The Wisdom That Is From Above Is First Pure, Then Peaceable, Gentle, And Easy To Be Intreated, Full Of Mercy And Good Fruits, Without Partiality And Without Hypocrisy, And The Fruit of Righteousness Is Sown In Peace Of Them That Make Peace - Part 1813

"And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 4:8)
Likewise, we as believers in Jesus by faith are to humble ourselves "in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren ... " (James 4:10-11)

The Bible speaks about humbling ourselves before the Lord ... and He shall lift you up. In a later revision of the Bible, this same scripture states: 'Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and He will exalt you" (James 4:10)

And therefore, in so doing, be blessed not in and of yourself but be blessed because you have humbled yourself before our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- in His presence -- in the "presence of the Lord."

Yes, the message is to humble ourself before God Almighty who loved us so much that He would become flesh and shed His precious holy blood on a cross for you and I. This good news salvation message has not changed throughout time. In the Old Testament God said, "If My people who are called by My Name shall humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin ... " (2 Chronicles 7:14)

In the New Testament, citing from the parable found in Luke 18:9-14, Jesus refers to those who think themselves righteous, treating others with contempt. In fact, Jesus shares about the two men who went up into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself prays unto God saying: "God I thank you that I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and I pay tithes."

In contrast, the tax collector, standing off in the distance could not even lift his eyes to heaven. Instead he beat his breast saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner."

This parable speaks to the state of one's heart, and how it is the heart that God sees in us. And we know this because the Lord is very compassionate and of tender mercy. (James 5:11; Psalm 94:12; James 1:21-22)

In fact, every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity [abundance] of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted [implanted] Word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:17-21)

And in so doing, be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only.

Thus, why do we need to be humble? Because as the scriptures repeatedly state, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Not one of us has achieved salvation through our own works or deeds. But the good news is that we are His workmanship -- created in Christ Jesus for good works -- which God prepared beforehand that we should walk with Him. (Ephesians 2:10)

And thus, we being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, can enter into His Kingdom, wherein we personally know the King of kings and Lord of lords. We can be assured of our salvation wherein we have been saved according to His great mercy. It is He who has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading kept in heaven for you, who by God`s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Jesus said "truly I say unto you that unless you turn and become like children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4)

Therefore, while there is still time, and as Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)

Trust Jesus as your Lord God and Saviour today. Ask Jesus for His will to be fulfilled in your life. You will never be disappointed!

Stand in His offering plate.