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| Ineffability-Vincent van Gogh-The Starry Night {1889} |
06/16/2019
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The ineffable [too great or extreme to be
expressed or described in words] I AM {YHWH} has commanded His
followers for all time to be fair and just, compassionate and loyal, and to
walk humbly before Him.
But he’s already made it plain how to live,
what to do, what
God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite
simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be
compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take
yourself too seriously [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or
self-righteousness] — take God seriously. Micah 6:8
As you grow ever stronger in your walk with
the Lord allowing His ineffable love to engulf every fiber of your being; you
will be filled to overflowing from the fullness of God. It is when you allow
the Holy Spirit to purge all darkness from your life that you will truly know
what it feels like to be humble before God.
May He grant you out of the
riches of His glory, to be strengthened and
spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self,
[indwelling your innermost being and personality], so that Christ may dwell in
your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and
[securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the
saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love
[fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to
know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far
surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up
[throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the
richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded
with God Himself]. Ephesians 3:16-19
For God has unveiled them and revealed them to us through the [Holy] Spirit; for the Spirit searches
all things [diligently], even [sounding and measuring] the [profound] depths of
God [the divine counsels and things far beyond human understanding]. 1 Corinthians 2:10
When the light of the Holy Spirit comes to
dwell in your life, He will reveal to you the TRUTH of God’s Word; which will
guide you to becoming a holy humble man or woman before God.
But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He
will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His
own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the
Son], and He
will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]. He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy
Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you. John 16:13-14
As you begin this new journey
in your life of walking humbly before the Lord it is important that you
understand that God will be with you every step you take. When you finally let
go of this world and concentrate your efforts in serving in the Kingdom of God;
you will find that never changing God of Creation will be with you through all
your struggles because He is consistent, never changing, and always on your
side and He has never made a mistake.
1.
God
is on your side ~ Joshua 1:9 ~ “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and
courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
2.
God
is consistent ~ Colossians 1:15-17 ~ “He is the exact living
image [the essential manifestation] of the unseen God [the visible
representation of the invisible], the firstborn [the preeminent one, the
sovereign, and the originator] of all creation. For by Him all
things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by
His activity] and for Him. And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
[His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.]”
3.
God
never changes ~ Hebrews 13:8 ~ “Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the
same yesterday and today and forever.”
4.
God
doesn’t make mistakes ~ Deuteronomy 32:3-4 ~ “For I proclaim the name [and presence] of the Lord; Ascribe greatness and
honor to our God! The Rock! His work is perfect,
For all His ways are just; A God of
faithfulness without iniquity (injustice), Just and
upright is He.”
5.
God
is not surprised by your problems ~ Psalm 139 ~ God searches your heart and your thoughts and only He can take away
any wickedness He finds in you.
Humility has gotten a bad
reputation in recent years. Many people now think it’s a synonym for low
self-esteem. However in the eyes of God, humility is a synonym for {modesty,
humbleness, meekness, not prideful, and not vain}. Just look at Moses; he was
called the most humble man on earth in Numbers 12:3. He certainly
wasn’t lacking in assertiveness! He stood up to Pharaoh, dealt with the
rebellious Israelites and spent 40 long years doing one of the toughest jobs in
all of history.
Numbers 12:3 ~ Now the man Moses was very humble (gentle, kind,
devoid of self-righteousness), more than any man who was on the face of the
earth.
The
life of Moses is clear evidence that God’s definition of humility is different
from what the world would have us believe. Moses was absolutely certain that
God was the all-powerful creator and ruler of universe. Moses also understood
that his life, worthless as it might seem, was in some inexplicable way of
infinite importance. This paradox between being nothing and everything is the
beginning of humility.
We
should also look at the two men who never tasted death because they were so
humble that their lives represented true faithfulness and absolute obedience to
God and His Word.
Genesis
5:22-24 Enoch walked [in habitual fellowship] with God
three hundred years after the birth of Methuselah and had other sons and daughters. So, all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five
years. And [in reverent fear and obedience] Enoch
walked with God; and he was not [found among men], because God took him [away
to be home with Him].
Hebrews
11:5 By faith [that pleased God] Enoch was caught up and taken to heaven so that he would
not have a glimpse of death; and he was not found because God had taken him; for even before he was taken [to heaven], he received the
testimony [still on record] that he had walked with God and pleased Him.
