CMA Downers Grove, IL - Kingdom Warriors

05/12/2026

05/12/2026

Weekly Devotion


The Mark of a True Servant

John Ogden Sr

May 12, 2026

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet” (John 13:14, NKJV).

The society we live in tends to make us look at ourselves first. For many of us, life is a series of actions focused on taking care of number one. We see this through the media and advertisements that we are bombarded with daily. As we know, this is not what Jesus taught us to do. Matthew 20:26-28 (NKJV) paraphrased says, “Who among you wants to be great, let him be your servant.” The servanthood that counts in life is the servanthood that costs.

In Jesus’ example of washing the disciples’ feet, he took on one of the lowest tasks. I have participated in foot washings, and to say the least, it is a very humbling experience. Through this example, Jesus teaches us, in a humble and quiet manner, to serve others unselfishly. He then asked the disciples to do what He had done. What an awesome example of the Son of God humbling Himself to teach us this truth.

Serving others does not happen by accident, but is accomplished when we take on the form of Christ and become a servant to what Jesus would call us to do and to those around us. Serving others requires us to take risks. We may be misunderstood, and some may even make fun of us.

Many people want to sit in the place of honor and be praised by man. To serve Jesus is a life of servanthood. It may not be a walk of praise by man, but it is a rewarding walk. Only with this walk can we truly see the hand of God at work. Are we willing to do what Jesus asks us? Humility is the way of the cross.

“The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one” – Wilhelm Stekel.

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05/07/2026

God’s Wisdom or Man’s?

John Ogden Sr

May 7, 2026

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:13-17, NKJV).

This setting of scriptures addresses the dividing line between worldly and godly wisdom. Many times, in life, people will come to us to share their wisdom, sometimes even saying that God has given them a word. These scriptures make it very clear the difference between man’s wisdom and God’s wisdom. The characteristics of worldly wisdom are self-seeking, envy, and bitterness, and can all be summed up as selfishness. When wisdom comes from this set of characteristics, we can be sure that it is not from God. As a matter of fact, James says that this wisdom is earthly, sensual, and demonic. This would cause confusion. God’s wisdom will be peaceful, pure, gentle, willing to yield, and full of mercy and good fruit.

In any set of circumstances or decisions, when there is a lack of peace and mercy, it comes from self-centeredness. You can see this wisdom in our churches, business meetings, and chapters. The hallmark of God’s wisdom that comes from above is that it will bring and produce peace. These guidelines show the difference between man pretending to be wise and the real wisdom of God. Our wisdom must not only be a wisdom that thinks and talks well, but it must also walk well. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention are confused and bring about confusion. They do not have the peace of God; therefore, this wisdom will never bring peace. The fruits of purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy were proved to be the wisdom of God. The true mark of God’s wisdom will bring life, restoration, and peace. When seeking God’s wisdom, use these characteristics, and you will know His wisdom.

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05/04/2026

Great time visiting the bike blessing in Utica, IL. CMA Steel Witness Illinois

05/03/2026

Have a blessed Sunday!