GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
HYMN 16: LET US WITH A GLADSOME MIND.
Let us, with a gladsome mind,
Praise the Lord, for he is kind:
For his mercies aye endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.
Let us blaze his Name abroad,
For of gods he is the God:
For his mercies aye endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.
He with all commanding might
Filled the new-made world with light:
For his mercies aye endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.
He the gold-tressèd sun
Caused all day his course to run:
For his mercies aye endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.
The horned moon to shine by night,
Mid her spangled sisters bright:
For his mercies aye endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.
All things living he doth feed,
His full hand supplies their need:
For his mercies aye endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.
Let us, with a gladsome mind,
Praise the Lord, for he is kind:
For his mercies aye endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.
MEMORISE:
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:6
READ: Luke 18:10-14
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
MESSAGE:
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17
One of the fastest ways to commit spiritual suicide is to believe that you are a giant in the Christian faith- Believe me, there is no giant in Christianity. Man’s righteousness is like filthy rag before the Most Holy One. Many years ago, during a meditation session at a conference, I fell into a trance in which I found myself among angels. They were all so pure that you could practically see through them; then I looked at myself and I was disgustingly filthy. This was surprising then because I was already a holiness preacher. If anyone had told me I was that dirty, I would have argued with them, but I could see it for myself.
Everyone may see you like a spiritual giant, but don’t be fooled; to God, you are still a baby. Never come before Him stating all your credentials- “I pay my tithe, I preach the gospel, I forgive my neighbor….so Lord, You have to hear me.” That is spiritual pride and God resist the proud (1 Peter 5:5). If anyone owes the other anything, you are the one that owes Him. Tell Him “Lord, please have mercy on me in this area where I need Your intervention. Remember my dedication to Your kingdom and please have mercy on me.” When you pray thus, He responds quickly.
David was a man after God’s heart because he always came humbly before Him. Despite His achievements and feats for God, he never boasted in His presence. He always came seeking mercy. That is the kind of man that God can call “A man after my heart.” You may have done many great and mighty things for God; remember Moses. Even after all he had done for God, he still did not get to the promised land. It is only those who remain babies in the hands of God who can reach the promised land of Heaven. In Matthew 5:3, Jesus said:
“ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Are you humble or proud in the spirit?
PRAYER POINT:
Father, help me to remain humble, in the mighty name of Jesus.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Amos 6-9.
