Holy Bible Online Daily Devotional
A daily devotional to strengthen your relationship with God.
Today's Devotional
An antidote to vanity
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves
- Philippians 2:3
If there is something that can distance us from God, it is vanity. Vanity, or arrogance, is a dangerous trap of Satan. If we feed this feeling, our fall is certain. The devil himself fell because of his ambition, believing he was greater than God, which led to his expulsion and condemnation. It is impossible to remain in the presence of God while being filled with selfishness and vanity.
Recognizing this condition is very important so that vanity does not turn into arrogance, which brings even greater consequences to our lives. No one can live peacefully for long with an arrogant person. Those who live an ambitious life full of vanity often end up alone. Until the scales fall from our eyes, and only the Holy Spirit can make this happen, we may walk a lonely path toward destruction.
In this verse to the Philippians, Paul teaches us a principle that helps us fight vanity: to consider others more important than ourselves. When we think we are greater than someone else, we deceive ourselves and eventually fall into the trap of vanity. Submitting to God and valuing others above ourselves draws us closer to the Lord and allows us to become a channel of His love to others.
Jesus is the greatest example of humility and submission to God. Even though He is the Son of God, He came to serve and not to be served. Christ never humiliated anyone to gain recognition. Everyone wanted to be near Him because His presence was pleasant and kind. Jesus attracted crowds then and still attracts people today through those who live by His teachings. Humility is the key to a broken and contrite heart and a life founded on the love of God.
Feeding Humility Instead of Vanity
- Learn more about Jesus through His teachings. He is the greatest example of humility we can follow.
- When we choose to be kind to others, we create a peaceful environment. Even in moments of conflict, a humble attitude helps ease tension.
- If someone treats you with arrogance, avoid responding in the same way. Your good example may lead that person to repentance.
- Instead of showing off your own qualities, take time to value the qualities of others. Jesus always saw worth in those whom people overlooked.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am nothing before Your power. I was saved by Your grace and not by my deeds. Help me to be a good servant. I want to learn more from You, and my heart is open. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Yesterday's Devotional
God, forgive me
You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Psalm 86:5
Our God is good all the time. He is perfect and knows our limitations. Knowing our imperfections - and that we wouldn't be able to save ourselves - He sent His Son Jesus, who justified our Salvation.
Confessing our sins to God is part of our transformation in Christ. More than knowing that God is forgiving, it is truly seeking his forgiveness. The power of forgiveness eases the burden on our souls and gives us the possibility of continuing in faith. When we don't seek God's forgiveness, we carry the weight of guilt and this burden keeps us from the Lord's path.
Only God can hear us, only he can forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). He is merciful and forgiving. Seek to be reconciled with God, seek his presence. Ask forgiveness for your sins, and press on towards the goal which is Christ! Don't delay in returning to the Lord's arms.
Seeking God's forgiveness:
- God is ready to listen to us. Seek his presence in prayer and confess your sins to him.
- If we have sinned against our brothers and sisters, we must be reconciled with them. Ask for forgiveness.
- Create a forgiving heart, forgive. If we don't forgive our brothers, why should we be forgiven?
Pray:
Lord, you are kind and forgiving. Forgive my sins and weaknesses. I want to learn more from you. I don't want to stand around with my hands tied by sin, set me free! Your grace has saved me and I want to walk Your path of light again. Amen!
Day Before Yesterday's Devotional
Service and Gratitude
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.1 Chronicles 29:13
This excerpt from David's song was the fruit of a great offering that the king made with the participation of all the people of Israel in the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. For God's work to be carried out, a great deal of involvement and effort was required. In the face of all that David rejoiced and praised God. When we serve the Lord, no effort is in vain!
Helping in God's work is like planting a seed in good soil. Every time you have the opportunity to serve God, don't just do it, do it with a grateful heart and you'll see how much God will do in your life by putting yourself at His disposal. God is a blesser and loves those who take pleasure in serving him.
Serve the Lord with joy:
- Try to integrate with the brothers and sisters of the church you attend. Make yourself available. By making contact, you will get to know more brothers and sisters and be more involved in God's work.
- When you serve in God's house, even in small tasks, keep in mind that every service is an offering of worship. At the end, prayerfully give your service to the Lord.
Pray:
Lord God, I want to thank you and praise you for all the things you have done in my life. Revive my heart so that I feel more and more pleasure in serving you. I want to serve as Jesus served! I want to rejoice more and more in your house! In Jesus' name, amen!
What is the Daily Devotional
The Daily Devotional is a special moment of your day that you dedicate to having a precious time of intimacy with God. It is very simple to establish an exciting routine of discovery and spiritual growth. You will achieve this by setting aside a moment each day to draw near to the Lord. During the Devotional, you will read a Bible verse with a meditation on the text. Then, you will meditate on the teachings and how to apply them in your life. In the end, you can pray.
How to do your Daily Devotional
Here are some tips for making the most of reading the Bible message during the Daily Devotional:
- Set aside a moment and choose a specific place: your devotional time will be more beneficial if you set aside the hustle and bustle and invest in a pleasant time alone with God.
- Read the verse or Bible passage attentively: develop a lifestyle committed to the Word of God every day and avoid distractions.
- Read the daily meditation: reflect and try to understand God's purpose for your life through the comments.
- Practical application: jot down your findings and don't forget to put into practice everything you have learned through the Bible.
- Share what you learned: try to share with people around what God has been teaching you in your moments of daily devotion as you go about your daily conversations and interactions.
Don't forget the importance of living a life fully committed to the Word of God!