himself.
Jesus was the greatest example of humility as He chose to obey God’s plan by becoming a man, dying on the cross, and raising again the third day to pay our penalty of sin. Those who believe on Him and confess their sin will have eternal life (John 3:16-17).
The Holy Spirit will nudge our hearts when we need to humble ourselves before God. It is our choice to choose to become humble and obedient or persist in our prideful ways.
Additional Scripture:
1 Peter 5:5-6, Luke 22:27, Philippians 2:6-8, Philippians 2:3-4, Titus 3:2, Psalm 113:5-6, Proverbs 15:33, Proverbs 18:12, John 13:13-17, Micah 6:8, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Romans 2:1, Psalm 9:12, Proverbs 40:11, Proverbs 6:16-19
Prayer:
Lord, You have instructed us in Micah 6:8 to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before You. Please cultivate in our hearts the understanding that You are the reason for our accomplishments. Keep us from selfish pride and help us to learn of Your gentle and humble spirit. You alone are worthy of the praise, honor, and glory. In Jesus, name, Amen
Hymns of Praise:
- Amazing Grace
- Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
- Have Thine Own Way, Lord
- Only a Sinner
- Nothing But the Blood
Kindness
Character Trait: Kindness
Definition:
av1611.com defines kindness as disposed to do good to others; and to make them happy by granting their requests, supplying their wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or goodness of nature
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
It is easy to be kind to those who are kind to us. Showing kindness especially to those who are undeserving speaks volumes about how we are allowing God to work in our lives.
Being kind is much more than giving a simple smile or being polite. It’s exemplifying a Christ-like attitude by looking for ways to be a blessing to others.
Additional Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5:15, Galatians 5:22-23, Luke 6:35, Proverbs 21:21, Psalm 117:2, Proverbs 19:22, Proverbs 31:26, Isaiah 54:8, Ephesians 2:7, Hebrews 13:2, Galatians 6:10, Luke 6:35, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Matthew 7:12, Colossians 3:12
Prayer:
Lord, help us to be kind in thought, in word, and in deed. Teach us to humbly follow in Your footsteps as we search the Scriptures. Allow Your gentle Spirit of kindness to dwell within us that we may be a light shining brightly drawing others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Hymns of Praise:
1. He Lifted Me
2. Bringing in the Sheaves
3. Others
4. O to Be Like Thee
5. Rescue the Perishing
Dry Bones
Read this verse during my devotions time yesterday. I immediately began to envision Christ talking to the bones and bringing them back to life.
I imagined a valley of dry bones and Christ standing just above. As He spoke the bones jiggled at little at first as the skin and organs began to form. The more life was restored the more those bones got up and leaped rejoicing before the Lord for the lives that were restored.
Next I remember part of a song I learned as a child and the notes dancing in the sky above them. “…Them bones, them bones, them dry bones now hear the word of the Lord….”
This song and verse has stuck with me ever since. I woke up with idea to create a Scripture art to go with the verse.
Thankful that regardless of our situation there is always hope for new life in Christ! Many times we get weary in the battle and our light begins to dim, but God can regenerate our lives to be a burning light for His glory!
Compassion
Character Trait: Compassion
Compassion is a mixed passion, compounded of love and sorrow; sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress along with a desire to alleviate it without experiencing anything in return.
But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 John 3:17
God wants us to be uniquely different from the world especially in our compassion for others. Jesus lived a life of compassion for others. He not only saw the needs of others, but also responded to their needs.
True compassion comes from being fully surrendered to the Lord. Many times the trials that we endure in our lives will spiritually strengthen us. This will help to grow our faith and allow us to help others who come behind us to go through it as well.
