February 24, 2023
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. (James 4:10) ESV
Contrary to what popular culture would have us believe, we don’t have to climb over other people to get to the top. We may have heard it said, “Each man for himself and God for us all”? This is not what the Bible teaches, nor how Jesus lived when He walked on the earth. Jesus’ way is to humble ourselves before God, and He will raise us. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, He will give us the place or position we need to fulfill His Purpose (or Will) for our lives.
During a Youth Retreat a while back, I recall one of the Youth Pastors giving his testimony when he was ordained as Youth Pastor in his church; this was his testimony as I remember it: On the day of my ordination, it was a solemn service. During the ordination Service as Youth Pastor, the Pastors, Elders, and church members all laid hands on me and prayed for me. After the Service, I withdrew to meet with the Lord in my quiet place. There, I made my personal, private covenant with God, and the Holy Spirit ordained me. I recalled as I did this that I was taken into a deeper place than any man could ever have led me. The Youth Pastor went on to say that he went before God in prayer to make his commitment to serve. He mentioned this was his prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I have heard Your voice, and I am afraid. You have called me to an incredible task to minister to Your children. Father, You stooped down to honor me, Your servant, and I humbly bow before You today. It is my honor to serve You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Friends, if we want to be used by the Lord, we must humble ourselves before God. We must submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to fill us. He is the One Who will ultimately ordain us with the power to do the Will of Him who called us. Because at the end of the day, Friends, it is between God and us. Would you join me in Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You in prayer and humility. You know all my sins, but Your Grace reminds me there is hope in Christ Jesus. Your unconditional Love leads me to repentance, and I am grateful to encounter the life of eternity in Christ. May I continue to grow deeper in love with You day by day? In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Encouraging Words: Humility recognizes the great truth that everything is from God.
God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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