John 2:16

March 14, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“And he told those who sold the pigeons, ‘Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.’”

Jesus gave a corrective warning to those seeking to profit from the religious activities at the temple. These were people specifically targeting worshippers. In other words, their purpose was to make money off of those who came to worship.

This story always reminds me of the souvenir vendors at the Shepherds’ Field in Bethlehem. Each morning, they start the day at the gate. As tourists enter, the vendors follow them, arms extended, displaying trinkets for sale. With each group, the vendors manage to go a little further into the property. Eventually, a nun will run them out of the gate and off the property. Then, the slow creep begins all over. Throughout the day, this routine is repeated several times.

As a business owner, this verse hits close to home. I have to guard my heart so that I don’t join a church for the financial opportunities that could come. Furthermore, I have to guard my heart so that I am not mentally angling for business while I am at church. I don’t believe this means I cannot provide my services to church members, but I need to guard my heart so that is not my motivation for being there.

I believe this warning also applies to pastors who must guard their hearts so that they are not mentally angling to make money beyond their salary from their congregants. To help avoid this potential heart conflict, some churches require their pastoral staff to sign a non-compete contract. In this age of the “side hustle,” this seems like a good idea.

Father, please help me have a pure heart focused on you when I gather with your people. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Integrity, Jesus Said, John, motivations, New Testament, pride

John 1:22-23

March 13, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“So they said to him [John the Baptist], “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

What stands out to me is John’s clarity of his calling or purpose in life. We see here and elsewhere that John was completely settled in his role as the forerunner to Jesus. He shows no jealousy that he was not the light, but called to bear witness of the light.

This reminds me of a frustration I have at weddings. Often, the groomsmen intend to prank the groom and intentionally or unintentionally draw attention to themselves. Thus, rather than honoring the bride and groom, whose day it is, the groomsmen become the focal point.

John is a great model of humility, a model I want to embrace. He knows his role and plays it well.

Father, help me to be comfortable in the roles that you place me in, regardless of the role. Help me never – even unintentionally – to take your place or anyone else’s. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, humility, John, New Testament, pride

Hosea 12:8-9

December 30, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“Ephraim has said, ‘Ah, but I am rich; I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.’ I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.” (Hosea 12:8-9)

Two things stand out to me: First, Ephraim’s pride. Ephraim is rich and believes he built it himself. Additionally, he claims sinlessness. 

How easy it is for a business owner (I’m thinking of me, specifically) to think he built it himself. After all, I got up early every day. I made the contacts. I did the teaching. I, I, I. Where is God in that calculation?

Second, God essentially said, “We’ll see about that.” God has a unique capacity to bring down the proud. In this case, will go back to tents in exile. And no doubt, some went kicking and screaming, “Why me? I didn’t do anything!” Why is my pride do heard to wrestle? This reminds me of substituting in a junior high In School Suspension recently. Out of the 12 or so kids who came through, not one of them did anything to be there. The system was simply against them. No amount of reasoning could bring them to admit any wrongdoing. 

Father, help me to crucify my flesh and my pride that I may serve you in righteousness. Amen. 

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Hosea, humility, Old Testament, pride

Daniel 11:32

December 17, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” (Daniel 11:32)

This verse seems to be describing folks in a specific situation under the influence of Antiochus Epiphanes. However, the core elements are surely applicable to me. 

There are two groups of people: those who violate the covenant (with God) and those who don’t. The former are moved by flattery, which is nothing more than insincere praise. In my mind, this person is driven – even manipulated – by pride, and thus they are seduced with flattery. 

The latter stand firm because they know their God. I surely want my pride to be in check so that I’m not tempted to evil by flattery. Humility can be a tremendous asset in these situations. I also want to know God deeply, so deeply that I stand firm in my faith when worldly offers are tossed my way. 

Father, please help me to be humble, so that I remain faithful to you rather than be drawn away by flattery. Amen.

Filed Under: Daniel, devotional thoughts, humility, Old Testament, pride

Ezekiel 31:2, 10-11, 18

November 19, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his multitude: ‘Whom are you like in your greatness?'” (Ezekiel 31:2)

“Therefore, thus says the Lord God: Because it towered high and set its top among the clouds, and its heart was proud of its height, I will give it into the hand of a mighty one of the nations. He shall surely deal with it as its wickedness deserves. I have cast it out.” (Ezekiel 31: 10-11‬)

“Whom are you thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? You shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the world below. You shall lie among the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword. “This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord.” (Ezekiel 31:18‬)

Continuing with His Word against Egypt, the Lord used the downfall of Assyria to make his point. Egypt was aware of the downfall of Assyria and the rise of Babylon because Egypt was there when it happened. In fact, Egypt was there in support of Assyria with the aspiration of becoming the dominant regional power. However, the joint Assyrian-Egyptian forces were defeated by the Babylonians at Carchemish in 605BC.

I can’t imagine the upset stomach Pharaoh experienced when Ezekiel said,

“Whom are you thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? You shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the world below. You shall lie among the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword. “This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord.” (Ezekiel 31:18‬)

Yikes! This pharaoh was fairly new to the job and was aware of his father’s defeat at Carchemish at the hands of the Babylonians. He had the opportunity to repent of the Egyptian pride upon taking charge, but he didn’t. And, Ezekiel told him this would result in the same fate as Assyria.

Pharaohs are not the only ones who struggle with pride. I also struggle with pride. So, I take this as a warning to me as well. Obviously, Ezekiel isn’t speaking specifically of me, but there is a lesson to be learned here. And why should I think God would look differently at my pride?

Father, please help me to continue growing in humility. Amen.

Filed Under: Assyria, Babylon, devotional thoughts, Egypt, Ezekiel, Old Testament, pride, Prophecy
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