If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Philippians 2:1 WEBAfter two decades of data-center level computer networking experience, someone pushed me aside to show me how to re-install a simple program at church one day. I could have written the program and coded the installer. There were many thoughts that ran through my head that day, sadly not a one of them was good. To put it nicely I thought something like: 'If this idio' er' these people had any idea what I know, they would not have gotten in my way.' Eventually they got the program installed, though it pained me to watch them fumble about, when I knew exactly what needed to be done.
Later, as I was thinking this over, it made no sense for me to be bothered by this at all. Someone else stepping in to help should be appreciated, even welcomed. Now I can go sit down with my wife and enjoy the service while they fix the broken computers, but that was not what I was thinking at the time. We like to be noticed, respected, important, needed, in the spotlight. I want to talk about me, how much I know, and what I am doing. Needless to say, when the Holy Spirit revealed that part of me to myself, I had some repenting to do, and I felt like a prize idiot for thinking that way.
God wants us to be balanced. Many of you think too little of yourself, and God wants you to know that is wrong. He loves you, delights in you, and formed you in your mother's womb (Psalms 139:13). You were no accident, but carefully planned through the centuries. If a single person in your family line had died before their time, then you would not be here today. He has carefully prepared you to live in this time and He has a plan and a purpose for your life. Do not think too little of yourself, and do not waste the time that He has given you here.
I came up as white trailer trash, a despised step-child in abject poverty. In total, I had nine dads, three moms, and they had more temporary partners than I remember. By the time my parents were done, we had enough step-brothers and sisters to populate a small town. Somehow I was always the youngest one there and most referred to me as 'Robert's boy' or 'Carolyn's boy' with knowing looks. Many never bothered to learn my name before they were gone. I can tell you in intricate detail what an unwanted child feels like.
God cannot use someone that will not let Him, and I really struggled with that. I felt so 'worthless' that I would resist Him, like I could never do that. Then after I came to know the Lord better, He began to build me up, so that later He could raise me up. He does not want us to look down on ourselves or our past. It is a new day and the old has passed away. He can use me, He can use you. Eventually the Lord brought me up to balance. Then I began to like my new self a lot, and then He had to bring me back down. He is faithful to bring us discipline when needed (Hebrews 12:7).
It is so obvious looking backwards that God wanted to bring things into balance. He brings the lowly up, He brings the prideful down. At church that day He brought some more deep-rooted pride and selfish ambition to the surface. Their actions may not have been right, but I am only responsible for my actions, not theirs. Resist the temptation to always talk about yourself. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent (Proverbs 17:28). Let others push you aside and then enjoy the free time it gave you. They can work on all the computers in the world now (except mine), and I would happily let them.
Prayer: Heavenly Father please bring my life and my view of myself into proper balance. Help me be grounded and stable in You, neither too high nor too low. Give me a clear vision of what You have for me and help me live my life here to the fullest and in Your presence. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: "I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer" (Psalm 17:6) If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page:
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Amen!
Amen thank you Pastor Todd
Praise God amen
Amen Lord
Prayer: Heavenly Father please bring my life and my view of myself into proper balance. Help me be grounded and stable in You, neither too high nor too low. Give me a clear vision of what You have for me and help me live my life here to the fullest and in Your presence. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen Thank You
Amen
Amen
Thank you for sharing! May God bless you.
God,please let our lives be for your Glory.We love and worship you.You are awesome. Amen
Amen have a bless day
YES LORD, I PRAY FOR BALNCE IN MY LIFE. I WANT TO BE GROUNDED AND STABLE IN YOU, I WANT MORE OF YOU. FORGIVE ME FOR WANTING TO TALK ABOUT MYSELF, AT TIMES, TOO MUCH. KEEP MY PATH STAIGHT AND HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS YOU WANT ME TO DO WHILE I AM STILL HERE ON EARTH. HELP ME TO LOVE OTHERS MORE THAN MYSELF. THANK YOU PASTOR DION, AS ALWAYS, INSPIRING.
As I read today's devotion, I could totally relate in letting someone step in and help on my job. Because, I have been on my job close to 31 years now, my prideful self gets in the way of letting others help....sometimes even my boss and I have learned to let the prideful self go....I mean, really let go. Took a while but thank God, the Holy spirit kept at me everytime! Nature can be so primitive sonetimes.
Father, balance me and keep me humble. Amen. Thank you for sharing this Pastor Dion.
Heavenly Father, You know I'm a sinner and I need You to make a balance in my life and follow Your designs. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Thank you Pastor for this devotional, it really touched me.
Amen! Praying with you and for you, dear Pastor!!! What a testimony!!! Regardless what you faced in the past, you were always special in His eyes, because He loved you even before you were conceived, because you are foremost and most importantly our Heavenly Father's child, and He was grooming you and directing your steps because He loved and loves you so much!!! Thank you so much for all that you do!!!
Be in a healthy look at my self is balance. Go left ..go right and need God to get the balance. Self esteem is a biggy. Tomorrow I see what I call a "power figure". Knowing I have a struggle with this personalitiy because of past visit with others I become a victim. A rabbit in front of headlights. In recovery I take someone along to hope for a diifferent response. It works. I am dealing with anxiety that when I get in this particular place I go to each week I become too talkative. It is almost uncontrollable. I leave ashamed and beat me up. I believe i need social help from a professional. Prayers appreciated.
Amen Lord, bring balance to my life.
Amen!
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Todd! Heavenly Father please bring my life and my view of myself into proper balance. Help me be grounded and stable in You, neither too high nor too low. Give me a clear vision of what You have for me and help me live my life here to the fullest and in Your presence. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
This devotion literally has brought me to tears! I continuosly seem to have/hear negative thoughts about myself. I know that I have been forgiven for all my past sins, yet I still look back on my life and can't believe the decisions I made, and I feel like I have lived 10 lives in my 59 years. I am so exhausted mentally & emotionally. And so yes, my life is totally out of balance! I need Your help Heavenly Father to bring my life and emotions into balance. Amen
Prayer: Heavenly Father please bring my life and my view of myself into proper balance. Help me be grounded and stable in You, neither too high nor too low. Give me a clear vision of what You have for me and help me live my life here to the fullest and in Your presence. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen