What Keeps You Humble?

[PinkPebbles]

Ladies – I plan to do a study on humbleness.

When God raises someone up to lead and richly blessed them in some cases that person can become arrogant, prideful, self-centered, and or act like a god. Their focus is no longer on serving or pleasing the Lord, but it is now self-serving and self-fulfillment. They forgot that the only reason why they received that position, title, salary, opportunity, etc. was to fulfill the purpose and plans of God.

My question to you is what keeps you or one humble?

Can you think of a biblical character that exemplified humbleness?

TIA!

 

[LovingLady]

Ladies – I plan to do a study on humbleness.

When God raises someone up to lead and richly blessed them in some cases that person can become arrogant, prideful, self-centered, and or act like a god. Their focus is no longer on serving or pleasing the Lord, but it is now self-serving and self-fulfillment. They forgot that the only reason why they received that position, title, salary, opportunity, etc. was to fulfill the purpose and plans of God.

My question to you is what keeps you or one humble?

Can you think of a biblical character that exemplified humbleness?

TIA!

It is great that you are studying humbleness. The lines that I bold happens a lot, more then it should. I pray that I can humble myself even more. For me I try to stay humble by thinking about people who are in a worser situation than I am. I am very blessed to be in the position I am now, whatever happened to someone else could have easily happened to me.

To me the biblical characters that exemplified humbleness are Ester, Ruth, Jesus, and Job.

 

[Laela]

Good topic.. from my personal experience, pride came before a fall or two, and I do mean a fall... like down on my knees in a humble spirit. The indicator for me was when I felt a great sense of pride/defiance... "it's not me, it's HER!..." it was time to retreat, step back, bow out, fast, whatever it took to get right with God.

Besides Jesus, of course, one of the greatest examples of humbleness I can think of right now is that Caananite woman who sought Jesus' help to heal her possessed daughter. (Matthew 15) My my my..when Jesus told her "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs" .... woah! Can you believe someone telling you that. But when she answered back "Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their master's table," she said so with such humility, it moved Him. She swallowed her pride, and as a result received a blessing... so I understand this to mean it's a great act of faith to swallow one's pride/be humbled/submit. The "let go, let God" phrase comes to mind.

There's another Scripture on being humble that's a good read: Luke 14 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (verse 11)

I will say, though, there is a thin line between arrogance and confidence...

Ladies – I plan to do a study on humbleness.

When God raises someone up to lead and richly blessed them in some cases that person can become arrogant, prideful, self-centered, and or act like a god. Their focus is no longer on serving or pleasing the Lord, but it is now self-serving and self-fulfillment. They forgot that the only reason why they received that position, title, salary, opportunity, etc. was to fulfill the purpose and plans of God.

My question to you is what keeps you or one humble?

Can you think of a biblical character that exemplified humbleness?

TIA!

 

[PinkPebbles]

It is great that you are studying humbleness. The lines that I bold happens a lot, more then it should. I pray that I can humble myself even more. For me I try to stay humble by thinking about people who are in a worser situation than I am. I am very blessed to be in the position I am now, whatever happened to someone else could have easily happened to me.

To me the biblical characters that exemplified humbleness are Ester, Ruth, Jesus, and Job.

You raised an excellent point.


During my study, I notice that true humbleness is the ability to sympathize and empathize with the needs of others.


The biblical characters that you listed definitely demonstrated these traits in the lives of others.


Thanks for sharing!

 

[PinkPebbles]

Good topic.. from my personal experience, pride came before a fall or two, and I do mean a fall... like down on my knees in a humble spirit. The indicator for me was when I felt a great sense of pride/defiance... "it's not me, it's HER!..." it was time to retreat, step back, bow out, fast, whatever it took to get right with God.

Besides Jesus, of course, one of the greatest examples of humbleness I can think of right now is that Caananite woman who sought Jesus' help to heal her possessed daughter. (Matthew 15) My my my..when Jesus told her "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs" .... woah! Can you believe someone telling you that. But when she answered back "Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their master's table," she said so with such humility, it moved Him. She swallowed her pride, and as a result received a blessing... so I understand this to mean it's a great act of faith to swallow one's pride/be humbled/submit. The "let go, let God" phrase comes to mind.

