contentment

Humble and Content - Psalm 131

10:00 AM


Psalm 131, Hebrews 5:7-10, Revelation 21:1-4 

Psalm 131 is a little Psalm that packs a big punch. For in its few lines lies the secret to happiness, success and victory. A victory that I myself so desperately yearn for. Because like David, I too want to have a humble heart before the Lord. I too want to be content, happy, and thankful in all things, placing my complete trust in Him alone. For as Charles Spurgeon says, “It's not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.” 


God loves humility because it is a fundamental quality that reflects His own character. Humility is the opposite of pride, which is often the root of many sins and causes us to rely on ourselves rather than on God. Humility is also a key element of our relationship with the Lord. Because it’s only when we acknowledge our own weakness and limitations can we can truly trust in and rely completely on Him for strength and guidance. 


Walking hand in hand with humility is contentment. I love the picture David paints comparing Himself to a weaned child. Once demanding and constantly seeking nourishment from His mother, David learned to be calm and quiet in God's presence. To rest in the peace of knowing God will meet our every need. Contentment is a powerful state of mind. Because it allows us to appreciate and enjoy what God has blessed us with in life, rather than constantly striving for more. It keeps us grounded, focused, happy, and fulfilled.


David’s message of humility and contentment is a big contradiction to a world that says more is better, and to value ourselves above all others. But as Christians we don’t live like the world. We live like our Lord. And no one exampled humility greater than Jesus. For as it says in Philippians 2:8, "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" If our Lord could let go of any pride, be content in all things, and trust God completely, so can we.


Pause and Reflect -

What does it mean to be humble before God, and why is it important? How can we cultivate a spirit of humility in our own lives, and what benefits can we expect to see as a result?


Let’s Pray Together,

Our dearest Father in heaven above, Creator of all things, hallowed be Thy name. Father we ask that You help us to cultivate a spirit of humility in our hearts, so that we may truly rely on You for guidance and strength. Help us to quiet our minds and hearts before You, so that we may find contentment and peace in Your presence. Father may we let go of our pride and concerns about things beyond our understanding, and instead trust in You to provide for our needs. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, and may we be a shining example of Your goodness to those around us. Father we thank You for the gift of Your Word, and for the wisdom and guidance it provides. May we continue to learn and grow in our relationship with You each day, and may we always seek to honor and glorify You in all that we do. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.


Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!


I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.


💖 Lisa


Becky Aust

A Servant’s Heart

3:00 PM

                      


Our Reading: Psalm 123 and Isaiah 2:2-5, Jeremiah 29:7


The famous conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein was once asked what the hardest instrument to play is, and he replied “second fiddle.” The pride of man wants to be recognized and to be in the highest position of honor and esteem. But, God has a different standard. He calls us to play second fiddle and to have a servant’s heart. There may be differing opinions within the Christian faith about beliefs but the one thing that should never be disagreed about is that we must give God the spotlight and recognize that we are to serve Him. That is how the author of this Psalm reminds us to seek God, as an humble servant seeks audience with His Lord.


“To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us.” Psalm‬ ‭123‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭


For most of us, the life of a slave or indentured servant is something we can only read about or hear stories about. It is hard to fathom being 100% under the direction and dependence of a master for every morsel of food, scrap of clothing, or condition of shelter. It is hard to imagine where one has no personal or leisure time unless granted, and no personal items or sense of freedom to roam or travel at will. When Jesus addressed this system which was prevalent in that day, he reminded both free and those in bondage that ultimately God was the master of all and what was done should be done as unto Him. I couldn’t help but think about this in terms of being employed or in terms of responsibilities to our families and fellow believers.

“Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬-‭9‬ ‭


Thankfully, in most of the world, the system of slavery has been abolished, but we are voluntarily called to be servants for God.  God’s system is opposite to the world’s system. It is not the elite or powerful or most accomplished or privileged who will be given the highest merit in God’s eyes, but the ones who genuinely and humbly take the second fiddle seat and play their lesser esteemed part to benefit others.  Jesus taught this important spiritual mindset to his disciples. ‭

“And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”  ‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭35‬ ‭


Jesus not only taught by words but most importantly, by example.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."” Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭45‬ ‭


“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭8


Every situation we find ourselves in is an opportunity to be dependent upon God’s mercy and to serve Him with a humble heart. It may not be the circumstance that we like, and we may have to yield our freedoms to others, but we can do so if it is what God asks of us. We may have to give up the spotlight and do without the applause of man. We may have to do thankless and difficult tasks but we can do so to honor Him. We can learn to play second fiddle and play that part with all of our dedication, joy and passion, seeking blessing and mercy from the One who is, after all, Lord of Lords. And one day, He shall indeed reward the efforts of all hearts that yield to Him.

“Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”‭‭ 1John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭


Reflection:

  1. When called to do seemingly thankless tasks, what is your attitude and perspective? Do you think about who you are truly serving?
  2. Do you find yourself striving for the spotlight and the prized first seat or can you find purpose and fulfillment in playing second fiddle?
  3. Do you have a servant’s heart when you seek God or do you focus on your own wants and desires?


Prayer: Father, we come to You as a servant before our gracious and honored Lord! We want to be humble and obedient to seek Your counsel and guidance and to accept the tasks that You would have us to do. May all that we do be done in a manner that reflects hearts yielded to You. Thank You for Your mercies, Your patience, Your abounding blessings! 

Becky Austin

When Jesus Gives Food for Thought (Luke 14)

12:30 PM




I find it interesting that Jesus, who was considered a threat to the Pharisees is invited to dine among them. Jesus, knowing the intent of their hearts, knew that He was being watched (v1). He takes this opportunity to use common, everyday custom and occurrences to provide some spiritual “food for thought.” If we take the time to sit with Jesus and listen to His Words, we too will be given instruction and insight meant to penetrate into our hearts and promote spiritual growth.

Jesus heals on the Sabbath:
The Pharisees had become so strict about following rules that they had even created elaborate interpretations of what it meant to “keep the Sabbath.”  This legalism had hardened their hearts and they had become enslaved to precepts and lost understanding of the principles God intended.  Thus, they accused Jesus of wrongdoing when he healed on the Sabbath. And Jesus gave them food for thought: “And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?"” (v5)
To the Pharisees, the essence of the Fourth Commandment was this precept: Thou shalt not work. To the Lord Jesus, the essence of this commandment was this principle: Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. One could cease from work on the Sabbath (as the Pharisees did) without keeping the Sabbath holy. Contrarily, Jesus (and others, such as the temple priests) could also observe the Sabbath as a holy day by working on it. The Pharisees were so committed to the precept of not working that they neglected—indeed violated—the principle of keeping the Sabbath holy. (Bob Deffinbaugh, Bible.Org)

Choosing A Place of Honor:
God calls us to have humble hearts and not put “self” on the throne of our hearts. We all enjoy being chosen or recognized as important, or shown special consideration or honor. There is nothing wrong with being given recognition or honor but the heart that begins to expect entitlement will become vain and prideful. Jesus observed this behavior that day and he called it out. ““For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."” (v11) In the Kingdom of God, those who are humble will be the honored ones. What honor we strive for on Earth will not even matter. 

What’s In It For Me?:
Jesus also observed how much expense and show went into this great supper among the leaders of the community. Although there is nothing wrong with using our resources to foster relationships with others and enjoy communing with them, Jesus called into check a couple of things: 1. Those who were present had the means to repay the favor 2. Those present didn’t necessarily need what was provided.
Jesus wanted those present to think about Why they do what they do.  This is a great  question for us as well. Do we only give to get something in return? Are we also using our resources to promote true need in our communities?  Are we looking for earthly reward or spiritual?  “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."” (v13-14)

These were some of the things from this chapter that stood out to me.  I love how Jesus can take simple observations, provide meaningful “food for thought” and just pinpoint the “heart” of the matter so precisely and pointedly. I love to come to the table and sit with Him and learn from Him. He asks questions that make me have to examine my own heart and motives. But, He also shows me “His Heart” and provides me the motivation to change and seek His Will. What “food for thought” did you digest today?


1 Peter 5:5-9)

Humility, the Root of every Virtue (James 4)

12:00 AM


Today's reading: James 4:1-17
Growing in a dysfunctional home made me an insecure person. I felt that I had to become stronger trying to hide my flaws. Over the years, my accomplishments made me feel I had it! This brought pride into my heart. I became self-sufficient, independent and according to my personal standards, I considered myself a “good person”!  O my God, how mistaken I was!
All this apparent success could not fill the gap inside of me! All the hurt and the insecure child inside of me still haunted me, until I surrendered my life to Jesus!
“But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness]” (Vs. 6)

Through His Amazing Grace I was able to recognize who I really was and that only He could heal and fill my life completely from the inside-out!

