It is not uncommon for a person to have a favorite quote, a personal motto, or for the believer, even what some would consider a “life verse”. In my High School year book, graduating seniors were asked annually to provide their “senior quote” or their senior motto. I look back on mine and quickly see that it was a good thing to think about, perhaps even momentarily it served as my “senior quote”, but honestly it wasn’t ever my motto, nor shall it ever be. Quite frankly, it is not worth repeating! However, this is not to say that some “sayings” (quotes, teachings, etc.) are not valid or have no value. To be sure, some are definitely worth repeating; repeating as often as we can.

As we consider things that have been said by a variety of people over the centuries and recorded for our consideration, among those are the “sayings” by those who have believed in God, His Son, Jesus, the Holy Spirit He gave us, and of course “sayings” by each of these persons of the Trinity.  As an example; while teaching on the subjects of divorce and celibacy, Jesus said this to the disciples and others in his presence: “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given.” (Matt. 19:11 NKJV)

There is something basic we see from this account. Sayings, no matter the source, are either accepted or they are not. Non-acceptance of sayings on any subject can be for reasons of indifference, ignorance, misunderstanding, or in some cases, outright rejection. In this case, it was the saying of Jesus. God forbid that we would not accept His sayings. The truth is, some sayings of Jesus are hard to accept. In fact, at one point when Jesus was speaking about His own body and blood were to be considered real food and real drink (John 6:55), the disciples of Jesus upon hearing it exclaimed, “This is a hard saying, who can understand it?” (John 6:60 NKJV) or said another way “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (NIV) Those of us who now have accepted His gift of salvation understand that we celebrate a new and living way, and Christ’s body and blood served as the perfect sacrifice under the new covenant.

Have you ever wondered what might qualify a saying to be considered a trustworthy saying, or as is stated in some Bible versions, a faithful one? More than that, for the Bible itself to include “trustworthy sayings” as acknowledged directly within the scriptures passages themselves, what might we expect to find? After all, is not all of scripture trustworthy? What might be so extraordinary or crucially important, if anything, to specifically acknowledge as a trustworthy saying in the Bible?

As peculiar as it may seem, not once did Jesus ever say, “This is a trustworthy (faithful) saying” to those He taught. At the very least, it is not recorded for us if indeed He ever did say it that way. However, there are numerous times in which He said “Verily, Verily I say unto you…” (KJV) which might be better stated, “Most assuredly I say unto you” (NKJV) or “Truly, truly” (NIV).  Perhaps this is just as potent as if He had said, “this is a trustworthy saying”? In either case, we somehow get the sense that in these particular moments, we are admonished to pay close attention or to give special heed to what is said.

Even though Jesus is not recorded as saying this, we do find however that Paul the Apostle included it in just three of his letters to two different individuals.; Timothy & Titus. Not only so, but as far as we have record, although Paul may have said this in person to other individuals or groups, he only recorded it five times in all of his letters that we find in scripture. Not once did he announce that he was sharing a trustworthy saying with the churches that he wrote to, such as Ephesus or Rome. However, I do not hesitate to say that most of what he wrote would qualify today as faithful sayings!

He did, however, make this announcement to Timothy and Titus, two pastors whom Paul had appointed over churches started early in his missionary journey. Perhaps it would help if we were to review these “trustworthy sayings” (NIV; faithful sayings in the NKJV) together, and to see what benefit this would produce. Here are each of the scripture references where Paul introduces these faithful sayings:
I Timothy 1:15; I Timothy 3:1; I Timothy 4:9; II Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8
Two of these times announcing trustworthy sayings, Paul adds this caveat: This is deserving (or worthy) of full (all) acceptance! This can be taken one of two ways, both of which are valid - perhaps intended:

1. This trustworthy saying is worthy of full acceptance by the individual receiving it.
2. This trustworthy saying is worthy of acceptance by all of the people receiving it.

Because Paul is writing letters to individuals when he uses these terms, we might conclude that he means it in just the first way mentioned. It is possible that Paul knows Timothy and Titus well enough to know their respective areas of doubt or timidity, or areas where he believes that they need special emphasis. It could also mean that he wants them to bring special emphasis about these things to others that they teach. In that regard, to both Timothy and Titus (respectively) he emphatically says to “command and teach these things” (I Timothy 4:11) and “I want you to stress these things” (Titus 3:8).

