Now this was John [The Baptist's] testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord’” (John 1:19, 23).
John [The Baptist] replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. He [Jesus] must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:27, 30)
Father and Lord of all, You are enthroned as the Holy One (Psalm 22:3)—heaven and earth bow down before You. "Who will not fear You, Lord, and bring glory to Your name? For You alone are holy" (Revelation 15:4).
Lord, You have designed our lives with purpose, equipping us for our roles, and giving us all we need for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). O God, give us the right perspective! Help us to remember that no matter our vocation or our calling, "it is the Lord Christ [we] are serving" (Colossians 3:24).
Guide our feet, Lord, so we do not fall into the traps of pride, selfish ambition and vain conceit (Philippians 2:3). Turn [our] hearts toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain (Psalm 119:36).
Give us the confidence to accomplish all You purpose through us, but give us the humility, the wisdom, and the clarity to understand that apart from You we can do nothing (John 15:5). Remind us of the words of the apostle Paul, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you" (Romans 12:3).
Help us to reflect the love and grace of the Lord Jesus in our relationships—at work and in all our interactions, wherever You place us. Help us to treat others with kindness, respect, dignity, and sincere love, regardless of their position. Help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19).
Teach us Lord what it means to become less, choosing instead to emphasize Your greatness. Guard us from taking credit for what is Yours, mindful of Your words, “I am the Lord; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols" (Isaiah 42:8).
Give us the attitude of John the Baptist who understood that "a person can receive only what is given them from heaven" (John 3:27). Thank You Lord, for the gifts, the talents, the resources, and the many blessings You have given us from heaven. Help us to lay them down, like John, in simple surrender to Your will and Your purpose.
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