Recent Blog Entries
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A Shoestring and a Prayer from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. Elijah was a prophet of the Lord who lived during a troubled time in Israel. King Ahab was evil, and his wife Jezebel was a baal-worshipper who set out to kill all the Lord's prophets and promote pagan worship throughout their ki... -
This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they ...
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There was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short. He ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place...
An Inverted Kingdom
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But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11 WEB
We cannot impress God with the things that we have accomplished, for it is by His grace and mercy that we are breathing at all. He is not impressed with how many people you led to the Lord, for He drew them first. He is not impressed with how many people attend your church, for He placed them there. He is not impressed with your giving, for all that you have came from Him. He entrusted you with the gifts and talents you have to see what you would do with them, much like the parable of the talents, so don't become too impressed with yourself and your accomplishments.
The way to greatness in God's eyes is by humbling yourself. Jesus said, 'The least of you will be the greatest' (Luke 9:48). C.S. Lewis said it well with: 'Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.' The Bible is full of promises that are reserved for the humble of heart. For those who put others needs before their own. Here are just a few:
Luke 14:11'For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.'
1 Peter 5:1 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time'
James 4:10 'Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.'
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, when they would not wash His. Though He was the greatest, He acted as the lowest, and He put their needs above His own. We each have our assigned part and the kingdom of God works upside down from the kingdom of man. It is an inverted kingdom. You may impress God with your humility, obedience, and love, but not with your accomplishments, position, or status.
When you manage to let it go, He will give you back better. When you humble yourself and submit your life to God, then He will raise you up. When you give to Him, He will multiply it and give it back to you. When you take care of others, then He will take care of you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You for waking me up today. Please help me see the pride in my life, and give me the grace to humble myself before You. Lead me by Your Spirit and help me make the right decisions today, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Note: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network> You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
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Amen Father
Amen. Thank you Lord.
Amen
Amen!!
Jesus,please fill us with your Holy Spirit and our lives be for your glory. Amen
Amen
In Jesus name Amen.
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Thank you Pastor, Amen
Your will be done, Amen!
Amen
Perfect timing for this message, Pastor Dion! The closer we get to grading and the end of classes, stress is wearing. Lead me by Your Spirit, Lord, guard my words and help me make the right decisions today. In the name of Jesus, Amen
I thank You Heavenly Father for this new day that You graciously placed in front of us, to humble ourselves and do what You designed us to do. Your will be done, in the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen. Praise the Lord.
Pastor and Sylvia, we are grateful to see your devotionals every morning. God bless you both.
Amen! What a powerful message! Why is it so hard at times to humble ourselves, when our Lord God, the Word that spoke everything into existence, who became flesh and came in humility as a servant, who suffered and died for all of us so that we can live with Him forever??? O Lord, by Thy spirit please help me to be humble, in the name of Jesus, Amen!
Amen!