2
Kings 2:11 As they continued along and talked, behold, a
chariot of fire with horses of fire [appeared suddenly and] separated the two
of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.
Matthew
17:3-13 ~ And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
talking with Jesus. Then Peter began to speak and
said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good and
delightful and auspicious that
we are here; if You wish, I will put up three [sacred] tents here—one for You,
one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was
still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the
cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased and delighted! Listen to Him!” When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were
terrified. But Jesus came and touched them and
said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no
one except Jesus Himself alone. And as they were going
down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell
anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” The disciples asked Him, “Then why do
the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He
answered and said, “Elijah is coming and will restore
all things; but I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not
recognize him, but did to him as they wished. The Son of Man is also going to
suffer at their hands.” Then
the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.
From the examples of men from
the Old Testament we learn that God is serious when it comes to walking humbly
before Him.
Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me
[following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and
humble in heart, and you will find rest [renewal, blessed
quiet] for
your souls.” {Matthew
11:29}. To be like Christ, we must
follow His example of humility. How can we learn to walk humbly with our God?
Luke 9:23 ~ And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish
interests], and
take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming
to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of
faith in Me].
Christians should be the most
humble people on earth. We should be humble because we have come to know
something of God’s infinite greatness and our own unworthiness before him. We
have come to understand that God is glorious, almighty, infinite, and
omnipotent and that we are not.
Why you should humble yourself before God
1.
Because Christ was humble and we should imitate him
In Philippians
2:5 it tells us that Christ did
not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but humbled himself to
become like us. We also should humble ourselves just as Christ humbled himself.
2.
So that God can exalt
you as he sees fit
The good news is that when
you humble yourself, God promises that he will exalt you. If you want to
receive God’s grace in a unique way, seek to consistently humble yourself in
the sight of God.
We shouldn’t need any more
reasons than this. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want God resisting me
and I need all the grace I can get. I also want to receive as much grace as possible.
How do I receive grace; by humbling myself before the Lord?
4.
Because there is
safety in humility
Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit
before a fall. It is better to be humble in
spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant). {Proverbs
16:18-19}.
5.
It honors God.
6.
Christ humbled himself
After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a
divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming
obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8
7.
God gives grace to you when
you humble yourself.
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].” So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand
firm against him] and he will flee from you. James 4:6-7
8.
Think about how fragile you
are without God
Lord, You have been our dwelling place [our refuge, our sanctuary, our
stability] in all generations. Before the mountains were born or before You had given
birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting
to everlasting, You are [the eternal] God. You turn man back to
dust, And say, “Return [to the earth], O children of
[mortal] men!” For a thousand years in Your sight
Are like yesterday when it is past, Or
as a watch in the night. You have swept them away like
a flood, they fall asleep [forgotten as soon as they are gone]; In the morning they are like grass which grows anew—In the morning
it flourishes and springs up; In the evening it wilts
and withers away. For we have been consumed by Your
anger and by Your wrath we have been terrified. You have placed our wickedness before you, Our
secret sins [which we tried to
conceal, You have placed] in the [revealing] light of Your presence. For all our days pass away in Your wrath; We
have finished our years like a whispered sigh. The days of our life are seventy
years — Or even, if because of strength, eighty years;
Yet their pride [in additional years] is only labor and
sorrow, For it is soon gone and we fly away. Who understands the power of Your anger? [Who connects this brevity
of life among us with Your judgment of sin?] And Your
wrath, [who connects it] with the [reverent] fear that is due You? So teach us to number our days that we may cultivate and bring to You a heart of wisdom.
Turn, O Lord [from Your fierce anger]; how
long will it be? Be compassionate toward Your
servants—revoke Your sentence. O satisfy us with Your
lovingkindness in the morning [now, before we grow older], That we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad in proportion to the days You have afflicted us,
And the years we have suffered evil. Let
Your work [the signs of Your power] be revealed to Your servants And Your [glorious] majesty to their children. And let the [gracious] favor of the Lord our God be on us; Confirm for us the work of our hands — Yes,
confirm the work of our hands. Psalm 90
9.