There's another Scripture on being humble that's a good read: Luke 14 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (verse 11)

I will say, though, there is a thin line between arrogance and confidence...

The Canaanite woman is a good example of humility. Wow, she was able to swallow her pride and allow herself to focus on the bigger picture. I have to remember this example Laela.


I totally agree that there is a thin line between arrogance and confidence.


Arrogance is associated with being haughty, boastful, and pretentious which is sadly mistaken for being confident.


On the contrary, confidence is one who is secure about who and what they are; yet vulnerable enough to be relatable to others without hiding behind a mask.

 

[Vonnieluvs08]

I'm not well versed in the scriptures to give you reference but Laela and Abdijz gave some good references.

What keeps me humble? The Lord, plain and simple. I am the Women's Ministry Administrator at my church and in the short time that I've held this position I have seen myself become prideful. When I say something to someone that exalts myself I have seen the Lord change something in my life and make me submit to Him or others in authority and remind me that I'm only "good" because He has gifted me in organization and administration.

Funny thing is that when I give God the glory only He deserves in what ever I'm doing He blesses my work (more help, time, grace, etc) and I find it more rewarding then ever. At the end of the day I love serving the Lord in this ministry and look forward to seeing it grow in 2011. Seeing the Lord at work in the lives of women keeps me humble.

 

[joy2day]

PinkPebbles, this is a great topic! I like Laela's example of the Caananite woman (I wrote a devotional about her a few years back, outlining this same principle). It is amazing when you think of how this woman humbled herself in the presence of the Lord, knowing Him as Lord and the One who held the healing that she needed for her child. I love her example because when you are able to really "see" yourself, you know that you really are nothing in His Presence.

In my day to day walk, what keeps me really humble is watching the homeless people in my city. I often think about these people when I pass them; what brought them to this place in their life? Who were they before this calamity befell them? Often, I pray for them and I tell the Holy Spirit, "Lord, but for your grace and mercy, go I..."

After seeing how pride and haughtiness can destroy, and has torn down so many in the Body of Christ, I have completely changed my mind about what is really important in this life. I want the heart of a servant. It is not about the size of a house or the latest car, or even wearing couture labels, not for me. So many have all of that, and then some. But look at their lives! Too much calamity and confusion.

Another scripture that helps me too, "the love of money is the root of ALL evil." I personally believe that for many of us, there is a direct correlation between loving money, pride, and all of the madness we find in the world AND the church. Unfortunately, wealthy/powerful people are among some of the most prideful people on the face of the earth. Suddenly you gain this wealth and think that "you deserve" this and "you are a self-made" man/woman. The scripture does say in Ecclesiastes 10:19 - "Money answers all things." It is when the desire for the material wealth of this world overrides the desire for humility and love for the Lord and for one another, that causes so many to trip up and fall in the ditch.

Knowing that "I can't serve two masters" I am either going to "serve God or mammon," I choose each day to go with God. We have to make the choice to humble ourselves each and every day.

 

[LifeafterLHCF]

Im no bible scholar but on a real world thought my current life keeps me humble.I have absolutely nothing to be proud of or to feel superior about.I live at home,can't find work,fat,dark,no man,no real awesome scholastic accomplishments etc..I may always be this way because even if one of the above things changes for a positive I would have still lived this way so long.I feel for ppl on the side of the road bc I have not too long ago was right there.I feel for those who are on unemployment bc Im right there with them.

For those that are proud I at times wish I could be like them bc it must be an awesome feeling but alas the thorn I have begged God to remove he won't therefore I must be joyful that in my weakness God is made even stronger.

 

[PinkPebbles]

I'm not well versed in the scriptures to give you reference but Laela and Abdijz gave some good references.

