A Humble Spirit

Good morning
The last time I wrote, the subject was pride. Tough subject for all of us.

Today I want to discuss humility. Another tough one.

Have you ever asked another person if you are humbe? Try it. Usually there will be a silence that may turn into an uncomfortable pause. The unfortunate person first wonders why you are asking. Next he starts to evaluate the consequences of his answer. If you are humble, acknowledging it may encourage pride in you. If you are proud, how does he say that to you? So basically you place him in a no win situation.

But in the anonimity of the Internet, let me ask you, "Are you humble"? What do you think? The very discussion can pervert the answer. So how do you know or find out if you are? I have never met a person that said, "Yes, I believe that I am humble". The very nature of humility denies an affirmative to the question.

Now we are encouraged by James to humble ourselves. Humility is a virture of true godliness. So in order to understand our position in this aspect we have to evaluate the questions. Not fun I know.

I believe that the core of humility is the focus and view of the life. So here are some questions, just 3 of them that will help in the quietness of your computer surfing.

• Who do I look at because who I view determines who I become? Paul in 2Co.3:18
• What is my prayer life like? James says that we are humble ourselves in the presence of God.
• What gives me more delight, the success of another or the success of myself?

An interesting thought... Humility is the foundation on which all learning and wisdom is achieved. Humble people are wise people.

grace.will

Habits - Good or Bad

In Dave Ramsey's book, Financial Peace inwhich he states that the author is unknown.

Here it is:I am your constant companion, I am your greatest helper or yourheaviest burden, I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am at your command. Half of the tasks that you do you might justas well turn over to me and I will do them quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed, you must merely be firm with me. Show meexactly how you want something done; after a few lessons I will do itautomatically. I am the servant of all great people and alas of allfailures as well. Those who are great I have made great, those whoare failures I have made failures.

I am not a machine, but I work with all the precision of a machine,plus the intelligence of a person. Now you may run me for profit oryou may run me for ruin. It makes no difference to me. Take me,train me, be firm with me, and I will lay the world at your feet. Beeasy with me and I will destroy you.

Who am I? I am called Habit.

The Pride of Life

Hello and Good Morning!

I was thinking this morning of all the mistakes and or failures I have made in my 49 years, and most of them have some element of pride. Now I know that all of us deal with this virtue-less trait in some measure. But the veracity of it prompts us to look at it often so as not to consider it a part of our lives. With pride comes deception and the problem with pride and deception is that the individual does not know he is proud or deceived. Humility is the great virtue opposite to pride and it is a strong anecdote for both. But how to humble one's self is an interesting note for a later blog.

So what is pride? Is it the guy who swaggers through the room like he is propelling the room by his pronounced abilities and gifts? Is it the guy who considers everyone else beneath him? That is what we often associate it. And in the same measure we consider humility to be one who demeans, criticizes himself, and have a poor self-image. Both of these are false definitions or views.

I would tell you that pride is both of the above. Pride is both thinking to too high and or too low of oneself. It is thinking about self that sets it into pride. Regardless of which direction the thoughts of one’s self are, high or low, it is simply thinking of oneself that radiates and trumpets pride. In the same measure, humility is not thinking about oneself (but as I said, for another blog).

Christians often are the worst offenders with this pride. Because of their responsibility to seek after a sovereign God Who allows no other opponent or equal, those who come into His presence mustfirst acknowledge the same. Pride people do not live in His presence but they are humbled by it.

But more on general things - life usually is most pregnant with the concentration on one's own personal concerns and in this is the trip. Concern and care for others truly humbles one as it demands putting another's need before ours. When I am beginning to sense the ugly head of pride, the best thing for me to do is seek out needs of others and fill them.

I remember once back in time for me that I sought to work at a great camp. I thought that giving a summer up to helping teens get a clue of life was a generous act. I wanted to be a counselor to them. When I applied, the job I received was clean-up crew. Well this was not of my liking and proceeded to walk away. But having nothing else to do... I agreed. During that summer I truly learned. I washed toilets (even those stopped up with everything imaginable) clean others sickness on the floor, submit to collecting trash in the most bizarre places. All of it made me sick, stink, and wise to my lowliness. At the end of the summer I believe that I was ready to counsel teens from a heart of humiliation. The school of care is in the classroom of pathetic poverty of soul. Life of influence is lived from the bottom up not top down.

Hmm... I remember someone saying that 2000 years ago in a place of humiliation with 12 disciples that were more concerned with greatness and honor than being with One truly great. Pride is the denial of who we truly are and the deception of what we think we are. So go serve and be saved from the devil of pride. You will bless your days and delight your soul.

Next time, one on humility. Why not send me your humble comments?

will

Six Short Helps for Young Christians

Hey again!

Here are a couple of quotations that may help in tough days and priorities reminders:

The Greek word is parakaleo, which literally means "to call alongside." It presumes that its object is under pressure (fearful, weak, overwhelmed), and it means to strengthen by giving appropriate aid. Ancient Greek authors sometimes used it to describe military reinforcement during battles. Biblical encouragement presumes that Christians live under intense pressure--not just the normal pressures of everyday life in a broken world, but also the pressures of serving Christ in a spiritually hostile environment--and therefore need to be spiritually strengthened on a regular basis.

Biblical encouragement communicates God's truth and hope in ways which personally strengthen us to go on following God's will for our lives. Jesus wants his followers to form communities that are rich in reciprocal encouragement (read 1 Thess. 5:11)--and therefore are beacons of hope to lost people.

This is one of the most powerful features of Christian community! You can master the art of encouragement and incorporate it into your everyday life. The results in your own spiritual growth and your impact on others (spouse, children, work associates, neighbors, Christian friends) are incalculable.