Consider your sins against
God and the unbelievable mercy He has poured out on you
But now the
righteousness of God has been clearly revealed [independently and completely]
apart from the Law, though it is [actually] confirmed by the Law and the [words
and writings of the] Prophets. This righteousness of God comes through faith in
Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and
acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, since all have sinned
and continually fall short of
the glory of God, and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin,
made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious,
undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is
[provided] in Christ Jesus, whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the
world] as a [life-giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received]
through faith. This was to
demonstrate His righteousness [which demands punishment for sin], because in
His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously
committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion]. Romans 3:21-25
For the
wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable,
overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord. Romans 6:23
But God, being [so very] rich
in mercy, because of His great and
wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our
sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor
and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment). Ephesians 2:4-5
10. Think
about how Great God is
1 Chronicles 16:25 ~ For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is also to
be feared [with awe-filled reverence] above all gods.
Psalm 47:2 ~ For the Lord Most High
is to be feared [and worshiped with awe-inspired reverence and obedience];
He is a great King over all the earth.
Isaiah 55:9 ~ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways And
My thoughts higher than your
thoughts.
Luke 1:49 ~ For He who is mighty has done great things for me;
And holy is His name [to be worshiped in His purity, majesty,
and glory].
1 Peter 1:3-5 ~ Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to
be born again [that is, to be reborn from above—spiritually transformed,
renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [born anew] into an inheritance which
is imperishable [beyond the reach of change] and undefiled and unfading,
reserved in heaven for you, who are being protected and shielded by the power of God
through your faith for
salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time.
11. Know
that you cannot control your own life
For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’
says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a
hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Proverbs 3:5
12. Realize
that EVERY good thing you have is a gift from God
Every good thing given and
every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the
Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising
or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never
changes]. James 1:17
13. Ask
forgiveness from those you have sinned against
For if you forgive others their
trespasses
[their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and
anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive
your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15
Whenever you stand praying, if
you have anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go], so that your Father who is in
heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and wrongdoings [against Him and others]. Mark 11:25
So, as God’s
own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and
well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever
injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; bearing graciously with one
another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint
against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. Colossians 3:12-13
14. Be
quick to listen and slow to speak
Understand this, my beloved
brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful
listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to
anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger
of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior
which He requires from us]. James 1:19-20
He who is slow to anger is
better and more honorable than
the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and
controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 16:32
15. Don’t
think that you are right all the time
There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of
death. Proverbs 14:12; 16:25
16. Live
a life of thankfulness
Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be
unceasing and persistent in
prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God
for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
17. Ask
for help, wisdom, and prayer
If any of
you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to
ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without
rebuke or blame, and it will be
given to him. James 1:5
The way of the [arrogant]
fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes, But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to
counsel. Proverbs 12:15
Without consultation and wise advice, plans are
frustrated, But
with many counselors they are established and succeed. Proverbs 15:22
18. Realize
that the things that bother you most about others may be things you do as well
Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as
though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly]. For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and
unrepentant], so
will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment],
judgment will
be measured to you. Why
do you look at the [insignificant] speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice and acknowledge the [egregious] log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me
get the speck out of your eye,’ when there is a log in your own eye? You hypocrite (play-actor, pretender),
first get the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take
the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5
Therefore you have no excuse or justification, everyone of you who
[hypocritically] judges and
condemns others; for in passing judgment on another person, you condemn
yourself, because you who judge [from a position of arrogance or
self-righteousness] are habitually
practicing the very same things [which you denounce]. And we know that the
judgment of God falls justly and
in accordance with truth on those who practice such things. But do you think
this, O man, when you judge and
condemn those who practice such things, and yet do the same yourself, that you
will escape God’s judgment and
elude His verdict? Romans 2:1-3
19. Serve
others
For even the Son of Man did
not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
For God is not unjust so as
to forget your work and the love which you have shown for His name in
ministering to [the needs of] the saints (God’s people), as you do. Hebrews 6:10
For you, my brothers, were
called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness,
selfishness), but through love serve and
seek the best for one another. Galatians 5:13
Just as each one of you has
received a special gift [a
spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one
