Be watchful and vigilant!!

 

BE CAREFUL OF THE LITTLE THINGS TO DESTROY YOUR LIFE.* Gal.5:9.

It wasn't a mighty giant

that made King David fall,

It was just a little housewife

bathing beyond a wall... I.Sam.11:1-4. *Run away from lustful desires.*

It wasn't an army of warriors

that brought the mighty Samson down;

A few of Delilah's tricky tears

reduced the leader to nothing. Judges.16:19-21. *Run away from the spirit of deception.*

Peter boasted of devotion

beyond the shadow of a doubt,

It took a little servant girl by the fire....to take his fire out. Lk.22:55-61. *Be careful of your emotional spirit.* 

Eve's one bite of the fruit,

One backward look from Mrs Lot...

Satan's baits are tremendously tiny,

But they hide a deadly hook. Gen.3:6. Gen.19:26 *Check your disobedient spirit.*

Little foxes of gossip, impatience, anger...

Destroy your vines in a day;

Few dead flies in a perfume jar,......Yet we must throw it all away. 😫Eccl.10:1. *Run away from the sin easily beset you*

The little greed of Mr & Mrs Ananias cost their death. Act.5:1-10.  *Check up your greedy spirit, let it not strip your life.*

Little love of money in the heart of Judas Iscariot stripped him of his glorious ministry. Act.1:16-20. *Check up your motive of doing God's work.*

A little pride made Lucifer  lose the heavenly glorious position forever. Isa.14:12-15.  *Pride is a cancer, run away from it.*

So pay attention to the little things,

And be vigilant in this fight;

That roaring lion, the Satan, who seeks to devour,

Comes purring as an Angel of light. I.Pet.5:8-9

*Be watchful and vigilant 👍🏻

🌲True Christmas🎄

 

 

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love, 

I'm just another decorator. 

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love, 

I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love, 

it profits me nothing. 

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, 

attend a myriad of holiday parties

and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, 

I have missed the point. 

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss a loved one. 

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. 

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, 

but is thankful they are there to be in the way. 

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. 

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, 

pearl necklaces will be lost, 

golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure

🙏The Good Shepherd 🐑

 

Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are many reasons she may do this. If the lamb is returned to the ewe, the mother may even kick the poor animal away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind.

These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with its neck. Their spirit is broken.

These lambs are called “bummer lambs.” Unless the Shepherd intervenes, that lamb will die, rejected and alone. So, do you know what the Shepherd does?

He takes that rejected little one into His home, hand-feeds it and keeps it warm by the fire. He will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to His chest so the bummer can hear His heartbeat. Once the lamb is strong enough, the Shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock.

But that sheep never forgets how the Shepherd cared for him when his mother rejected him. When the Shepherd calls for the flock, guess who runs to Him first?

That is right, the bummer sheep. He knows His voice intimately.

It is not that the bummer lamb is loved more, it just knows intimately the One who loves it and has experienced that love one on one.

So many of us are bummer lambs, rejected and broken. But He is the good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heartbeat.

I am a bummer lamb adopted and loved by The Good Shepherd!

What is love ? True story

 WHAT IS LOVE?

Years ago,  when I lived in *Lugbe,* a suburb in *Abuja,* a number of girls lived in a building adjacent to me. They strictly lived to be picked up by men.  

The girls will *go out at night* and return the following *morning.*  I, and other neighbors were *angry.*  The girls were very noisy.  They never cared who their noise disturbed.

One day, the landlord had enough. *He evicted all of them.* Their properties were thrown out. All the girls found somewhere else to relocate, *except one.* She had no place to go.

She kept her belongings in our building corridor, and on nights that she was home, she'd sleep there... *and that was on most nights.*

The tenants in the building, *including my husband and I,* met to plan how to put her and her belongings out. *Surprisingly,* one tenant, *a woman* was against the idea. She asked, "What would you all do if this girl was *your daughter, sister or relative?"* She told us that this girl and her friends have, no doubt made *wrong choices.* But she reminded us that we too, *at some point* in our past also made wrong  choices. But God still held us close to His heart and saved us.  She cautioned us as Christians to *consider what Jesus would do.*

Everyone was quiet. But none suggested any way to help the *now homeless* lady. 