What keeps me humble? The Lord, plain and simple. I am the Women's Ministry Administrator at my church and in the short time that I've held this position I have seen myself become prideful. When I say something to someone that exalts myself I have seen the Lord change something in my life and make me submit to Him or others in authority and remind me that I'm only "good" because He has gifted me in organization and administration.

Funny thing is that when I give God the glory only He deserves in what ever I'm doing He blesses my work (more help, time, grace, etc) and I find it more rewarding then ever. At the end of the day I love serving the Lord in this ministry and look forward to seeing it grow in 2011. Seeing the Lord at work in the lives of women keeps me humble.

Vonnieluvs08 –


I so can relate. I like helping other people too which keeps me humble. I believe God plans to take me to another level, and He has put humbleness on my heart for the past two months. I’m to study, ponder it, and make sure it’s rooted in my spirit.


Thanks for sharing...May the Lord continue to grow your ministry and use you greatly!

 

[PinkPebbles]

PinkPebbles, this is a great topic! I like Laela's example of the Caananite woman (I wrote a devotional about her a few years back, outlining this same principle). It is amazing when you think of how this woman humbled herself in the presence of the Lord, knowing Him as Lord and the One who held the healing that she needed for her child. I love her example because when you are able to really "see" yourself, you know that you really are nothing in His Presence.

In my day to day walk, what keeps me really humble is watching the homeless people in my city. I often think about these people when I pass them; what brought them to this place in their life? Who were they before this calamity befell them? Often, I pray for them and I tell the Holy Spirit, "Lord, but for your grace and mercy, go I..."

After seeing how pride and haughtiness can destroy, and has torn down so many in the Body of Christ, I have completely changed my mind about what is really important in this life. I want the heart of a servant. It is not about the size of a house or the latest car, or even wearing couture labels, not for me. So many have all of that, and then some. But look at their lives! Too much calamity and confusion.

Another scripture that helps me too, "the love of money is the root of ALL evil." I personally believe that for many of us, there is a direct correlation between loving money, pride, and all of the madness we find in the world AND the church. Unfortunately, wealthy/powerful people are among some of the most prideful people on the face of the earth. Suddenly you gain this wealth and think that "you deserve" this and "you are a self-made" man/woman. The scripture does say in Ecclesiastes 10:19 - "Money answers all things." It is when the desire for the material wealth of this world overrides the desire for humility and love for the Lord and for one another, that causes so many to trip up and fall in the ditch.

Knowing that "I can't serve two masters" I am either going to "serve God or mammon," I choose each day to go with God. We have to make the choice to humble ourselves each and every day.

Amen!


Humbleness is so heavy on my heart right now. It’s a little frightening because I know that one cannot fully operate in the Will of God without possessing this trait. And my desire is to walk in the fullness of what God has in store for my life.


It saddens me to see people start off with sincere hearts and genuine motives. Yet, fall off. Pride and the lack of humility is no joke. Lucifer was cast down due to pride and he is on a mission to bring others down.


Lord, thank you for taking the veil off of my eyes….


Blessing to you Joy2day….:Rose:

 

[PinkPebbles]

Im no bible scholar but on a real world thought my current life keeps me humble.I have absolutely nothing to be proud of or to feel superior about.I live at home,can't find work,fat,dark,no man,no real awesome scholastic accomplishments etc..I may always be this way because even if one of the above things changes for a positive I would have still lived this way so long.I feel for ppl on the side of the road bc I have not too long ago was right there.I feel for those who are on unemployment bc Im right there with them.

For those that are proud I at times wish I could be like them bc it must be an awesome feeling but alas the thorn I have begged God to remove he won't therefore I must be joyful that in my weakness God is made even stronger.

GoddessMaker –


You are right; our day to day life should keep us all humble. You know why – without God’s amazing grace none of us will have anything (health, jobs, food, etc.). It’s Grace –meaning God’s provision of various resources and tools that helps sustain us.

It only takes one storm to enter into someone’s life to knock them off of their high horse. Please believe its God amazing grace that keeps us going, and makes the world go round.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[joy2day]

YESSSSS! (At the bolded)

Can you imagine: Lucifer is "son of the morning." He is chief worshiper in Heaven. The sun, the moon rise and set with his worship. God gave him a very powerful position. It was one of great influence. Angels marveled at his gifting. And then...

