What Is Humility? - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) July 22, 2025

The term humility has such a negative connotation. However, it simply means to walk in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 22:4). It therefore means to do things and make choices with the knowledge that God is watching and will judge all things.

Sadly, the humble are seen as weak and are subject to attack and humiliation at the hands of the wicked who see them as easy targets. Yet, the Bible makes it clear that the humble will reap riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4).

Therefore, choosing to be humble in the face of adversity remains the wise option because the reward comes from God and goes beyond this human realm. The life Proverbs 22:4 speaks of goes beyond having a long life on earth. It speaks to life in eternity as opposed to eternal death in hell.

When we understand that humility is the fear of the Lord, not the fear of men, and that its rewards extend beyond human existence to the eternal variety, the choice to be humble suddenly looks different.

​We realize it's not just about being a 'simp' as some would characterize it. Instead, we see that our humility is a choice to please and not offend God. Just as Joseph opted not to know Potiphar's wife's nakedness. He could have slept with that woman, and no one would have known. He likely would have benefited from the interaction in the short term.

Instead, he was more concerned about what God would think of such a decision (Genesis 39:9). He knew that God sees all things and nothing can be hidden from Him. And so he decided to forgo the short-term carnal benefits, keeping his long-term interests in mind.

And we are all aware of the result. Although he ended up falsely accused of rape and in prison, Joseph was rewarded by God with riches and honor when he became Pharaoh's representative. He was known to be equal to Egypt's ruler with complete control over that nation and all its wealth.

The rewards didn't end there, because he received a long lifespan from the Lord (Genesis 50:22-23). And he went on to live in heavenly glory. These are but some of the rewards for those who would walk humbly as God requires in Micah 6:8.

Would you choose humility for God's sake? Would you choose humility like Jesus, Joseph, and many other great men and women of God have? The choice is yours, as are the rewards if you follow God's way.

To learn more, please read:

1. Can You Give Up Your Rights?

2. Lose To Win

3. God will Defend You

4. Don't Be Wicked

5. Topic: Fear of the Lord

6. Whose Slave Will You be?

7. Do God's Will

8. The Weaning in the Wilderness

9. Obedience Is Wise

10. Predestined To Win

11. Topic: Please the Lord

12. Topic: Suffering

Stop Cussing - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) July 18, 2025

A lot of us are familiar with foul language. We hear it from our neighbors, our coworkers, and the media we consume is full of it. Foul language has become so mainstream that we sometimes struggle to distinguish it from other types of verbal communication.

While cussing and the use of coarse, foul, and obscene words have become commonplace nowadays, God's take on it is very different from ours. The Bible repeatedly warns believers to be cautious about what they say and how they express themselves.

In the past, I would have defined foul language as the words and expressions that a person would not use in front of their parents or their pastors. However, the word has changed so much that the average parent and, dare I say, pastor now expresses themselves with coarse language. And since we no longer censor most foul words, I also can't say that foul language refers to the words that get bleeped out of songs and shows.

Nevertheless, permit me to say that cussing/foul language refers to coarse and obscene words and concepts that would be unacceptable in polite or formal speech. Think about the words you'd avoid if you were speaking to royalty. Those words that you apologize for when they slip past your lips during a discussion with someone you know who doesn't talk that way.

God's take is found in Colossians 3:8 - But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Then we are told in Ephesians 5:4 - Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

God takes what He says seriously. This is why an angel told Mary that no word from God will ever fail (Luke 1:37). Is it possible that, having been made in His image, He takes the words we speak very seriously as well? Indeed, it is. This is why He warns in Proverbs 18:21 - The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences (NLT). He also says in Proverbs 21:23 - Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble (NLT). An unguarded tongue that is allowed to say whatever it likes will corrupt the whole body and send the person to hell (James 3:6).

It is only the wicked who use perverse, coarse, ungodly language, according to Proverbs 10:32. Why would we, the people who claim to believe in Jesus and what He taught, then choose to be like the wicked in the way that we speak? Shouldn't we desire to obey our Savior's instructions as well as those of His Father so we can be counted among the righteous?

Let us be more mindful of how we express ourselves, avoiding foul language, coarse terms, and obscene expressions when we speak. This also applies to written communications. A lot of us ignore the actual meaning of some of the abbreviated terms we use when chatting online or on our phones. Take a second look at that acronym you typed. What does each letter stand for? Now, ask yourself if that is how God wants you to express yourself?