Later on, the same woman who defended her at the tenant meeting had a talk with her husband. They agreed to house the girl *in their moderate apartment.*

They invited the girl into their home and told her she could stay with them. The homeless girl was shocked when the woman said to her, *"We know what you do for a living.* And you are free to go out at night and come back the next day if that's what you choose to do. Feel free to eat our food. Use the other bedroom. It is yours *as long as you live here.* Live like one of us. We did not bring you in to judge you. But we will continue to pray for you. Hopefully, the spirit will talk to you..., *at your own time."* 

_The girl was dumbfounded._ And she cried. At nights, *she stayed home.* Going out to look for men gradually became a thing of her past. 

She would join the family for morning devotion *and go to church with them on Sundays.*

One day, the woman, *now her landlord of sorts* told her of her husband's decision to pay for her to register in a university. The lady gained admission into a university. *She graduated on top of her class* and got a good job.  But even before she graduated, with a university grant for outstanding students, *she had started a business* of her own. 

Today, when you enter her office, she has this woman and her husband's photo on the wall behind her desk. The photo has the inscription, _*" " 'My parents,' the only Christians I know''.*_

Folks, what is love? Many Christians cannot answer to this question. We resist the true essence of love.

The truth is, "Christ died for us.'' Why would a righteous man die for sinners? That's what love is.

What can you do for someone even against your intrinsic instincts?

Every one we have chosen not to forgive, deserve forgiveness.  That is the sacrifice that a true Christian, who shows true love makes. 

*Love is not the practice of loving beautiful people. True love is shown by being willing to truly love those that many look down upon.*

_*How many less fortunate people have you taken home from church after service to feed?  Why do we feed the rich, and don't feed the needy?*_

Why do we scorn people who look like prostitutes? We look at children who look unkept and we shake our heads in disapproval, warning our children to avoid such people.

But what kind of people do we think that heaven is waiting up there for? 

Let's not lose the purpose of life because of what we have almost achieved.

Can someone say of you, *"I met a true believer in you?"* 

_Copied._

🐦He not only forgives, but He forgets- 🦆Duck story🦢

 

A little boy was visiting his grandparents on their farm. And he was given a slingshot to play with, out in the woods. He practiced in the woods but he could never hit the target. And getting a little discouraged; he headed back to dinner.

As he was walking back he saw Grandma’s pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let it fly, hit the duck soiree in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved.

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the woodpile, only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch that day Grandma said, “Sally, let’s wash the dishes.” But Sally said, “Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today, didn’t you Johnny?” And then she whispered to him, “Remember, the duck?”

So Johnny did the dishes.

Later, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing, and Grandma said, “I am sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.” But Sally smiled and said, “Well, that’s all right, because Johnny told me he wanted to help.” And she whispered again, “Remember, the duck?”

So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally’s, he finally couldn’t stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he killed the duck. She knelt, hugged him, and said, “Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you.

But I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make you a slave.”

I don’t know what’s in your past.

I don’t know what one sin the enemy keeps throwing up in your face. But whatever it is, I want you to know something.

The Lord Jesus Christ was standing at the window. And He saw the whole thing. But because He loves you, He has forgiven you. Perhaps He’s wondering how long you’ll let the enemy make a slave out of you. The great thing about God is that He not only forgives, but He forgets.

-WHO IS JESUS TO YOU???

I went to an Electrician and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD..💡😊 🙌

I went to a Hunter and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied he's the LION OF JUDAH👑🙌💯

I went to a Baker and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the BREAD OF LIFE.🙌🙌💯

I went to the Doctor and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the GREAT PHYSICIAN 🙌🙌💯

I went to the Plumber and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the LIVING WATER 🙌🙌💯

I went to the Farmer and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the TRUE WINE 🙌🙌💯

I went to the Builder and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the CORNERSTONE, FOUNDATION🙌🙌💯

I went to the Gardener and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the LILLY OF THE VALLEY, ROSE OF SHARON 🙌🙌💯