Therefore, whether pastor or parishioner, we are cautioned to fully accept these trustworthy sayings. They are deserving of any or all of our full embrace, of our careful contemplation, or of our whole-hearted commitment. Although perhaps we find it natural to discover and embrace favorite verses of scripture, books of the Bible, Proverbial quotes, or some other segment of the whole counsel of God, I am reminded by these examples that we need the Holy Spirit to continually reveal to us what, at any given moment, might be the trustworthy saying that is deserving of our full acceptance at that moment?

I have certain life verses, passages of scripture I find myself coming back to time and time again. I have certain passages that somehow the Holy Spirit has given as personal promises, whether they relate to my prodigal sons or some other subject matter. I have favorite psalms and proverbs also. However, I have been a believer long enough now to recognize that sometimes the trustworthy saying that is NOW worthy of MY (OUR) full acceptance can be in addition to what already is trustworthy. This is God’s sole prerogative. He knows that, in reality, the sayings are His and that they ALL are worthy of my (our) full acceptance. He knows which ones I (we) wrestle with, or doubt and question at any given time.

For some of you, today the trustworthy sayings are simply the ones we eluded to – Paul’s original words to Timothy, Titus, or both. For some of you, today the trustworthy saying, deserving of your full acceptance (rather than a partial) is one you are already familiar with, but have wrestled with or are troubled about. It has not become a faithful saying to you because your faith, for whatever reason, has not yet tested it. These sayings are trustworthy and faithful because God is! These sayings and the truth behind them have stood the test of time and trust, ridicule and rejection, experience and eternity. Perhaps the trustworthy saying that is worthy of your acceptance today is one that has not been easy to accept. Others may have accepted it, but for whatever reason, you have not. It has been a trustworthy saying all along, but today it deserves your acceptance, and now you will find it worthy.

Pastor Bob

I have been in a physical and spiritual battle lately, and as a result, I found myself in a “valley”. Dare I say that I have been in valleys before, but this time, it has been harder to understand, has been incredibly confusing, and I found myself despairing and fighting depression. Quite frankly, this was new to me. I lost focus, motivation, and began to doubt my effectiveness as a leader and pastor. This manifested in several ways, but needless to say, it was (and is) frightening.

As a result of this fearful digression, I reached out to trusted friends and believers near at hand, and they in turn lovingly reached out to me. I am tremendously thankful for the body of Christ, and at times like these, the words “thank you” just don’t seem to grasp the full meaning of inward appreciation. This remains an ongoing process, so the appreciation will certainly deepen.

Though I received helpful insight and fellowship, I cannot honestly say that I yet was freed or had sufficient hope. Somehow the lies of the enemy remained attached to me like claws and I was struggling to get loose from them. Friends prayed with me and shared scripture and indeed this was helpful. However, I still had a sense of being in the dark and groping for answers. This created further shame and confusion “because I know better than to let this happen”. I had been disappointed with circumstances and people I love, and “because I knew better than that too”, I became most disappointed in myself. This only added to the problem. In fact, I called this place I found myself in the “Valley of Disappointment”.

During this past week, the faithful Holy Spirit reminded me of a couple discussions with my mother long ago. The first was as an unsaved teenager not long after we lost my dad to cancer. I recall my mother saying; “I don’t have very high expectations anymore, because that prevents me from later being disappointed”. I believe those words have played into the formation of my life, but in a way that I’m sure my mother did not expect. Rather, and more than anyone, I have developed high expectations of myself. As strange as it is, I will get disappointed in myself well before being disappointed in others. As a result of this mindset, finding myself in this valley only produced further disappointment because expectations of myself were not met.

The second discussion was with my mother later in time as a now born-again believer. We were out to lunch after a church service (she had recommitted her life to Christ also) and she was struggling with an issue in her own life. I clearly recall saying to her as the wise and loving son that I was, “Can you hear the LORD saying ‘Do you trust me’?” I marvel at the fact that it is these exact words that now the Holy Spirit is speaking to me, saying; “These are now my words to you, son”. Oh, faithful God that He is!