" 7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. 9 Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]." (Vss. 7-10)



It was amazing for me to discover Jesus through the Bible! He revealed His nature when He described Himself as gentle and lowly of heart.(Matthew 11:29), and to discover His servant’s heart, displayed throughout His ministry which  qualified Him to be the “lamb of God”,  who took our place on that cross!  In Jesus we have a model for humility.  In Him we find the humble character that God expects from us!
When we submit our hearts and lives to God, He will lift you up in and give you a real Purpose in your life. Not in your own means, but by the power of His Holy Spirit dwelling in you! (Psalm 18:27)
“Humility, the place of entire dependence on God, is, from the very nature of things, the first duty and the highest virtue of the creature, and the root of every virtue. And so pride, or the loss of this humility, is the root of every sin and evil.” (Andrew Murray)
Pride: the root of every sin and evil! I had never thought of it this way!!
Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen.3:4), and she sinned following her self-will, and pride was at the heart of this sin: doing what she wanted, instead of what God had commanded. This same situation applies to us too and sadly, more often than we think!
We should not only live in humility in our personal relationship with God but also this same attitude should be reflected toward others (Phil. 2:3)!  
Here is a check- list that could help us –through prayer- to make a heart inventory, as we consider the following:
-       Do you question God, when you are afflicted or tested? When things don’t turn out how you planned? This is pride.
-       Every time we refuse someone forgiveness, we are acting in pride.
-       When you argue with our spouse (friend, family member), and insist you are right and he (she) is wrong, you are acting in pride.
-       When you believe you owe yourself the best modern accessories, perfumes, and clothing; the best car, or house, and you must have it even if you get into debt.
-       When you feel you are better than someone else, regarding your talents, opinions, attitudes, behavior, etc.
-       When by serving our Church, we feel: “I deserve a visit”, or “I deserve my opinion”, or “I deserve my way”, or “I deserve certain rights and privileges”, because of “my achievements”, we are also acting in pride.

I love Peter’s words on this subject:
5 Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant’s apron], for God is opposed to the proud [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], but He gives grace to the humble.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, 7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]” (1 Peter 5:5-9)
When we live in humble obedience and cast all our cares (needs) on our Heavenly Father, holding firmly to our Faith, recognizing that He loves us and He knows what is best for us -and in His Perfect timing-, we will be able to resist the devil and his attacks.
Let me close with these final words: “Humility is our greatest friend. It increases our hunger for God’s word and opens our hearts to his Spirit. It leads to intimacy with God, who knows the proud from afar, but dwells with him “who is of a contrite and lowly spirit” (Isa. 57:15). It imparts the aroma of Christ to all whom we encounter. It is a sign of greatness in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:24–27). Developing the identity, attitude, and conduct of a humble servant does not happen overnight. It is rather like peeling an onion: you cut away one layer only to find another beneath it. But it does happen. As we forsake pride and seek to humble ourselves by daily deliberate choices in dependence on the Holy Spirit, humility grows in our souls.” (Jesusfilm.org)
Blessings!
Mari

Becky Austin

Strength Under Control (Psalm 25:9)

12:28 AM


This week we are exploring the attribute of humility. When I think of humility I often think of meekness. Most are familiar with the beatitude “The meek shall inherit the earth.” This teaching of Jesus raised many eyebrows I’m sure for all of history has showcased a perpetual power struggle of man trying to rule the world with harsh force and manipulation. But God is not impressed with earthly successes and power gains. God is interested in our meekness. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.  Psalm 25:9

Meekness, in our culture, is often seen as a weakness, but in Scripture, it was seen as a strength.  What defines meekness in the Bible?
According to Samuel A. Meier,  we see meekness represented under these circumstances in the Bible: “a conflict in which an individual is unable to control or influence circumstances. Typical human responses in such circumstances include frustration, bitterness, or anger, but the one who is guided by God's spirit accepts God's ability to direct events. Meekness is, therefore, an active and deliberate acceptance of undesirable circumstances that are wisely seen by the individual as only part of a larger picture.”
S. Meier did not see meekness as a weakness, but rather a quality possessed by those of great fortitude and strength: “Meekness does not identify the weak but more precisely the strong who have been placed in a position of weakness where they persevere without giving up.”  