...One day he decided that he would "set his throne above the Throne of the Most High." He got it in his head that he would de-throne the Most High, and crown himself God. Because he was the one that the Angels marveled at. Now "he" was the one the one that caused the sun to rise and set with his worship, no longer does he see his gift has a blessing from the Lord, he actually believes that he does all that he does in his own strength...

And with that, Lucifer started a war in Heaven. Can you imagine that? He actually started a war! And convinced 1/3 of the angels in Heaven to fight with him to contend against the Most High God!

Then, God cast him and those angels out of heaven. Lucifer, who was once so beautiful. These angels, who were once so beautiful, are now satan and his band of imps.

It is so easy to get caught up believing that what you have is "your own." So many started out on fire for God. But then the accolades come. Money comes. And then more and more power and influence is introduced. Suddenly, you think you operate in your own strength. You hear a whisper, "did God really tell you not to..."

And then the fall comes.

After studying the scriptures for a number of years, I personally believe (although I can not actually back this up with scripture - someone else might be able to), that one of the reasons we go through the testing and trials that we go through here on earth is because God is never going to allow anyone in Heaven that would even get a notion of coming against him the way that Lucifer did. No, no! That will NEVER happen again.

And so, we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. And we choose to walk in humility and love. Thank God every day for every gift and talent that you have, but whatever you do, don't get it twisted...

Thank you PinkPebbles, and God Bless you!

Amen!


Humbleness is so heavy on my heart right now. It’s a little frightening because I know that one cannot fully operate in the Will of God without possessing this trait. And my desire is to walk in the fullness of what God has in store for my life.


It saddens me to see people start off with sincere hearts and genuine motives. Yet, fall off. Pride and the lack of humility is no joke. Lucifer was cast down due to pride and he is on a mission to bring others down.


Lord, thank you for taking the veil off of my eyes….


Blessing to you Joy2day….:Rose:

 

[topsyturvy86]

GoddessMaker –


You are right; our day to day life should keep us all humble. You know why – without God’s amazing grace none of us will have anything (health, jobs, food, etc.). It’s Grace –meaning God’s provision of various resources and tools that helps sustain us.

It only takes one storm to enter into someone’s life to knock them off of their high horse. Please believe its God amazing grace that keeps us going, and makes the world go round.

Thanks for sharing!

Everything you've said is what keeps me humble. Just the knowledge that without God I am nothing; I am alive in His hands and everything I am and have achieved is because of Him only, because of His grace and nothing else. I have tried going it alone and can honestly say that I am nothing without God. Also, an awareness of my weaknesses and shortfalls and how God still eternally loves me and puts up with me definitely keeps me humble.

Perfect example of humility I would say Jesus... the bible said although He is God never saw equality with God as something to be grasped (Phil 2:6). He lived a life of humility. I think also Daniel ... although God blessed him immensely, he always put God first and acknowledged Him in everything that he did, never taking credit for himself.

Great topic PinkPebbles!

 

[Laela]

PinkPebbles, here's an oft-used Scripture
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

With all what is out there in the news about the various church leaders falling, the churches going bankrupt, etc... I am convinced it's God cleaning His Church. Pride comes before the fall, but most important for me, it's a wake-up call to "jack my slack up" as a preacher once said. So despite what happens to others, there's a lesson in it for me. I really believe this is a time for sackcloth and ashes..

oh! I just remember another good biblical character example concerning pride..

Remember Balaam? The angel of the Lord had to use his own donkey to stop him. lol

He was on the road to go curse the children of Israel (a people whom God told him He had blessed). God was angry with him for asking a second time, when He had already gotten an answer not to curse those people, so God allowed him to go down this road of destruction. This man was so defiant, his own donkey couldn't stop him. Funny thing is, he was so focused on his goal (he beat the donkey three times to set it back on the road), it didn't even phase him that a donkey was talking to him..he talked right back. It was then the angel had to open his eyes to see what the donkey was seeing. So even animals can be used to humble us. If that donkey kept going, Baalam would've gotten the Sword.