As I began preparing for Sunday’s morning message, I knew that I needed to be accountable to the flock entrusted to my care. I knew also that I needed to be honest and humble. The Holy Spirit began taking me on a journey in scripture that would not only serve to give me hope, but would be a message to God’s people. In the study process, I found myself literally writing the following passages (references only) down on a small piece of notebook paper:
Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5; II Corinthians 4:16-17; Psalm 46:10a

Although helpful in and of themselves as solitary passages, it was not until I finished copying and pasting the verses out on a sheet of paper and seeing them strung together that they had the full impact on my spirit and soul. In a single paragraph form, here is what they produce:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Be still, and know that I am God …

As I meditated on this paragraph, the living Word of God by the power of the Holy Spirit began to bring hope. Joy filled my heart. The darkness began to dissipate. I was further led to review the Psalms of David that he wrote throughout the course of his life. I noticed that it was not once, but quite often, that David had cried out to God for deliverance, but in each case he acknowledged his utter trust in God. I was reminded that an enemy of the soul can actually be something of my own making. These passages from his various Psalms further brought hope, and life! See for yourself just some of them:

Psalms of David … written over the course of his lifetime
16:1-2                          Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. O my soul, you have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; my goodness is nothing apart from You.”
23:1-4                          The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
25:1-2;4 & 16-18         To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me. Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have enlarged; bring me out of my distresses! Look on my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins.
27:13-14                      I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!
31:1                             In You, O LORD, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness.
37:3-5                          Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
40:1-3                          I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.                                             (all emphases mine)

Friends, be of good cheer! The valley you find yourself in is not death itself, but chances are it is a shadow of it. Even in this place, there is tremendous hope and confidence. Why? He is with us. Indeed it is actually His plan to lead us on this path. It is a path of righteousness, and it is for His name’s sake. He leads us through the valley. We need not camp there. He will take us in, and He will bring us out. He is the Good Shepherd. The valley is not my enemy, nor the obstacles along the way. Rather, my mistrust in the One who leads me through it is my real enemy.

Meanwhile, while I pass through this valley I find myself in, I’ll allow Him to teach me, to build His character in me, and to make me more like Himself. Will you do the same?

Labor Day 2015 has suddenly come and gone. Some people spent the holiday in a reprieve from their labor. Others will have had no choice but to labor some more. Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country. More than 80 other countries celebrate International Workers' Day as their holiday dedicated to labor.

It is not uncommon for the average person employed in a full-time job to spend 50% or more of their waking hours performing their work responsibilities. Add to this the work required to help manage a family and personal affairs, and we see that a large portion of a person’s adult life is occupied with work. Even for children, there is homework and chores.  Some work is undoubtedly more labor-intensive than others. As such, labor may be viewed from a negative perspective or with a grin-and-bear-it attitude.

Some industries and companies have a variety of employees with certain professional skills and job titles. When those employees do not have a job title for whatever reason, or they do not possess skills worthy of special recognition, they simply may be thrown in with a group called “laborers”. I personally have witnessed and been associated with such a classification. Nonetheless, I would like to present the terms labor and laborer in light of the Bible, and more to the point, from God’s perspective.

Long ago, there was a king who, in his old age, took special interest in the vast array of work and labor of humanity, among other topics. His name was Solomon. His observations, conclusions, and insight have been recorded for us in scripture in the book of Ecclesiastes. This word (as a title for this book), being defined, means “One who addresses an assembly”. You are therefore that assembly at this moment. Consider for the moment some, but certainly not all, of the statements made by Solomon in scripture (Ecclesiastes) concerning this topic of labor:

What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? (1:3)   Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and a grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. (2:11)   For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? (2:22)  What profit has the worker from that in which he labors?  I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. (3:9-11)

There is a pessimistic tone that pervades his writing. This is a time in Solomon’s life where he has not revered or served God as he did at first. This would cause any one of us to have a warped perspective. Despite this tone, there is truth and a lot to be gleaned from this book. The following is an example:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: (4:9)

This statement is true regardless of the context, or the types of labor or laborers. However, let’s now turn our attention to a particular workforce – kingdom (of God) workers. According to the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:10, … we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. There is a certain labor that is God-ordained for every one of us!

If Labor Day, in the worldly sense or even the American sense, is for the purposes of honoring a workforce that has contributed to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of a country, we can likewise remember that we as believers have the opportunity to do the same; but for the Kingdom of God.

The Apostle Paul puts it this way to the Church at Corinth:

For we are co-workers (co-laborers) in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. (I Cor. 3:9)

Despite the fact that here we are assured that there are those who labor with us and alongside us, we may from time to time adopt the pessimism of Solomon. We may feel alone or that our efforts, no matter the size or extent, are also in vain, or a grasping for the wind! We may wonder if our words or actions for Christ truly matter, and doubt that we are making much of a difference at all. We may fall into the trap of believing that the labor is not worth the results; that our time has been wasted or would be better spent elsewhere. We may “grow weary in well-doing” (Galatians 6:9) and succumb to not doing anything for fear the results will be disappointing.             