To further understand meekness, let’s look at the Greek origin. Meekness comes from the word “praus”, which has the following meanings.
a. Used to describe a soothing medicine.  b. Used by sailors to describe a gentle breeze. c. Used by farmers to describe a broken colt.
Grady Scott asked the question “What do all these definitions have in common? They all describe great power under control.” He, therefore, concluded that a good working definition of biblical meekness was “ Strength under control.”

Unfortunately, today’s culture sends quite a different message to us and more importantly, to our children. As Steve Shirley points out, “the "world" defines strong people as those who are assertive, take charge, proud, self-sufficient, self-reliant, and independent. A meek person is the opposite of these things, therefore, many people associate meekness with weakness. A meek person is willing to be submissive, is humble and gentle, relies on God and is dependent on Him to provide strength.”
I love her challenge though as she asks the question, “Which of these is REALLY the weaker? If you think it is meekness, try following these attributes for a while, and you will see it is HARD! It is much more difficult to humble yourself and rely on God, than to do everything in your own strength.”

I totally agree. It’s hard to keep my mouth shut when I want to defend myself but I know that God’s spirit is prompting me to be silent. Sometimes, it’s not about me being right but about letting God have control of the situation and letting God work on another person’s heart.
It's hard to endure difficult circumstances, especially if I think that what I’m enduring is unfair. But, when I know that God is asking me to endure, then I also know that he is going to provide me with the strength to do so.  It’s hard to listen to someone’s judgements and criticisms and not harbour bitterness or resentment. But, I know that God forgives me and I must forgive others. Every day, God asks us to walk in meekness and rely on Him. It takes a lot of trust. It takes a lot of patience and waiting on His timing. It takes a lot of denial of self for the sake of the well being of others. But, with that meekness, comes one of the greatest things a Christian can possess…a teachable heart. God teaches me the most when I am focused on Him and not all busy, bothered and anxious as I try to take matters into my own hands. 

Today, I want to encourage you to embrace meekness as strength and ask God to help you have a teachable heart. Ask God to help you endure difficult circumstances in His strength. The world may think that you are weak, but what the world thinks does not matter. What matters, is who you are in God’s eyes. May you find the source of all that you need in Him.

“The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God's estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance than angels. In himself, nothing; in God, everything. That is his motto."  A.W. Tozer


brokenness

Not I but Christ in Me {Philippians 2:1-11]

12:00 AM

~ Philippians 2:1-11

 "Have this same mindset among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus."- (Philippians 2:5).

What immediately comes to you mind when you think of revival?


 According to Roy Hession, “Revival is just the life of the Lord Jesus poured into human hearts.” BUT “The Lord Jesus cannot live in us fully and reveal Himself through us until the proud self within us is broken."
“To be broken means to have no rights before God and man. It does not mean merely surrendering my rights to Him but rather recognizing that I haven't any, except to deserve hell. It means just being nothing and having nothing that I call my own, neither time, money, possessions nor position.” ― Roy Hession, The Calvary Road

The perfect example of all of this is found in the life of  Peter. The night of Jesus arrest Peter expressed his desire to be arrested and and even die for Jesus, yet Jesus knew better and told Peter that instead that night he would deny Jesus three times,

Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”  Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:34-35)
We all know that Peter wasn’t ready at that moment (Luke 22:54-62), but notice what happens later on,

And Peter directed his gaze at the beggar, as did John, and said, “Look at us.”  And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”  And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.  And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.(Acts 3:4-8)

Peter, no longer fearful of what others might think or do to him, begins boldly addressing all those in the temple that day and immediately:

"... as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,  greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.  And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” (Acts 4:1-4)


The contrast between Peter on the day of Jesus’ arrest and this day is amazing! Peter is no longer concerned about what others will think, say or do. He stands boldly in the Temple courts and proclaims the gospel and look what happens! Yes, he is arrested, but many who heard him put their faith in Christ. 

I desire to make a difference for Christ Jesus, just as Peter did that night of Jesus' arrest, but Peter was still full of himself that night. Peter needed Jesus to come take over just like the rest of us do. I believe all of us who know and love the Lord, Jesus desire to make an impact in this world for Him, but how many of us will truly surrender our will and rights? I know I personally battle with surrendering all the time!