another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace
[faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians
by God’s unmerited favor]. 1 Peter 4:10
20. Take
an interest in others
Do not merely look out for your own personal
interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
Be kind and helpful to one another,
tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily
and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without
guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not
tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. Be devoted to one
another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give
preference to one another in honor; never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in
the Spirit, enthusiastically
serving the Lord; constantly
rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to
prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], contributing to
the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality. Romans 12:9-13
21. Pray
consistently
Is anyone among you sick? He
must call for the elders (spiritual leaders) of the church and they are to pray
over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of
faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if
he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one
another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you
may be healed and restored. The
heartfelt and persistent prayer
of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and
made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. James 5:14-16
Be unceasing and persistent in prayer 1 Thessalonians 5:17
22. When
others compliment you, thank them, then give God the glory
Every good thing given and
every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the
Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising
or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never
changes]. James 1:7
Whatever you do [no matter
what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and
in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
So then, whether you eat or drink or
whatever you do, do all to the glory of [our great] God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
23. Rejoice
when others are promoted, praised, or honored
Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as
members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; never lagging
behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in
Christ], steadfast and patient
in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and
strength], contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing
[the practice of] hospitality. Bless those who persecute you [who
cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them]. Rejoice with those
who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing
others’ grief]. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited,
self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a
realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself. Romans 12:10-16
24. Regularly think about what Jesus Christ did
for you on the cross
You were bought with a price [you were actually purchased with the
precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20
You were bought with a price [a precious price paid by Christ]; do not
become slaves to men [but to Christ]. 1 Corinthians 7:23
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings
death] is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as
conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death
through sin, so death spread to all people [no one being able to stop it or
escape its power], because they all sinned. Sin was [committed] in the world
before the Law [was given], but sin is not charged [against anyone] when there
is no law [against it]. Yet death ruled [over mankind] from Adam to Moses [the
Lawgiver], even over those who had not sinned as Adam did. Adam is a type of
Him (Christ) who was to come [but in reverse—Adam brought destruction, Christ
brought salvation]. But the free gift [of God] is not like the
trespass [because the gift of grace overwhelms the fall of man]. For if many
died by one man’s trespass [Adam’s sin], much more [abundantly] did God’s grace
and the gift [that comes] by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow
to [benefit] the many. Nor is the gift [of grace] like that which came through the one who sinned. For on the one hand
the judgment [following the sin] resulted
from one trespass and brought condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift
resulted from many trespasses
and brought justification [the release from sin’s penalty for those who
believe]. Romans 5:12-16
For you know that you were not redeemed from your useless [spiritually
unproductive] way of life inherited [by tradition] from your forefathers with
perishable things like silver and gold, but [you were actually purchased] with
precious blood, like that of a [sacrificial] lamb unblemished and spotless, the priceless blood of Christ. 1 Peter 1:18-19
25. Make it a habit to confess your sin to God
He also told this parable to
some people who trusted in themselves and
were confident that they were righteous [posing outwardly as upright and in
right standing with God], and who viewed others with contempt: “Two men went
up into the temple [enclosure] to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The
Pharisee stood
[ostentatiously] and began praying to himself [in a self-righteous way, saying]: ‘God, I thank You that I am
not like the rest of men—swindlers, unjust (dishonest), adulterers—or even like
this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all
that I get.’
But the tax
collector, standing at a distance, would not even raise his eyes toward heaven,
but was striking his chest [in humility and repentance], saying, ‘God, be merciful and gracious to me, the [especially wicked] sinner [that I am]!’ I tell you,
this man went to his home justified [forgiven of the guilt of sin and placed in
right standing with God] rather than the other man; for everyone who exalts himself will be
humbled, but he who humbles himself [forsaking self-righteous pride] will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14
Now before you get yourself
all worked up thinking this is too much to remember; realize that we only take
it ONE DAY at a time when we live according to the Word of God {Matthew 6:34}. I have given you a lot of scripture
because I feel it is better to serve up a great meal to feed your spirit, than
to tickle your ears and leave you hungry. I pray that you let the Holy Spirit
guide you as you continue to study the Scriptures. If you will let the Holy
Spirit be your guide; He will guide you into the Truth of God’s Word.
Forever in Christ Jesus
service,
Scriptures
for further study
Numbers 12:3 ~ Now the man Moses was very humble (gentle, kind,
devoid of self-righteousness), more than any man who was on the face of the earth.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14 ~ If I shut up the
heavens so that no rain falls, or if I command locusts to devour the land, or
if I send pestilence and plague
among My people, and My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves,
and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their
wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and
heal their land.