It was not to other apostles or other church leaders that Paul said this, but again, to all the Church: Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord isn’t in vain.  (I Cor. 15:58)

Note that work of the Lord and a labor in the Lord is distinguished from labor in general. This is quite important, because we are assured that our labor in the Lord is NOT IN VAIN, no matter how we feel. We might want to briefly revisit what is it that qualifies as labor in the Lord? I believe that this is not as complicated as we may suspect. To labor in the Lord is to take what he says, and or what he has said already, and do it. Coining the popular phrase of our day – just do it!

Again, the Church is told that “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Col. 3:17).” We are also to do everything in love, with a biblical support that abounds for that particular truth. This means that every believer is invited to participate – men, women, boys and girls. There is no “labor” insignificant; no “work” which does not qualify. In fact, the labor in the Lord can occur simultaneously with the other types of labor, and indeed should. And none of it, absolutely none of it, is in vain!                 

Paul, again speaking to the Church at large, sheds more light on this subject. We see in the following verse how this lifelong labor of love is to be produced, prompted, and the endurance of it to be inspired:

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 1:3)

What a great pattern for us to follow! Let your lifelong labor of love, which matters indeed and is not in vain according to the promise of God, be recognized by these characteristics:

• Our work in the kingdom is to be produced by faith in God.
  
  
• Our labor in the kingdom is to be prompted by love (His).
  
  
• Our endurance in both is to be inspired by our hope in Jesus Christ.
  
  

We commonly expect that a pie will be divided into pieces, do we not? Therefore, perhaps it is fitting now to consider “Humble Pie” in this fashion. In the familiar context, perhaps none of us would choose to willingly eat “humble pie”. The truth is, humility will eventually visit every person sometime in their life. For the believer though, humility is to become a way of life, a part of us, even as it was for Jesus. Consider these three pieces of Humble Pie:

The Price of Humility:

No matter the occasion where humility occurs in a person’s life, it will always come with some sort of price tag. For Jesus, the ultimate price was as high as it comes (see Philippians 2:8). For us, there is a price tag too - always. However, this is not to be considered a bad thing, or something to be avoided. We can learn from the example of people in scripture, and of course what scripture has to say about the subject directly. Let’s consider for a moment, and as an example in scripture, the humility of David.

In spite of his faults, flaws and failures, God called David “a man after his own heart” (see Acts 13:22). One of the qualities that made David great was his willingness to acknowledge his mistakes and failures. This is a true sign of humility, and is often itself a price tag. Consider the response of David when he received the news that 85 priests, their entire families, and the residents of the entire city they dwelt in had been slaughtered. David said; “I have caused the death of all the persons…” (see I Samuel 22:22). Although this was not due to his failure directly, David still took full responsibility. He was devastated at the news, but not defensive! Can you imagine taking responsibility for such an enormous tragedy? Can you imagine the humility he must have demonstrated? In the familiar account of David’s failure with Bathsheba where he was guilty of infidelity, deception, and murder; when confronted by Nathan the prophet he openly admitted without defense; “I have sinned against the Lord” (see II Samuel 12:13).

Would we have the emotional and spiritual maturity to admit such things? Or, would, we try to defend or justify our actions for fear of being judged, criticized, or rejected altogether? Further, would we tend to counter-accuse or even blame those who bring such news? Might we become hostile, even sarcastic? Making mistakes does not make us lesser people, but defending those mistakes does! Pride, which God certainly hates (see Proverbs 8:13) will rob us every time of the wisdom that will eventually and surely come through humility. This wisdom and understanding is, in fact, part of the purpose of humility.

The Purpose of Humility:

Proverbs 15:32-33 (NIV)                                Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.

From this passage alone, and specifically in relationship to God, we recognize that there are actually several purposes for humility. Along with wisdom and understanding, the fear of the Lord simply is not possible apart from humility. The proud person will never experience the fear of the Lord, the proper awe of God. Despite the ways of the world and its thinking of which we are to not love, the fear of the Lord is not an option for the Christian, and for that matter, neither is humility. We’ll discover in other passages of scripture that humility indeed is part of God’s ongoing design for everyone believer.