 There's so much I'd like to say, but I truly believe Mr. Hession's has said it best in his book, The Calvary Road:

If, however, we are to come into this right relationship with Him, the first thing we must learn is that our wills must be broken to His will. To be broken is the beginning of Revival. It is painful, it is humiliating, but it is the only way. It is being "Not I, but Christ" (Gal. 2:20), and a "C" is a bent "I." The Lord Jesus cannot live in us fully and reveal Himself through us until the proud self within us is broken. This simply means that the hard unyielding self, which justifies itself, wants its own way, stands up for its rights, and seeks its own glory, at last bows its head to God’s will, admits its wrong, gives up its own way to Jesus, surrenders its rights and discards its own glory that the Lord Jesus might have all and be all. In other words it is dying to self and self-attitudes.

If you'd like to read more from The Calvary Road you can click on this link , or pick up a copy of the book. It's another book that I don't like to lay down for long.

Blessings,
sue

Humility

Clothe Yourself with Humility {Colossians 3:12}

12:00 AM

Image result for clothe yourself with humility

Please read Colossians 3:1-17

In these verses Paul is describing what our spiritual clothing should look like.  It’s the fruit of the Spirit we are wearing.  Since this week our topic is humility, I will try to share what humility looks like according to this scripture.

Way back in my late 20’s, my husband wanted to join an organization that sold products which were marketed as superior to other products and you had to buy and use these products and encourage others to join the ranks.  It was expensive and very demanding.  In order to make money, we had to get people to not only buy these products, but get them to join the organization and sell to others.  If you’ve ever heard of a pyramid scheme, this is one.

One weekend, we had to attend a rally.  I was not very happy to leave my 7 month old daughter and give up my weekend to attend this rally.  In fact I shed a lot of tears.  But my husband really wanted to make this business venture work and we were not only told it would allow me to quit my job and be a stay-at-home working mother, but it was a requirement for our new business.

Long story short, we heard from dozens of people about how successful they were and what stuck out in my mind was how they flaunted their diamonds.  You see, you achieve statuses in this organization and once you reach this diamond status, you are, well, rich.  These people showed off their beautiful clothing, they showed pictures of their beautiful homes, yachts, cars and vacations.  But what they lacked was humility.  They made their money off all of us in the audience.  It was a pyramid scheme all right.  Full of lust and greed.  They idolized getting rich and using other people.  I can remember going to the people who recruited us to tell them we were getting out – they were mad!  They would no longer earn an income off our purchases, and our attendance to these mandatory rallies.  And to try to keep us in their chain link, they had the person who recruited them to come and convince us to stay in the organization.  However, I just knew better and dug my heels in.  He too was mad!

That was not how Paul describes humility.

I have been reading The Calvary Road and this is what Roy Hession describes in chapter 4 how in humility we can reach Calvary. 

“The only way to the Highway is up a small, dark, forbidding hill – the Hill of Calvary.  It is the sort of hill we have to climb on our hands and knees – especially our knees.  If we are content with our present Christian life, if we do not desire with a desperate hunger to get on the Highway, we shall never get on our knees and thus never climb the hill.  But if we are dissatisfied, if we are hungry, then we will find ourselves ascending.  Don’t hurry.  Let God make you really hungry for the Highway; let Him really drive you to your knees in longing prayer.  Mere sightseers won’t get very far.  “Ye shall find me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13)”

 Image

“Brokenness in daily experience is simply the response of humility to the conviction of God.”  (Roy Hession-“The Calvary Road”)


What have you chosen to clothe yourself with?  Is Christ the wardrobe you are wearing as a believer?

We are reminded in scripture that if any person be in Christ Jesus, he or she is a new creation; old things have passed away and all things have become new.

If we are truly confessing believers, we have to drop those desires to get rich quick.  We have to put on Christ which others will see as we navigate our way through our daily lives.  God’s people are being led by His Holy Spirit. 

That seems to be the problem with many Christians today – you cannot tell the difference between them and non-Christians.  There is no fruit bearing in many of their lives because they are trying to keep one foot in the world and one with Christ.  It just won’t work!  God wants us to crawl on our knees up the Hill of Calvary.  He wants to be the center of our lives with evidence of His presence with us!

 Image result for christ on the cross on calvary

I’ll leave you with a prayer I have often said.  It is from The Calvary Road.

“Lord, bend that proud and stiff necked I.  Help me to bow the head and die; beholding Him on Calvary, who bowed His head for me.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Wf2ptiAbk