I went to the Fisherman and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the FISHER OF MEN 🙌🙌💯

I went to the prison and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the PRISON BREAKER 🙌🙌💯

I went to the Miner and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the MOST PRECIOUS STONE 🙌🙌💯

I went to the Pharmacist  and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the HEALING OINTMENT  🙌🙌💯

I went to the Publisher and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the giver of GOOD NEWS  🙌🙌💯

I went to the Shepherd  and asked him
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the SHEPHERD OF MY SOUL  🙌🙌💯
I went to a KING and asked him 
: Who is Jesus?
He replied Jesus is the KING of KINGS....👑💪😊

The person I didn't meet yet is you. But now that I have meet you and you have read this post let me ask you😊
-WHO IS JESUS TO YOU???

I killed Jesus

"I killed Jesus by Christina Mead"
  
While I read the story of Christ’s passion and death in the gospel of Matthew, I was looking for myself in the story. Which character am I? What is God trying to teach me? Well….
I think that I am every character in the story of the passion and death of Christ. And I think that’s the whole point.

I am the apostle

I am an apostle, sleeping in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:40). I’m prone and give in to laziness in the presence of holiness. I don’t put up a fight against the pull of distractions or sometimes even sleep.

I am Judas

I am Judas. Jesus has every right to call me both “friend” and “betrayer” barely 30 seconds apart (Matthew 26:46, 50). My heart is fickle and weak and sometimes my commitment to being Jesus’ friend is blown off on the whim of an emotion.

I am Caiaphas

I am Caiaphas, the high priest. I want Jesus to prove Himself to me (Matthew 26:63). I want signs and wonders to know that I really can trust Him. I want my prayers answered in my way. I want concrete proof over humble faith.

I am Peter

I am Peter. Sometimes I deny Jesus (Matthew 26:72). I deny Him in the face of the homeless when I chose to look away. I deny Him when I am afraid of being judged and condemned by those around me.

I am the Crowd

I am in the crowd yelling, “crucify Him” (Matthew 27:21-23). And I say it again and again every time I knowingly choose to sin.

I am Barabbas

I am Barabbas. I am chained in sin and holed up in the prison of my own pride. And instead of suffering the full punishment for my sins for which I am guilty… Christ takes my place (Matthew 27:26). And I often forget to thank Him.

I am Pilate

I am Pilate. I want to give up when life is too challenging (Matthew 27:24). I’m ready to wash my hands of Christianity when being a follower of Jesus means pursuing virtue over mediocrity, a life of prayer over a life of pleasure.

I am Simon of Cyrene

I am Simon of Cyrene (Matthew 27:32). I suffer reluctantly. I will take the cross but I won’t seek it. I’ll only take it if it’s been placed on my shoulders… and I don’t love it.

I am passer-by

I am a passer-by. These passers-by mocked Jesus while He was hanging on the cross (Matthew 27:30). How quickly they had forgotten all the good works He had done among their cities and towns. When popular opinion about Jesus changed, they followed suite. How quickly I  forget the good He’s done for me. In a brief moment of pain all my gratitude is forgotten and replaced by resentment.

I am one of the Roman soldiers

I am one of the Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:35). I killed Jesus. My sins were the reason He was nailed to that cross. It was my fault and I know it.

But sometimes…

I am the centurion. My eyes are opened to who Jesus is in my life (Matthew 27:54). My heart swells with the truth that God became man and died for me. And this knowledge brings me peace and a resignation to amend my life.

I am one of the women standing by the cross (Matthew 27:55-56). When I’m open to God’s grace, I can be a faithful and constant Christian. In the midst of pain and suffering, I can stay close to the cross. Jesus, my beloved, is my strength and He’s all I need.

I am Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:59). Again, only by God’s grace, I can be selflessly compassionate, putting others’ needs before my own. Moved by God, I will use what He has given me in the service of others. My time, talent, and treasure are all for Him.

Sometimes I am every character in the story of the passion and death of Christ.We have to apply it to our lives today because the reality of it’s events matter today.

I killed Jesus. But I am also the reason He rose from the dead.

Who is the best planner. .?