So I believe God sometimes allows us to do what WE WANT to do, but there are consequences to that. It's good to submit to his will..

 

[PinkPebbles]

PinkPebbles, here's an oft-used Scripture
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

With all what is out there in the news about the various church leaders falling, the churches going bankrupt, etc... I am convinced it's God cleaning His Church. Pride comes before the fall, but most important for me, it's a wake-up call to "jack my slack up" as a preacher once said. So despite what happens to others, there's a lesson in it for me. I really believe this is a time for sackcloth and ashes.. oh! I just remember another good biblical character example concerning pride..

Remember Balaam? The angel of the Lord had to use his own donkey to stop him. lol

He was on the road to go curse the children of Israel (a people whom God told him He had blessed). God was angry with him for asking a second time, when He had already gotten an answer not to curse those people, so God allowed him to go down this road of destruction. This man was so defiant, his own donkey couldn't stop him. Funny thing is, he was so focused on his goal (he beat the donkey three times to set it back on the road), it didn't even phase him that a donkey was talking to him..he talked right back. It was then the angel had to open his eyes to see what the donkey was seeing. So even animals can be used to humble us. If that donkey kept going, Baalam would've gotten the Sword.

So I believe God sometimes allows us to do what WE WANT to do, but there are consequences to that. It's good to submit to his will..

@ the bolded is true for me too.

YES, the donkey! Laela - you have provided some good examples...thank you.

Feel free to continue posting...

 

[JinaRicci]

Great thread PinkPebbles!


What keeps me humble is knowing that I don't really deserve anything, that I mess up and God still finds a way or uses my mess to bless me. That is so humbling to me because I know without a doubt that it's nothing that I've done and nothing but His love that makes me worthy. I will never, ever understand how God loves us so much.

David to me was humble because even though he was considered brave & mighty, he acknowledged God as the source of all his strength. He was already annointed to be King and slaying his 'tens of thousands' but was content to be waiting on God, being Saul's harp player instead, putting himself in harm's way, hiding out and even passing up the chance to kill Saul & take over.

He had a lot of issues but he was open to God's correction. He never became too big for that. I love his prayer in Psalm 51. especially vs 10. Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

 

[Godyssey]

Not a Christian, but I really admire humilty. Jesus in my opinion was the epitomy of humility. I think of Jesus with so much adoration, because most in his position would be full of themselves or a braggart, but Jesus just did his thing.

Personally, when I was growing up I was so full of myself. It wasn't totally my fault though, I was raised by my grandparents (although I love them to death) who taught me to have a sense of entitlement. Like, I (we) was above others and those not on our level were "low lifes". I can't even begin to think about how many times I used that term.

When they passed and I no longer had the lifestyle that they afforded me, I went into a deep depression and felt like a loser. It took me a while to realize that regardless of what I had or didn't have, I was the same person on the inside and that's what mattered.

I no longer judge people based on their posessions or lack thereof. Knowing that I am no better than anyone else nor they me, is what keeps me humble or level headed. Knowing that everything that I have and my abilities, can dissapear at any moment helps as well. Also, the fact that I have such disdain for people who are arrogant and conceited really really helps, lol! You can be confident and still remain humble and grateful for your blessings.

Like I said, I'm not a Christian but this has always been a topic of interest for me...sorry for crashing.

 

[fifi134]

What keeps me humble is knowing that God values my life, though I am but dust. To know that of the billions upon billions of people out there, God was gracious and merciful to save me from my sins, despite the fact that I continue to stumble before Him, is a daily reminder of His everlasting love.

He's slow to get angry, and His patience never runs thin. What keeps me humble is knowing that if I were God, I wouldn't even be half as gracious nor patient as He is with me. I would have already turned my face away because of my sins, yet God does not do that with me.

