Jesus challenged society's norms. To him, greatness comes from serving-giving of yourself to help God and others. Service keeps us aware of others' needs, and it stops us from focusing only on ourselves. Jesus came as a servant. What kind of greatness do you seek?
 
The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 23:11-12 

How do you respond to someone that is abrasive, angry, or out to steal your joy?  Somedays it’s not easy to react in a Godly manner. God’s word is clear on how we need to handle those moments.
 
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32
 
To overcome our own passions, requires more steady management, than obtaining victory over an enemy.
 
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:27
 
A wise person is cautious in what he says; he thinks before he talks and does not gab. This reveals that a person is even-tempered. Restraint in talking may even cause a fool to be considered wise.
 
 
You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect
Matthew 5:48
 
This verse rounds out today’s inspirational. Be perfect. Christ sets up the high ideal of perfect love not that we can fully attain it in this life. That, however, Respond in love in every and all situations and show mercy; we don’t know what that person is going through.
 
I believe in you
 

​God’s promises are found in a book like no other: the Holy Bible. The Bible is a roadmap for life here on earth and for life eternal.  As Christians, we are called upon to trust its promises, to follow its commandments, and to share its Good News.
 
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 
 
Heavenly Father, Your Holy Word is a light unto the world; let me study it, trust it, and share it with all who cross my path. In all that I do, help me be a worthy witness for You as I share the Good New of Your perfect Son and Your perfect Word. Amen

All creatures that have wings can escape from every snare that is set for them, if only they will fly high enough; and the soul that uses its wings can always find a sure “way to escape” from all that can hurt or trouble it.
 
They that wait upon the Lord shall … mount up with wings as eagles.
Isaiah 40:31.

​The natural temptation with every difficulty is to plan for it, to put it out of the way yourself; but stop short with all your planning, your thinking, your worry, and talk to Him! “Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you.” You may not always be able to do this in a moment or two. Then keep on with supplication until you know He has it, and prayer becomes praise. Rest, trust, and wait, and see how He does that which you wanted to do, and had so much care about. “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”
 
In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:6.
 

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
Proverbs 12:25.

We have the Lord, but He Himself has recognized that we need the love of a brother. He Himself came down and lived among us as a man to encourage others. We cannot see Him now, but blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. Be blessed my brothers, I believe in you.