You relax in an aeroplane though you do not know the pilot, 

You relax in a ship though you do not know the captain, 

You relax in the train without knowing the motorman,

You relax in the bus not knowing the driver,

why don't you relax in your life while you know that JESUS is its controller?

Trust your LORD JESUS. 

He is the Best Planner.

ENCOURAGING QUOTES

-Do what is RIGHT not what is Easy..

-If you are alive, you have the gift of growing. Battle after battle, you need to understand: you will get through this. That is the power of hope!

- The true mark of maturity is when somebody hurts you and you try to understand their situation instead of trying to hurt them back.

-Be thankful for the struggles you go through. They make you stronger and wiser. Don’t let them break you.

-No eye has seen
No ear has heard
No mind conceive
What heaven holds
But here and now
Let earth be found
With all our crowns
Upon Your Name

-Don't be that person people have to make happy. Walk in the room and light it up with YOUR happiness..

-We are still standing because of His Grace.

-God-given struggles don't come to stay, they come to pass. Just be patient. Wait while God works for you. -DONMOEN

-Remember no matter how broken you are or how long you've been struggling, you can still fight back and overcome ..!!

All you need to do is TRUST YOURSELF.

-So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. -Hebrews 9:28

-Sin is broken,Lost now chosen in the father's heart

-There is sowing time, be sure that there is reaping time also!

-Your best is yet to come.

-Keep the smile,
drop the tension,
feel the joy,
forget the worry,
hold the peace,
leave the pain,
and always, BE HAPPY! ☺

 -"No matter where we are, God is as close as a prayer. He is our support and our strength. He will help us make our way up again from whatever depths we have fallen." - Billy Graham

-Rejection is either God's protection or promotion. Trust the doors that He closes. - DONMOEN

-Your life never be the same. . Don't let the past to ruin your current life..

-Your life never be the same. . Don't let the past to ruin your current life..

-Don't look back. . Let the past go.. keep moving forward. .!!

-Even at the last minute a miracle can happen. So don't give up!!

-"Everything I have means nothing

JESUS if You're not my one thing

-The time is up for chasing shadows
You gave the world a light to follow
A hope that shines beyond tomorrow ..Your love goes on..!! Thank you Lord. 

-Every time you think you’re being rejected, God’s actually redirecting you to something better. Ask Him to give you the strength to press forward

-Never underestimate someone's ability to find out the truth..!!

-"Lord I give my life
Knowing I'm found in Christ"

-The reason am thankful to God is I know I won't deserve anything. . But still he gives me everything. .

-My God's not dead, he's surely alive. . He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion

-smile emoticon Pause for a moment and be grateful for what is in your hand

-No matter what comes against you, DO NOT BE AFRAID! The Lord is with you!

-When words fails, music speaks. .

-Most of the times Silence is a best Answer for all Question

-If God is there for us, then who can stand against us?

-What God knows about me is more important than what others think of me.

-For all You've given to me, for all the blessing that I cannot see 🙏🏼 With a greatful heart, with a song of praise, Thank you Lord

-Every weakness you have is an opportunity for God to show His strength in your life.

-When you're tempted to lose patience with someone, think how patient God has been with you all the time.

-“The devil knows your name and calls you by your sin, but the Lord knows your sin and calls you by your name.”

-A Mistake Which Is Not Corrected Immediately is Another Mistake.

-Never underestimate the pain of a person because , in all honesty, everyone is suffering. Some people are better in hiding than others ..

-Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

-With God, you've the power to conquer anything that comes in your way.

-"God doesn't need you, He wants you."

-You are loved.
You are wonderfully made.
You are beautiful.
You have purpose.
You are a masterpiece.
God has a great plan for you

Love,

Esther☺

heart emoticon

JESUS MEANT TO BE. ?