 

[PinkPebbles]

Not a Christian, but I really admire humilty. Jesus in my opinion was the epitomy of humility. I think of Jesus with so much adoration, because most in his position would be full of themselves or a braggart, but Jesus just did his thing.

Personally, when I was growing up I was so full of myself. It wasn't totally my fault though, I was raised by my grandparents (although I love them to death) who taught me to have a sense of entitlement. Like, I (we) was above others and those not on our level were "low lifes". I can't even begin to think about how many times I used that term.

When they passed and I no longer had the lifestyle that they afforded me, I went into a deep depression and felt like a loser. It took me a while to realize that regardless of what I had or didn't have, I was the same person on the inside and that's what mattered.

I no longer judge people based on their posessions or lack thereof. Knowing that I am no better than anyone else nor they me, is what keeps me humble or level headed. Knowing that everything that I have and my abilities, can dissapear at any moment helps as well. Also, the fact that I have such disdain for people who are arrogant and conceited really really helps, lol! You can be confident and still remain humble and grateful for your blessings.

Like I said, I'm not a Christian but this has always been a topic of interest for me...sorry for crashing.

Hi - Please do not feel like you were crashing. You shared a wonderful word and great testimony....thank you.

 

[Laela]

..add children to my list.

That's all I can say about that.

 

[PinkPebbles]

Ladies –

I wanted to come back to this thread and add that your input and the study on humility gave me a better understanding on what it truly means to be humble. I thank the Holy Spirit for leading and guiding me in knowledge and understanding on this topic.


This study made me realize that the act of humility is a combination of learned behavior and or life experiences. Humility may come naturally for some people but most of the time it needs to be learned. Therefore, in my humble opinion I believe humility should be taught and discussed more often in the church.


I can appreciate and understand the significance of John 13:14-15 a lot better now. Jesus washed his disciple’s feet. He demonstrated the importance of humility so his disciples and all believers could model after it.


Likewise, I looked at some biblical characters and took notes on how I can apply the act of humility better in my own life.


These attributes blessed me and I wanted to come back and share with you all.


Part 1
Submissive: yielded to God’s agenda because they realized that God is the giver of every good gift.


Reverenced and acknowledged God in all of their ways because they knew greatness is not of them but through them.


Prayed and Meditated on the scriptures consistently. A renewed mind and heart allowed them to do what was pleasing to the Lord.


Served without the need to be noticed and rewarded by others.


Repented and confessed their sins to God and to one another.


Peacemaker: settled disputes/conflicts with their neighbor, family, and friends regardless of who was in the wrong.


Courageous during times of shame and distress: not too proud to ask for help.


Teachable: learned from and sought out the wisdom of others; graciously accepted truth and or correction.


Sympathized and or Empathized with the needs of others without looking down or thinking they were better.


Esteemed others higher than themselves.

Continued...

 

[PinkPebbles]

Part 2


Biblical Characters that exemplified Humility:


Jesus – Lord & Savior
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

John 13: 14:15 If I then your Lord and Master have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Matthew 9:10-11 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Matthew 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ***, and a colt the foal of an ***.

John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Philippians 2:9 -11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


Joseph

Gen. 41:14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Gen. 41:15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." Gen. 41:16 "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.

Gen. 41:39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.


Daniel

Dan. 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

Dan. 5:17 Then Daniel answered the king, "You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.

Continued...

 

[PinkPebbles]

Continued...

Bartimaeus
Mark 10:46-48 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"


Mark 10: 51-52 What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." Go, said Jesus, your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.


Hezekiah
2 Chronicles 32:26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.


Abigail
1 Sam. 25:14-29 One of the servants told Nabal's wife Abigail: "David sent messengers from the desert to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. Yet these men were very good to us.
Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master (Nabal) and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him."


Abigail lost no time. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys.


When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. She fell at his feet and said: "My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your servant speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. May my lord pay no attention to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name is Fool, and folly goes with him. But as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my master sent.

And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my master, be given to the men who follow you. Please forgive your servant's offense….


Shunammite Woman

2 Kings 4:8-10 One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, "I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let's make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us."


