Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48 NLT) Greatness isn't measured in what we accomplish or how highly we think about ourselves, is it? We can portray the most 'important' or 'regal' of images, but deep down inside, we can be a messed-up ball of worry, mistrust, and pride. As we have heard, "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) We can say all the right things, but are we doing them from a genuine and humble heart? The humble see themselves as they really are and in what God can do through them when they are genuine in their faith. What am I? A sinner, incapable of living as I should apart from the grace of God active and living in my heart. Who are you? Truth be told, I cannot make that judgment - that is between you and God! I can see ...
While badgers are animals without many defenses, they are wise enough to make their homes in the rocky cliffs... (Proverbs 30:26 VOICE) Making one's homes in the rocky cliffs might not seem very 'safe' from our perspective, when one wants a 'defense' against predators, it might just make a whole lot of sense to be in a place not easily reached! Some of us could take a lesson from the 'badger' - especially when it comes to finding the right 'defensive line'. The ants lay up for the lean season, the locusts know they need each other and move in mass, and the lizard can go places others cannot. All four of these creatures are considered wise, giving us a lesson to learn from each of their 'traits'. The badger knows he needs a good defense against attack, as do each of us! The 'badgers' referenced in this passage were merely rabbit-sized mammal of the region that had very little in the way of its own defenses. They lack physical streng...