1) Jesus means my God

2) Jesus means my Creator

3) Jesus means Life to me

4) Jesus means my Health

5) Jesus means my Healing

6) Jesus means my Righteousness

7) Jesus means my Holiness

8) Jesus means my Strength

9) Jesus means my Wisdom

10) Jesus means my Understanding

11) Jesus means my Knowledge

12) Jesus means my Shepherd

13) Jesus means Hope to me

14) Jesus means my Glory

15) Jesus means my Honor

16) Jesus means my Savior

17) Jesus means my Provider

18) Jesus means Peace never failing

19) Jesus means Protection to me

20) Jesus means Success to me

21) Jesus means Path of life

22) Jesus means Truth to me

23) Jesus means Forgiver

24) Jesus means Father

25) Jesus means Friend forever

26) Jesus means Lover of my life

27) Jesus means Giver of my life

28) Jesus means Mother

29) Jesus means Hope of tomorrow

30) Jesus means my Anointing

31) Jesus means Care Taker

32) Jesus means Perfection

33) Jesus means Purpose of life

34) Jesus means Boldness

35) Jesus means Confidence

36) Jesus means Shield

37) Jesus means Revelation

38) Jesus means Completeness

39) Jesus means Love unfailing

40) Jesus means Joy unending

41) Jesus means Faith never failing

42) Jesus means one who paid for my sins

43) Jesus means one who took away all my sickness in his body and suffered for me

44) Jesus means "Goodness" to me

45) Jesus means Mercy unparalleled

46) Jesus means Kindness unbelievable

47) Jesus means Grace undeserved

48) Jesus means Health to my Bones

49) Jesus means Healing to my Flesh

50) Jesus means Stability to my emotions

51) Jesus means purifier of my thoughts

52) Jesus means Brightness of my eyes

53) Jesus means my Physician

54) Jesus means Supplier of my money

55) Jesus means my Bread

56) Jesus means my Water

57) Jesus means "Love of my life"

58) Jesus means Trust

58) Jesus means Compassion

59) Jesus means Supernatural

60) Jesus means Destiny

61) Jesus means Reward

62) Jesus means "Fruit of Life"

63) Jesus means Resident forever in Me

64) Jesus means he who compels me Love Godliness

65) Jesus means he who compels me Love others

66) Jesus means he who compels me walk in Righteously

67) Jesus means he who follows me everywhere I go

68) Jesus means he who leads me safe when I choose to follow

69) Jesus means he who never get's sick of me

70) Jesus means he who never get's tiered of me

71) Jesus means he who never get's frustrated with me

72) Jesus means he who always there for me

73) Jesus means Giver of ONLY good things.

74) Jesus means Never violator of my will

75) Jesus means he who values my choice

76) Jesus means he who stands for my decision

77) Jesus means he who listens to my stories

78) Jesus means he who can change the my future anytime

79) Jesus means he who set me on right path anytime I call on him

80) Jesus means my eternal security

81) Jesus means he who guards me day

82) Jesus means he who watches over me in night

83) Jesus means he who heals my wounds

84) Jesus means he who Encourages me

85) Jesus means he who puts me ahead

86) Jesus means he who wants me win

87) Jesus means he who fights for my victory

88) Jesus means he who wiped away my tears

89) Jesus means he who knows me inside out

90) Jesus means he who cloths me with splendor

91) Jesus means he who lifts up my head where it matters

92) Jesus means he who never sleeps

92) Jesus means he who never forgets me

93) Jesus means ever present help

94) Jesus means my true companion

95) Jesus means Beauty I put on

96) Jesus means merriness in my heart

97) Jesus means refreshing to my soul

98) Jesus means energy to my body

99) Jesus means my Promotor

100) Jesus means to me "a love song"

101) Jesus means Unlimited

102) Jesus means Nothing is Impossible

103) Jesus means my Lord.

Victory belongs to Lord

VICTORY BELONGS TO THE LORD!

Are you in a fear 😱, how the day is going to be??? Or How u gonna face the day and solve the problems?? Or How u gonna face your higher authority?? etc whatsoever....

  Don't fear, when Jesus is near you. As the scripture says, "The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:14.Amazing Biblical truth that is very encouraging 🙏🏽

When *GOD* created the *fish,* 
*HE* spoke to the *sea,* 

when *GOD* created *trees,* 
*HE* spoke to the *earth,* 

but when *GOD* created *Man,* *HE spoke to Himself.*
*_Then GOD said, “Let US make Man in Our image, according to Our likeness._*

If you Take a *fish* out of the *water*, it will *die* and when you take a *tree* off the *earth,* it will also *die*. Similarly, when *Man* is *disconnected* from *GOD,* he *dies.*

*GOD* is our *natural environment.* We are created to *live in HIS presence.* *We must be connected to HIM because only in HIM there is Life.*

STAY CONNECTED TO GOD.