The Daughter of Pharaoh
Exodus 2:5-10 Then Pharaoh's daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river bank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her slave girl to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. "This is one of the Hebrew babies," she said.


Then his sister asked Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?"


"Yes, go," she answered. And the girl went and got the baby's mother. Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you." So the woman took the baby and nursed him. When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, [a] saying, "I drew him out of the water."


Joseph & Mary
Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take to you Mary your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.


The Dying Thief
Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."


Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."


Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."


Apostle Paul
Acts 20:19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.

Continued...

 

[PinkPebbles]

Continued...

Part 3 – During my study I began to realize that there are benefits in humility. When God requires us to do something it’s for a reason, and more so to help us and each other.


The Benefits of Humility:

1.Practicing humility enable us to act in love.

2.We are truly God’s eyes, ears, hands, arms, feet, and mouth-piece when we possess a humble heart; He works in and through us to help and bless others.

3.We recognize and deal with our weaknesses oppose to forming and protecting a pretentious, ungodly image.

4.We realize that we own possession but those possessions do not own us. If we lose it all, we won’t lose ourselves in the process.

5.God is quick to hearken unto, save, and deliver the humble. He gives wisdom and grace to the humble.

6.Our spirit is able to hear from the Lord and experience His Presence.

7.The humble in heart will see the kingdom of heaven.


Scripture references: 1 John 4:9-11; 1 John 4:21; 1 Peter 4:9-10; 1 Cor.12:4-7; 1 Cor. 13:4-7; Phil. 2:3-5; Job 22:29; James 4:10; Luke 18:14; 2 Chronicles 12:6-7; Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6; Matthew 5:3; Matt. 25:35-40; Ps. 10:17


I’ve learned a lot but I will continue to the study this topic because I feel that there is more that God wants me to know and learn.

 

[Laela]

PinkPebbles,

Thanks for sharing what the Holy Spirit has laid on your heart... That's very powerful statement:

Part 3 – During my study I began to realize that there are benefits in humility. When God requires us to do something it’s for a reason, and more so to help us and each other.

The timing is impeccable; so I hope you don't mind my sharing the lyrics to this song I heard on the radio this morning:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Being Small - by Jimmy Needham
Yeah, yes, oh
Why I wanna be a hurricane when I'm barely a breeze
'Cause I've already seen Your storm bring me down to my knees
Just when we think we've made it high enough
You knock us back to the ground
We're all trying to move up fast,can't see the contrast
Of how the King came down

'Cause I can't build my towers higher
And live inside Your fire, no no no no no

Whenever I climb too high
Keep my feet on the ground
And when I get full of me
Turn me upside down
You know pride and not just summer
Come before the fall
So if You that's gettin' bigger
I don't mind being small
Being small
Being small

Maybe if I shout real loud then I'll draw a crowd
And they'll finally cheer
Or maybe I should tone down, never make a sound out
Anything to draw them near
Or maybe there's more to life than trying to make a name
Even though they say it ain't so
So maybe I should step on down
Hand off the King's crown
To the guy on the throne

'Cause I can't build my towers higher
And live inside Your fire, no no no

Whenever I climb too high
Keep my feet on the ground
And if I get full of me turn me upside down
You know pride and not just summer
Come before the fall
So if You that's getting bigger
I don't mind being small

These people won't miss me
I will be out of their memories
The ground will forget me for sure
Only one is remembered
One name to be treasured
Is Yours

So now when I climb too high
Keep my feet on the ground
And if I get full of me
Turn me upside down
You know pride and not just summer
Come before the fall
Ooo
So maybe hopefully I see less of me
And more of you and its true
I'll be finally free
That's what I want after all
Yeah

Whenever I climb too high
Keep my feet on the ground
And if I get full of me turn me upside down
You know pride and not just summer
Come before the fall
So if You that's getting bigger
I don't mind being small
Being small
Being small
Being small, oh oh oh
Yeah
Being small, oh oh oh oh
Being small

TOE HEAR THE SONG>>> YouTube - Jimmy Needham- Being Small