Sundays at 10am

Today's sermon was about humility. An elusive quality or characteristic or value indeed. But one to be valued above all others, in my view anyway. Why? I believe that when you are in a mostly constant state of humility (I say mostly, because who among us is perfect), then you are as close to "free" as you can get in this earthly life. I have a great desire to be free.

There are seven ways for me to humble myself:

I will choose to serve others.
I think that even when I do this, I need to choose to serve others HAPPILY.

I will take wrong patiently.
I really do need work in this area. I lack patience.

I will receive gifts, correction, and praise from others graciously.
Viewing these things as from God and for God is the best way to go.

I will purpose to speak well of others.
If I can't say something good about someone, I won't say anything.

I will associate with people who are not like me.
I need to find an avenue to do this.

I will cast my cares and confess my sin to God.
It is embarrassing to say that I have not been good about this. I find that living in a house
with people all around is very restrictive to my prayer life. I like to pray aloud and it is hard
in this world to find a place to be ALONE and private with the Lord. Even working at a
church, it is just hard to find that space where you KNOW you won't be interrupted. I do
what I can in my head, but it is not the same as conversing with God aloud -- for me anyway.
There is nothing like having a conversation with God out loud.

I will cultivate a grateful heart.
It amazes me when I am not grateful. I mean really grateful, not just "Oh thank you Lord"
during worship. I mean really grateful. Not just "Oh Lord, I am so thankful to have fresh
water, food, etc." These are all great, but I mean really grateful. When was the last time
someone chose to die for me? Despite my problems, issues, faults, and sins. It amazes me
how I allow other "stuff" to override this gift so very often. I want a grateful heart.

Thanks to Pastor Bob for a great sermon at Central. One of many.

"Lord, I pray to you tonight to work on my heart this week. I pray that I have a happier heart towards serving others, and that that is evidenced by less "wittiness" or sarcasm that isn't always funny or appropriate. I pray that my desire is evidenced by a greater willingness to sacrifice my own objectives for the greater objectives around me. Please, Lord, help me take whatever wrongs (or perceived wrongs) come my way and look to you before responding or reacting. I pray that I am able to receive whatever comes my way, corrections or praise, with the graciousness that only you can provide. I pray that my tongue be guarded this week, but even more importantly, that I consider you and your example before using it at all. I pray for your insight and wisdom into associating with people not like me. I pray to be reminded often of how grateful I should be. And, Lord, help me find a place to be with you alone -- I miss our conversations."