Additional Scripture:
Matthew 15:32, Matthew 20:34, John 13:35, 1 John 3:16-17, 1 Peter 3:8, Galatians 6:10, Jude 1:22, Luke 10:33-35, John 17:20-23, Proverbs 29:11, 1 Peter 2:21, Psalm 78:38, Psalm 86:15, Luke 15:20, Psalm 145:8, Micah 7:18-19, Matthew 9:36, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12-13
Prayer: Father, Thank you for all Your provisions in our lives. Please help us to see those around us that are in need of compassion. Help us to be an example of Your compassion that will make an eternal difference in the lives of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Hymns of Praise:
- The Saviour Is Waiting
- He Careth For You
- Love Divine
- A Tender Heart
- Blest Be the Tie
Homemade Ranch Dip Mix
- 1 TBS Parsley Flakes
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Tsp Dill Weed
- 1 ¼ tsp Garlic powder
- ½ Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
Directions: Blend ingredients in blender. (I find that a coffee grinder will make granules smaller.) Store in an airtight container.
For Use: 2 TBS of mix = 1 pkg of Ranch Mix.
To use for Salad Dressing: Add following ingredients to medium bowl. 2 cups Mayo, 2 cups Buttermilk, 1 ½ cup Sour Cream, & 1 tsp Lemon Juice. Whisk ingredients together with 2 TBS dry mix. Refrigerate for two hours or overnight. Makes 1 ¼ quarts dressing.
Honesty
Honesty – free from fraud or deception. Behavior, in action and words, that aims to convey truth.
It is important to live a life characterized by honesty. When your life and words constantly demonstrate honesty and integrity, others will learn that they can depend upon you.
Honesty is not only a reflection of our inner character, but also a way to show our faith. It is not just how you speak to others but also to yourself. As we desire to draw nigh to Christ, we should want to follow Christ’s example in being honest in all things.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Additional Scripture:
Psalm 25:4-5, Psalm 51:6-7, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 33:1-5, Romans 12:17, 2 Corinthians 8:21, John 1:14, Proverbs 12:22, 1 Peter 3:10-12, Zechariah 8:16-17, Colossians 3:9-10, Proverbs 6:16-19, Proverbs 14:25, Isaiah 45:18-19, Ephesians 4:25
Prayer:
Lord, Thank you for allowing your Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Thank you for being The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6).
Please help my family and I to be careful to speak the truth. Help us to live lives of integrity and honesty that we may bring honor and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Songs of Praise:
- Jesus Loves Me
- And Can It Be That I Should Gain?
- Rejoice in the Lord
- Trust and Obey
Justice
Bible Character
Justice – the quality of being just, impartial, moral, or fair.
Justice is the personal responsibility to God’s unwavering laws. It extends to the duty of each person to regulate himself righteously in the sight of God’s law.
If we seek God for wisdom and depend on him to guide us, He will empower us to keep on the narrow path of righteousness.
Micah 6:8
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Additional Scripture:
Proverbs 2:1-6, Genesis 13:19, Proverbs 21:3, Psalm 119:11-18. Psalm 11:7, Proverbs 12:13, Proverbs 16:6, Numbers 32:33, Proverbs 4:23, Isaiah 1:17, 1 Corinthians 3:13, Proverbs 1:10, Genesis 6:9, Deuteronomy 32:4, Proverbs 9:9
Prayer:
Father, please help my family and I to know justice and love mercy. Help us to walk humbly with You & act justly in all our ways.
Songs of Praise:
- All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
- All Creatures of Our God and King
- Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
- The Power of the Cross
- Jesus is the Cornerstone
Wisdom
Biblical Character Trait:
Wisdom – ability to discern inner
qualities and relationships : INSIGHT
Wisdom is the ability to see and respond to life’s situations from God’s perspective.
Wisdom desires to obtain the knowledge of God and how to properly apply it to his daily life.
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Additional Scripture:
Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10, Deuteronomy 4:5-6, Ephesians 5:15-16, James 3:7, Proverbs 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:23-25, Proverbs 3:13, Psalm 119:97-98, Proverbsv16:16, Matthew 13:54, Colossians 1:9-10, Proverbs 8:32-35
Prayer:
Lord, I humbly come to You asking for wisdom and guidance in all In say and do. Help me as I meditate upon Your Word to learn to properly apply it’s lessons to my daily life. Help me to teach those lessons to my family that they may also desire to truly seek Your widsom for their own lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Songs of Praise:
- Be Thou My Vision
- In His Time
- I Sing the Mighty Power of God
- Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
- Search Me O God
- All I Need