The Lord will help us all as we learn how to speak worthy and not worthless words, and not to express lewd and obscene concepts when we communicate. May He help us avoid the places, people, and media that normalize such speech. May He help us to guard our hearts, for that is where our speech originates from, IJMN Amen.

To learn more, please read:

1. Empty Word

2. Careful what you say

3. Idle Words Block Blessings

4. Careful what you say about yourself

Unserious Christians - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) July 15, 2025

Take a look at this man. What do you think He's doing?

For those who don't know, let me explain. That man is calling on the gods he believes in to do... something. He's at a soccer game at the 2024 African Cup of Nations, to be specific. He might be praying for his favorite team to win or for the opposing team to lose. He could also want a particular player to perform well or another to perform poorly. He might also be doing all of these at once.

Look at the concentration on his face. Does he look like he's fooling around? He likely made certain sacrifices before coming to the game. He might have killed some animals, slept in a graveyard, or done something even more heinous, as commanded by the gods he believes in. I'm almost certain that man did everything he was required to do before coming to the stadium for the match. And as you can see, the requirements weren't over. Here he is, in public, waving the tools of his 'faith' because he is committed to his cause and willing to do what it takes to have what he wants.​

Dear believer, when was the last time you showed such dedication and zeal for the things of God? I'm not talking about going to a Christian music concert. Nor am I talking about going to a Bible convention. I'm not even referring to going to church and giving tithes and offerings. When last did you zone in on the Lord and what He desires for you to do?

We've previously learned that we need to give God what He wants to get what we want. Are you taking this seriously? Are you making time to fast and pray? Are you being intentional in giving God your praise and thanksgiving? Do you fellowship with the brethren? Are you making choices and acting in a way that reflects your role as an ambassador of God's kingdom? Are you studying your Bible consistently? How about intercession? When last did you make an effort to help the needy in your community? When was the last time you genuinely encouraged others and shared God's word with them?​

As believers, we can't afford to be lax in our dealings with the King of kings. We can't ignore that there is a protocol for entering His presence. Psalm 100:4 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. We can't ignore what He's told us to do and live as we want, unrestrained by His expectations. Everywhere we look, the followers of satan actively serve their false god. Look around you, and you will see they are no longer covert. They boldly assert themselves and their evil deeds. Meanwhile, those who claim to be God's children cower, afraid to mention 'Jesus' because they worry they'll offend somebody.

We wouldn't be worried if we were faithful in the secret place. If we were regularly doing the things mentioned above, then we'd hear from the Lord as to where to go and what to do to have an impact for the Kingdom of Heaven. And God Himself would back us up each time. Instead, the thought of fasting, praise and worship (that focuses on God and not how we feel), and tarrying in prayer frightens and frustrates many Christians. Far too few believers know how to apply Kingdom Keys and end up being powerless against a real and present enemy. The man above likely spent time doing what was necessary to honor the god(s) he serves, which is why he could attend that game and practice his beliefs in plain view. I assure you, nobody stopped him, and people were likely too scared to interfere.

This message is as much for me, the writer, as it is for you, the reader. We all think we're doing enough, but there is room to improve. God deserves more of our time, and we have it to give. Think about how much time we spend doing the things we enjoy. If we cut a few minutes from that and dedicate them to the Lord, we'd all spiritually bulk up and be more effective for God's purposes. And we would come to enjoy it. May He help us to get better at using more of our time for Him and doing what was necessary to honor the god(s) he serves, which is why he could attend that game and practice his beliefs in plain view. I assure you, nobody stopped him.

This message is as much for me, the writer, as it is for you, the reader. We all think we're doing enough, but there is room to improve. God deserves more of our time, and we have it to give. Think about how much time we spend doing the things we enjoy. If we cut a few minutes from that and dedicate them to the Lord, we'd all spiritually bulk up and be more effective for God's purposes. And we would come to enjoy it. May He help us to get better at using more of our time for Him and doing what pleases Him with zeal so we will not be unserious Christians, IJMN, Amen.

To learn more, please read:

1. Responding To Scoffers

2. The Currency of Faith

3. Blindspots

4. Desire God's More

5. How To Approach God

6. True Beauty