DECEMBER 29, Matthew 23:12, Judges 8:22-23 

The children of Israel were incredibly happy! No more enemies to bully them and to make their lives miserable. Gideon had shown his courage and ability. They said Gideon had saved them from the Midianites. So they asked Gideon and his sons after him to rule over them. But Gideon refused, saying “ The LORD shall rule over you.” This showed Gideon’s loyalty to God and his humility.

Although the position of a ruler was given to him and his descendants, he declined. He did not demand kingship and even when offered, he rejected it. Why? Because he knew that behind it all, it was God who had blessed the people and he was but a channel.

Real Christians are humble. Why? Because they know that God is in full control and is the power behind whatever they do. Have you been humble like Gideon? Has anyone said you’re a humble child?

If you did well in school and someone praised you, how would you react? Sow humility and reap wonderful benefits. We will grow in knowledge. In humility, we will come to know that we can do nothing on our own. We will grow in grace. With humility; we will grow in love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, faith, goodness, meekness and self control. Without humility, God will not call us to work with Him. Only the humble can serve God.

Read the following verses and fill in the blanks:

Mathew 23:12
...and he that shall __________ himself shall be __________ .

James 4:6
...God resisted the __________ , but giveth grace to the _________ .

James 4:10
__________ yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall __________ you up.

Thought: God calls only the humble to His service.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I always be humble and know that it is only by Your grace and mercy that I am what I am. Help me to continue to put my trust in You. For this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.