Remember...
*GOD without Man is still GOD but Man without GOD is Nothing*.

Today keep believing this verse and ask Jesus to fulfill it in ur doings, surely you will see all your problems getting solved. Fear will flee away from you and hope in Jesus will strengthen you and you will have complete peace in your heart. But be faithful in Jesus and truthful in ur doings. Have a peaceful day ahead 😊

  Jesus be with you and Bless you 💐

Love, 
Esther

What a wonderful designer...@!!

Human body's ability to repair wounds.

 AMONG the numerous mechanisms that make human life possible is the body’s ability to heal wounds and regenerate damaged tissue. The process begins as soon as an injury occurs.

Consider: The healing process is made possible by a cascade of complex cellular functions:

Platelets adhere to tissues around a wound, forming a blood clot and sealing damaged blood vessels.
Inflammation protects against infection and removes any “debris” caused by the injury.
Within days, the body begins to replace injured tissue, make the wound contract, and repair damaged blood vessels.
Finally, scar tissue remodels and strengthens the damaged area.
Inspired by blood clotting, researchers are developing plastics that can “heal” damage to themselves. Such regenerating materials are equipped with tiny parallel tubes containing two chemicals that “bleed” when any damage occurs. As the two chemicals mix, they form a gel that spreads across the damaged areas, closing cracks and holes. As the gel solidifies, it forms a tough substance that restores the material’s original strength. One researcher admits that this synthetic healing process currently under development is “reminiscent” of what already exists in nature.

What do you think? Did the body’s ability to repair wounds come about by evolution? Or was it designed?

Love,
Esther

DON'T GO HUNTING FOR HONOR

There's a story told of a famous man called Principal Cairns, who was so humble that he would never even enter a room first. He would always stand aside and say to his companions, "You first. I'll follow."

On one occasion this man was among the honored guests at some public event. As he stepped onto the platform, the audience saw Cairns and erupted in applause. Upon hearing their applause, he stopped in his tracks. He motioned for the man behind him to go first, assuming that the clapping and cheering was for that man. He then stood back and joined the applause. He never dreamed the applause could be for him.

Of course, such sincere humility impressed people and brought even greater honor to Principal Cairns. That's sort of what Jesus meant when he said, "The proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored" (Luke 14:11). When you act like you think you're big and important, it can be embarrassing to find out that you're not as big or not as important as you thought. But when you're humble enough to let other people get the applause and attention, you may be surprised at how much people appreciate you and honor you.

Hunters will tell you that it's better not to peer into the woods and brush, trying to see a deer (or whatever it is you're hunting); instead, you should keep a wide field of vision, not trying to focus too tightly on anything, because it's easier to see small movements out of the corner of your eye. In other words, the harder you look, the less likely you are to see what you're looking for. It's kind of the same with humility and honor. If you go hunting for compliments or applause, you're less likely to get it; but if you're not looking too hard, you might be surprised at the honor that will come your way.

REFLECT: Jesus was a guest in a Pharisee's house when he spoke the words found in Luke 14:7-11. To find out a little more about the Pharisees (and Jesus' views on pride and position), see Matthew 23:1-12.

Do you ever "go hunting" for compliments? for attention? for applause? Do you want to be more like the guests at the banquet (in Luke 14), who competed for position, or like Jesus, who "did not demand and cling to his rights as God [but] made himself nothing" and humbled himself (Philippians 2:6-7)? What are some ways you can do that?

ACT: Try to imitate Principal Cairns today by letting others enter a room before you, perhaps even telling them, "You first. I'll follow."

PRAY: "Lord, forgive me for the times when I've demanded my rights."
Luke 14:7-11
Luke 14:7-11 KJV

7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.

10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that


Love,
Esther