Thursday, October 14, 1999

Pride vs. Humility Matt 18:10

Pride cannot positively impact the lives of the humble. Jesus tells us the kingdom of heaven is made up of children, and unless we humble ourselves to be like children we cannot be a part of that kingdom.

I cannot impact the life of a child and be proud. In order to reach a humble child, I must also become humble. Pride will never allow me to care about the children. Pride must die to lead the humble.

Teaching at their level or leading is not a matter of being cute or condescending but lowering myself to consider my spiritual needs equal with theirs. For this is right. I can only truly challenge them if I believe that which challenges them is not so far below me that I too am not challenged.

Lord teach me humility, so I may be a part of your kingdom and lead others to the humility of belonging to the king.

Saturday, October 02, 1999

Worship is all about Jesus. In worship none of the focus is on me. My reasonable act of worship – self sacrifice has been clouded by fear. Oh eyes, get off self and on your savior and joy! In him, there is total freedom from what binds. He is love and in him there is no fear. In a very real way, your victory is sure and the deed is done. Eyes, when you focus on the object of your worship, your act of worship ceases to be a chore and naturally happens.

Just as victory is in him, so is the destination. Obedience is difficult when I don’t feel led, but once again, eyes, look to Jesus. Even when you don’t see Him, he is there leading faithfully. Learn to hear, feel and taste him when you can’t see him. In absence of the step by step, trust and take one step at a time. Focus on now, on where to plant the foot, most of all focus on him, whom you worship with sensual concentration.