Brownlow North (1810-1875) Six Short Rules (Helps) for Young Christians
1. Never neglect daily private prayer; and when you pray, remember that God is present, and that He hears your prayers. (Heb. 11:6).

2. Never neglect daily private Bible reading; and when you read remember that God is speaking to you, and that you are to believe and act upon what He says. I believe all backsliding begins with the neglect of these two rules. (John 5:39).

3. Never let a day pass without trying to do something for Jesus. Every night reflect on what Jesus has done for you, and then ask yourself, "What am I doing for Him"? (Matt. 5: 13-16)

4. If you are in doubt as to a thing being right or wrong, go to your room and kneel down and ask God's blessing on it. (Col. 3:17). If you cannot do this, it is wrong. (ROM. 16:23).

5. Never take your Christianity from Christians, or argue that because such and such people do so and so, therefore, you may. (2 Cor. 10:12). You are to ask yourself, "How would Christ act in my place"? And strive to follow Him (John 10:27)

6. Never believe what you feel, if it contradicts God's Word. Ask yourself, "Can what I feel be true if God's Word is true"? And if BOTH cannot be true, believe God and make your own heart the liar. (ROM. 3:4. 1 John 5:10-11).

Now that I am completely convicted on the last quotation, rereading the first one helps. These are things that I have read and I hope you enjoy these.

grace.will

A Word for Soul Engraving

Good Day!

Pro 3:3 Let not (please do not, purpose not to, no with strong intent)steadfast love (chesed, loving loyalty, covenant faithfulness) and faithfulness (stability, truth, certainty, trust worthy, right, sure) forsake you (loosen, relinquish); bind them (tie, knit, gird, confine) around your neck (throat, rumination); write (grave [en], scribe [de, in, pre], record) them on the tablet (a polished stone, glistened metal) of your heart (mind, will, emotions, the centre of anything).

Evaluation
There is a presumption that the son already has loving loyalty (OT word: chesed) and truth and the wise father is encouraging him to not let them go as if they will leave if not gripped and attached to the life.

The word for steadfast love is a very strong and pronounced virtue that characterizes the OT concept of covenantal responsibilities. It is the center of a covenant and without it, there is no covenant.

"Faithfulness" is often the companion of "loving loyalty" and in fact is connected with it as a necessity for righteous focus or end of loyalty. One can be loyal to the wrong thing. Righteous chesed is the goal.

If not bound, these two qualities will leave and so there is a specific need to knit and or gird them as a garment to oneself for the purpose of contemplation or rumination, and polish them onto the center of the soul.

Application
I will constantly attach the virtues of loyalty to God and truth to my soul by the meditation and memorization of His character through the Word. Constant memorization and meditation will be a part of life.

In the same manner, I must seek to present the truths and the loyalty to them to my family. I will strategize and plan it. The soul that God has rebirthed contains them and I will ensure that they stay. This will mean a constant vigilance to instruct them, polishing the impressionable soul.

This cannot be done without prescribed time. Scheduled time is a necessity.
1) Tuesday night involvment and teaching of kids
2) Breakfast Biblical Information for all through story telling
3) Bible study with Maria
4) Special dates with each child to know their souls and the attachment going on.

A Choice for Life and Eternity

I read this and thought you would enjoy it.

AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND, BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING, BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.

IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE. WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK.

"A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST.." HE BEGAN. "WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE. THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED."

THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN, LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY. THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY, "GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE. HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION.

THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT. THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY THE TORRENT OF WAVES. AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!' HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND.

BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT. HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.

BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH. "THE FATHER," HE CONTINUED, "KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS.. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND."

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR US. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE." WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM.

THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL. WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE. "THAT WAS A NICE STORY," POLITELY STATED ONE OF THEM, "BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN."

"WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE," THE OLD MAN REPLIED GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS AND SAID, "IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME.

YOU SEE...I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND."

Unique Days

Good morning!
Thank you for your prayers as I traveled down to SC to visit my dad. It was a good time and one that I will remember. Martha went with me and when I asked her what was her favorite part of the travel (hoping that she would say, “Being with you dad”), she replied, “Enjoying grandpa’s funny statements”. She said that she did not know how funny grandpa was. “He is so funny”. I am so glad that she had time to spend some time with grandpa. Being with dad and Nell was a special treat for both of us. Thanks again.

Each day is unique. Though there is likeness, there is never exactness. So, God gives what is equal to the unique need. Yes, God’s grace is abundantly greater than our sin but is not greater than our present need for enablement. This is why we call it “sufficient grace”. It is sufficient, not greater nor less, for the present battle or task into which God presses us. He knows our way and He knows our deficiency and so provides the stewardship amount. Too often we wait for more grace while stopped in the way when it is in the present element of the Christian walk that grace is shared and infused. We must move, fight, believe, and press to the mark for each day and in so doing we will find the sufficient grace filling our way and blessing our weakening leanness with humility so as to crown with grace. And often this grace comes at the final moment of exhaustion when the strength is gone and defeat is sure, when discouragement has ripped our faith-confidence and initial valor. We begin to give up to the defeat in evitable humanness. And at this exact, undeniable, and immediate failure, the smile of brightness relinquishing its hidden restraint touches our weak endeavor with reminders of promise and presence. We then trust by the stretching. We breathe by the pressing. We shake our head wondering at the exact timing and supplying grace. This is the way of grace. Demanding faith, weakness, and humility it laughs at our repetive ignorance. Thank you God for sufficient grace but could you bring it a bit sooner? There is silence and I have the answer.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” but all in good time.

grace.will