I recently read a classic book by Andrew Murray on Humility, written in the 1800s. I’ve decided that we are suffering a lack of truly powerful writers like those of past centuries. Perhaps they were better able to write out of places that were desperate for the Lord, and thus knew His powerful presence in revival. I am surely not one of those writers!
Murray wrote that humility should be perhaps the greatest marker of a Christian’s life. It is in that place of humility that we truly empty ourselves of our own pride and fleshly motivations – and thus let the character of Christ dwell more richly in us.
Murray issued a 30-day challenge to ask the Lord moment by moment to reveal the places of pride in your heart. Upon confessing and repenting of that pride, Murray suggested then inviting the Holy Spirit to fill you with greater humility that represents more of the life of Christ.
I decided to take that challenge. But I sensed the Lord telling me I needed to take an extra ten days. Apparently there was greater work to be done! So I have been fasting and praying that simple prayer, asking the Lord to reveal the places of pride in my heart.
My Painful Discovery
Wow. I have been overwhelmed with what I have discovered. I am a prideful person. There are attitudes of my heart that I did not really consider pride, but the Lord has clearly pointed them out. It has been as simple as being annoyed with people I thought were “too wordy” in their prayers. Or thinking that my prayer has stormed the heavens far more effectively than someone else’s. Ouch.
I’ve also discovered that I really don’t know as much as I think I know. The Lord has convicted me of needing to speak less and pray more. I’m not as smart and humble as I thought I was!
But it is all good. The Lord is always faithful and even somewhat gentle with those who earnestly seek Him.
But don’t ask me how I’m doing with my humility quest. Depending on my answer, the Lord might just tack on another ten days!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Give Lots and Don’t Be Afraid
Last Sunday I prayed in the services just before the offering. I sensed the Lord leading me to pray that we would be generous in our giving and not live out of fear. The Lord has to deal with me often about fearfully holding on to things, especially my money. And certainly we are living in times that can cause one to pause and hoard. So I guess I was actually praying for myself.
When I came home, I sat down for my daily Bible reading. I’m reading through the chronological Bible, and no, I did not get up early enough to do it before church!
Anyway, the reading for the day included Psalm 112. Now, maybe most of you have this one memorized—and I just missed this when I was struggling to get Psalm 23 down. But this was not a familiar Psalm to me.
It reads, in part (vs. 4-8), “When the darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. All goes well for those who are generous…Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances….They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless....”
There it is. Give lots and don’t be afraid. That is how we, as the Church, will be called to minister in coming days when fear may overtake the faint of heart and times may get more difficult. But we can give generously, share the love of Christ often, and walk confidently in our trust in our God!
When I came home, I sat down for my daily Bible reading. I’m reading through the chronological Bible, and no, I did not get up early enough to do it before church!
Anyway, the reading for the day included Psalm 112. Now, maybe most of you have this one memorized—and I just missed this when I was struggling to get Psalm 23 down. But this was not a familiar Psalm to me.
It reads, in part (vs. 4-8), “When the darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. All goes well for those who are generous…Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances….They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless....”
There it is. Give lots and don’t be afraid. That is how we, as the Church, will be called to minister in coming days when fear may overtake the faint of heart and times may get more difficult. But we can give generously, share the love of Christ often, and walk confidently in our trust in our God!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Shouts of Joy
I stepped outside my home and heard the roar of the crowd. Although I live three miles from Hazeltine golf course (the site of the recent PGA championship), apparently the wind was just right to carry the crowd's cheers a good distance. And from the sounds of it, it must have been a pretty spectacular shot!
I was actually on my way to the Rock the River music festival on Harriet Island. For months, thousands of people have been praying and preparing for this evangelistic outreach to young people. I had never heard of most of the bands playing, and I must admit feeling a bit old around the raucous music. But I was proud of us older generations who were there to support the youth, some with Kleenex sticking out of their ears as sound buffers!
The gospel message was preached several times with simplicity and Scriptural clarity. Although some 23,000 people were milling around and at times appearing distracted, God’s Spirit still penetrated hearts. Nearly a thousand people walked forward to the front of the stage to make decisions for Christ that day.
That brings me back to the crowds at the golf tournament. Sure, it was probably fun to see celebrities play at such a high caliber. Sure, there were probably some thrilling moments.
But none of that compares with the thrill of seeing youth stream forward to give their lives to Jesus Christ. Just imagine the roar of the heavenly crowds cheering us on! Certainly no golf shot could ever match the eternal shouts of joy when God's Kingdom was advanced last Sunday afternoon.
I was actually on my way to the Rock the River music festival on Harriet Island. For months, thousands of people have been praying and preparing for this evangelistic outreach to young people. I had never heard of most of the bands playing, and I must admit feeling a bit old around the raucous music. But I was proud of us older generations who were there to support the youth, some with Kleenex sticking out of their ears as sound buffers!
The gospel message was preached several times with simplicity and Scriptural clarity. Although some 23,000 people were milling around and at times appearing distracted, God’s Spirit still penetrated hearts. Nearly a thousand people walked forward to the front of the stage to make decisions for Christ that day.
That brings me back to the crowds at the golf tournament. Sure, it was probably fun to see celebrities play at such a high caliber. Sure, there were probably some thrilling moments.
But none of that compares with the thrill of seeing youth stream forward to give their lives to Jesus Christ. Just imagine the roar of the heavenly crowds cheering us on! Certainly no golf shot could ever match the eternal shouts of joy when God's Kingdom was advanced last Sunday afternoon.
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