Pride and Humility

How can one identify true humility and false humility built on a foundation of pride? Is humility an essence of being or something that is developed? How is it possible to "be" humble while striving to develop humility?

God instructs us to humble ourselves. As we do, He promise that He will lift us up. But, who has not seen the professional athlete filled with pride and he seemingly is elevated on pinnacles of adoration around the world. Did a humble spirit place him there? God says that pride comes before a fall and a haughty spirit is present just before a tumble.

What is the picture of God's elevation in response to the development of a humble spirit? Is it Joseph sitting in prison because of lies? Would it be Daniel refusing to eat the king's meat and doing better than those who imbibed? Is the picture one of David being pursued by his father-in-law, or David after Bathsheba... Moses on the mount or Moses striking the rock a second time... The publican glancing at the poor wretch in the corner of the temple or the sinner smiting his chest?

God has declared that ONLY by pride comes contention. That word "only" is an exclusive thought. It is the one and only way contention happens - pride. I wonder if those who are contending would humble their heart, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, I wonder what would happen. Would they hear from God or would He remain silent / distant / separate?

Thanks for sitting in the corner with me today.

I'm confused

Figures don't lie and liars don't figure.

I'm confused. It's election year and the parties are spending their millions on attack ads. The fair and balanced programs have pundits from both sides. The interview goes like this... Our candidate has produced more jobs in 24 months than even President Reagan. The other side quickly responds with facts and figures from the appropriate governmental agency that shows that statement to be false and misleading.

Are they purposely lying? Do they think we are dupes? What are we to believe?

A pastor friend of mine recently had a massive heart attack while preparing for a marathon race. As he lay in a coma, his wife (and thousands of others) pounded Heaven's throne asking God to show Himself strong - to heal this servant and allow him to stand and praise God. The Bible says that if two of us agree on earth about anything and ask it in Christ's name... it will be done. He died.

I'm confused. Did we ask in Jesus name? I know I did. In fact I claimed the above promise in my prayer. Many more than two joined with this bereaved wife and family. Is God faithful? Can He be trusted? Does He lie? He told us that God is not a man that would lie, Neither is He the son of man that He would change His mind. If He said it, He will do it (Numbers 23:19).

Is there a greater purpose than my world? Has there been a plan set in motion eons ago and the Almighty directs it from His throne? Is He involved in the affairs of the Republican and Democratic parties? Can He turn the heart of the king with or without a balanced budget and job creating leader? Does He know about the breath you just took or the thought through my mind as I type?

The Gospels tell me that He knows when a sparrow falls to the earth. I am told He can number the hairs on your head. The Bible also promises that the number of your days are numbered.

But, I'm confused. How can He be so involved out there and intimately in control in here?

The really awesome thing is... it isn't important if I can understand the answers to any of these questions. It doesn't change the reality of God. He loves you. He counted every hair that went down the shower drain this morning. He is keeping record of every breath and thought you have. And He will control the heart of our next President - just like He has every other president (all the way back to George Washington).

The Heart of Frustration

Frustration is defined on my smart phone as, "An act of hindering someone's plans or efforts... a feeling of annoyance at being hindered or criticized... a feeling that accompanies an experience of being thwarted in attaining your goals."

I believe the answer should be obvious but, have you ever been frustrated? You bought into a message of hope and soon realized that your world has diminished. You brought a life into your family and watched as your dreams crumbled from addictive behavior. A prayer was offered and the oil applied and yet they died. A contract was notarized and  now the courts are intervening.

There may be some who would purposely hinder your efforts. But hopefully you are surrounded by more who cheer you forward. I read where God has made plans for you and they are for your good. So, I must wonder... does God ever become frustrated? Does anything ever hinder Him; is He ever thwarted in attaining a goal?

I can see different sides of an answer to this. Yes He has been frustrated by the autonomy of humanity. No, He is never frustrated - He is omnipotent God and has never been thwarted.

Let me ask, if all things work for good, then is it even possible for someone to hinder your plans or efforts? Could it just be an adjustment towards a better direction and end? Is life like your TomTom or Magellan? A detour here, a wrong turn there, a misguided addressed entered, does not really hinder your journey. The little voice quickly redirects to your destination.

At first, it may feel awkward to be taken down roads you have never traveled. Yet, with experience you begin to realize that you always end up where you were headed. A few extra miles may have resulted but the destination is the same. Now, when you take a wrong turn you are calm. You find yourself trusting that your GPS system will quickly adjust. Without any worries you follow the new directions to completion.

Next time someone interferes with your goal, drop the frustration. When you begin feeling that the person is thwarting your direction... Stop, listen for the internal voice of God as He redirects your journey. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Bible). He has a plan for you and is working to make all things good. He is not frustrated. So crawl into His lap and let Him safely guide you. Give your worry and frustration to Him. He can handle it.

You can't do that!

It almost feels as if the human race is in opposition to itself. I hear the stories of those who allow others to climb into significance on their shoulders. Once or twice I have even found myself elevated because of someone who held the door for me... Who lifted me above the mass and allowed me to view the finish line... Who cheered as I took my first steps - even when I faltered.

But, often we seem to hear someone, maybe in jealousy, yelling, "You can't do that!"

No one can run a mile in under 4 minutes! Only fools dream of actually flying like a bird! Walking on the moon? Every informed mind knows the government staged the whole thing... You can't do that!

A cure for polio; no more Berlin Wall; a black man as President of America... Unheard of; never; only fools dream of such things.

There is a cure for the one who says it cannot be done... A dreamer. Because someone dreamed of flying like a bird, man has stood on the moon and a golf cart is probing mars. One man declared his dream and a man of color occupies the Oval Office. Someone once said, I can do that and now even amateurs can complete a mile in less than 4 minutes.

You are possibly facing an impossible wall. Perhaps people are telling you it cannot be done. You have a choice, believe them or dream. God puts it this way, "I can do more than you ever think or dream!" imagine that! All God is waiting for is your dream.

Thanks for sitting in the corner with me today.