Pastor Stephen Dedman

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭

Meekness is not defined as being weak or timid. Meekness is actually strength under control.  It takes a strong and patient person to remain meek and gentle.

Moses was considered as one of the meekest according to Numbers 12:3, “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.” (Numbers‬ ‭12:3‬)  Moses had strength and self-control.

Meekness is demonstrated through humility, patience and discipline. Sometimes when we are not under the control of the Holy Spirit we may say or do something that later we regret. Meekness is a characteristic of God that needs to be learned and practiced in every Believer.

Jesus was meek and gentle.  Jesus says in Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  We can learn from Jesus as He was the perfect example of meekness for all to see.

We can learn to be meek by recognizing our sinfulness, submitting to Jesus, and saturating our minds in the Word of God. Only when we become more like Jesus can we be meek and gentle. It takes a lot of work but you can do it.

Pray

Lord, I love You and trust You to instruct me in all my ways. Strengthen me to be meek and gentle yet bold and courageous. Help me to be like You.

Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:5

The night before Jesus was crucified He washed the disciples’ feet to teach humility and service toward others. It was an act that was bizarre to those who were washed.

Peter was uncomfortable with the fact that Jesus was washing his feet but allowed Jesus to do so.

Jesus wanted to set forth an example of how important it is for leaders to be humble servants. It’s a valuable lesson for everyone to learn. We must always be ready to serve others before ourselves.

Something interesting occurs here in this humbling event. Among the men present to have their feet washed was Judas. Judas is the one who betrayed Jesus just minutes after having his feet washed.

Understand what took place. Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him. And He still washed his feet. Jesus humbled Himself to His betrayer.

Be honest. Would you wash the feet of someone you love? You would definitely try. Would you wash the feet of someone who stabbed you in the back? Probably not.

It’s easy to humble yourself before those you love. But to humble yourself and serve your enemy, that’s bizarre! This proves the love of Jesus even more.

While Jesus was dying on the cross He said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Jesus was speaking in regard to those who nailed Him to the cross, which is you and me. We must serve even those who are considered to be our enemies.

Look for an opportunity to serve someone today even if they are on bad list. Show the love of Christ in a radical way.

Pray

Lord, thank You for dying for my sins and setting me free from my sins. Help me to be aware of my sins. Let me be a servant of You and show the humbleness of who You are.

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:14‬ ‭

The devil’s objective is to distract you and get you off course. When you are in the perfect will of God, there are blessings of great joy and peace.  So when you get off course your life is not full of joy and peace.

We must realize that the devil desires to see you suffer but God desires to see you prosper. In order to stay focused and to stay on track you must keep your guard up. You must be aware of the schemes of the devil and know that he is spiritually attacking you.

With the strength of God you can stay on track and in God’s will. The Apostle Paul knew the reality of the struggle and said, “I keep pressing on!”  That is what we should do.

Keep pressing on toward the goal of the prize. The  ultimate prize is to be in the presence of God.  When we are in God’s will we are fully in His presence.

What are some of the things that distract you from doing what God has called you to do?  Can you make any changes?  Sometimes we just need a good reminder and spiritual check-up to get things right again.

Hopefully you are right where you need to be and doing exactly what God has called you to do. Praise God if you are pressing on. Never lose hope and always remember that many people before you have been right where you are and have come out on the bright side.

Pray

Lord, keep me in your will.  Your will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven. Give me courage and strength to press on.