Recently,
I felt led to ask for prayer regarding pride (related to the blog.) As I shared the request, I knew I had of
course a daily battle to mortify pride but thought I was doing pretty well with
it since I wasn’t struggling so much with obvious puffed up feelings. My deceitful
heart had not allowed me to see the depth of my problem. While wondering at the
Lord’s leading to share this request, I realized I sometimes hold back on
writing for fears of being too exposed, a fear that is rooted in a pride issue.
I
subsequently heard three sermons on pride over the course of two weeks. This
led to a though examination of my heart, leading to a painful discovery brought
about by the gentle proddings of a two edged sword. He mercifully showed me
other subtle yet dangerous ways pride had infiltrated my life.
How did
this all fit in with Thanksgiving? My most humble moments, when I’m truly in
awe of what the Lord has done in atoning for me, are also my most thankful
moments. In that state, I am also more loving to other sinners and more willing
to serve. The following article explains
the correlation between thankfulness and service. http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/giving-thanks/
I am most
thankful for Jesus, yet not thankful enough. I love him dearly yet not enough. I’m thankful for eyes to see, and pray for
grace to keep my eyes fixated on the Light that I may grow, becoming more like
the One who perfectly humbled himself in an act of love that I can only begin
to comprehend.
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.Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 6-11
God in the highest, creator of Heaven and Earth
From everlasting to everlasting only begotten Son
Perfect humility arrived by a virgin birth
Wretched men he came to save
Son of God and Son of Man, a servant yet our Master
King of kings washing sinner’s feet
Holy One of Israel, Yahweh, in likeness of sinful flesh
Thirty three years he walked among us
A man of sorrows, we esteemed him not
Humbly he took our place on the cross
Conquering death that we may live
There is no greater love than this
In heaven he reigns, our mediator
Our Lord will soon return, oh the hope before us