Understanding that God’s ultimate and premier purpose is that we as believers all be conformed to the image (likeness) of Jesus Christ, it would stand to reason that humility must therefore have a direct relationship to this higher purpose. Being conformed, formed, and transformed as processes all have to do with being changed, shaped, even molded. Humility puts us in the proper attitude and mindset where being conformed to Christ’s image can even begin to happen. In essence, we have to be willing to let God shape us, and realize that He is constantly in the process of doing so. This is a humility that we thrust ourselves into, not a humiliation with which we fear to fall upon us.

Jeremiah 18:1-6 (NKJV)                 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.

In an indirect way, we see in Proverbs 15:33 that honor is also in store for those who demonstrate humility. The human tendency is to want honor; perhaps even seek it. History records countless attempts of those who sought honor with complete disregard for humility. We find here that honor from the biblical perspective takes a certain and designed course. Along this journey, we must pass through the “desert of humility” as a prerequisite to seeing “the pasture of honor”.

In consideration of the substance of clay, notice that it has no aspirations of its own. It’s simply pliable, moldable, and completely subject to the potter’s will. Christian author Henry Blackaby once said: “When God’s assignment demands humility, He finds a servant willing to be humbled. God uses holy vessels, so He finds those who will allow him to remove their impurities. It’s not a noble task being clay – there’s no glamour in it, nothing boast-worthy, except it’s exactly what God is looking for.”

It’s exactly what God is looking for? Yes. How do we know this? Does scripture speak of it? Yes.

The Place of Humility:

We have just seen that a humble person is willing, in essence, to put themselves in God’s hands. The Bible tells us, and experience does also, that God is Spirit. Why then does scripture refer to God’s hands in so many instances? Because God is merciful, loving, gracious and generous, He gives us figurative language to help us better understand what is being referred to. From a human perspective, hands are so important and signify a wide variety of things. In scripture, the hand of God is used to speak of His provision, guidance, might, righteousness, salvation and protection. In a figurative sense, the hand of God is also a place. Note what we as believers are charged with in reference to humility:

I Peter 5:5b-7 (NKJV)      Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Under the mighty hand of God is the place where I clothe myself with humility. Indeed, the only place!

When I physically dress in the morning or otherwise, I always find a place to do so that is fitting for that purpose. The same is true for humility. The “dressing room” for clothing ourselves with humility is under the mighty hand of God. Note that this is also the place, the position, from which I cast my cares on Him. From my own experience, I have found that we really need to do this “casting” from this humble place. Unless we position ourselves (figuratively, but purposefully) under the mighty hand of God, I surmise that casting our cares on Him is something we are unlikely to do? Our carnal tendency is to carry most of the cares ourselves, and to let our subtle pride have its way.

Pride cannot have its way in us! If it does have its way, God cannot have His way in us. It is that simple. Consider the person who was used to pen this scripture – Peter! Had Peter held on to his pride, he would never have been restored to Christ Jesus. He had failed. He had disowned Christ. Yet in the end, he had already done what he is here admonishing the church (us) to do. For him, his humility led to restoration and the awesome privilege of taking the gospel into the world as a vessel of honor.

May I suggest that this humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God is something we should be intentional about in our life and walk in the Spirit? May I suggest also that the clay in the hand of God can and should first humble itself under the hand of God? After all, it was pliable, moldable, and without self-aspiration under the hand of God before it was in the hand of God. This is representative of the completely willing vessel. This is the vessel that is willing to be marred, broken, over and over again – as long as it is in God’s hand. God is sovereign, and He has historically even used unwilling vessels to accomplish His purposes. However, would we not rather be willing vessels, trusting that his ways and purposes are perfect indeed.  It is a tremendous honor to be His vessel. It is also humbling.

It is promised (again) that honor (an exaltation in due time) is in store for those who humble themselves in this fashion. Let me encourage you today (now) to intentionally humble yourself under God’s mighty hand. Do it again tomorrow. Do it as a lifestyle. Purpose in your heart to put “humble clothes” on every day.  As a part of your early daily routine, let our heavenly Father know somehow that you are doing so, even if it is just a simple expression from your heart to Him. Then, live from this place. Do everything and say everything from the place of humility.

If this is the first time that you have, so to speak, come to this place of humility, then come to stay for the rest of your life! If you are doing so, then you are humbling yourself under God’s mighty hand of salvation. Now is the day of salvation (II Corinthians 6:2).

Oh, blessed day!

Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV)            But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.

Other scriptures for further study: (Acts 20:18-20; Colossians 3:12; Titus 3:1-2)
Pastor Bob