Psalm 149:4 ~ For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.
Proverbs 3:34 ~ Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, yet He gives His grace
[His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].
Proverbs 10:17 ~ He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path
of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing], But he who ignores and refuses correction goes off
course [and for others his example is a path toward sin and ruin].
Proverbs 11:2 ~ When pride comes [boiling up with an
arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame, But with the humble [the
teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly
with God] there is wisdom and
soundness of mind.
Proverbs 12:1 ~ Whoever loves instruction and discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof and correction is stupid.
Proverbs 12:15 ~ The way of the [arrogant] fool [who
rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes, But a wise and
prudent man is he who listens to counsel.
Proverbs 15:33 ~ The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the
instruction for wisdom [its starting point and its essence]; and before honor comes
humility.
Proverbs 18:12 ~ Before disaster the heart of a man is
haughty and filled with
self-importance, But humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 22:4 ~ The reward of humility [that is, having
a realistic view of one’s importance] and the [reverent, worshipful] fear of
the Lord is riches, honor, and life.
Isaiah 53:5 ~ But He was wounded for our
transgressions, He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our
wrongdoing]; The punishment [required] for our
well-being fell on Him, And by His stripes (wounds) we are healed.
Lamentations 3:22-23 ~ It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindness that we are not consumed, Because His [tender] compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your
faithfulness.
Zephaniah 3:17 ~ The Lord your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves.
He will rejoice over you with joy; He
will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.
Matthew 11:29 ~ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My
disciple], for
I am gentle and humble in heart, and you
will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for
your souls.
Matthew 23:10-12 ~ Do not let yourselves be called leaders or teachers; for One is your Leader (Teacher), the Christ. But the greatest among you will be your
servant. Whoever exalts himself shall
be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor.
Luke 7:36-39 ~ One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat
with him, and He went into the Pharisee’s house [in the region of Galilee] and
reclined at the table. Now
there was a woman in the city who was [known as] a sinner; and when she found
out that He was reclining at the table
in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume; and standing
behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began wetting His feet with her tears, and
wiped them with the hair of her head, and [respectfully] kissed His feet [as an
act signifying both affection and submission] and anointed them with the
perfume. Now when [Simon] the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to
himself, “If this Man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of woman
this is who is touching Him that she is a [notorious] sinner [an outcast,
devoted to sin].”
Luke 14:11 ~ For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled [before others], and he who habitually humbles himself (keeps a
realistic self-view) will be exalted.
Romans 12:3 ~ For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to
everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and
ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as
God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for
service].
Romans 12:16 ~ Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty
[conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those
with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ~ He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My
lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of
the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed
and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”
Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power
of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 10 So
I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with
persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak
[in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly
drawing from God’s strength].
Ephesians 4:1-2 ~ So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal
to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that
is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal
integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your
salvation], with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness
[maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in
[unselfish] love. {The key to understanding this and other statements about
love is to know that this love (the Greek word agape) is not so much a matter of emotion as it is of doing
things for the benefit of another person, that is, having an unselfish concern
for another and a willingness to seek the best for another.}
Philippians 2:3-8 ~ Do nothing from
selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with
[an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard
others as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for
the interests of others. Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look
to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although He existed in the
form and unchanging essence of
God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the
entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped
or asserted [as if He did not
already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without
renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward
expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of
a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely
human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man]. After He was found
in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely-appointed time],
He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the
point of death, even death on a cross.
Colossians 3:12-13 ~ So, as God’s own chosen
people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved
[by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness,
and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or
unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; bearing graciously with one another,
and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against
another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.
James 4:6 ~ 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].
James 4:10 ~ 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].
1 Peter 2:21 ~ For [as a believer] you have been called
for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so
that you may follow in His footsteps.
1 Peter 3:18 ~ For indeed Christ died for sins once for
all, the Just and Righteous for
the unjust and unrighteous [the
Innocent for the guilty] so that He might bring us to God, having been put to
death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit.
1 Peter 5:5-7 ~ 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. 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, 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].
1 John 3:5 ~ You know that He appeared [in visible
form as a man] in order to take away sins; and in Him there is [absolutely] no
sin [for He has neither the sin nature nor has He committed sin or acts worthy
of blame].
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