Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
…and then went on in verse 16 – Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
So, we ask you… is the life you are living representative of how our Lord taught you the live? Are you expressing kindness, compassion and humility in your everyday life… and loving your neighbor as He loved us?
Sure, we understand the things that you may do: the books or magazines you read, the music you listen to and the television or movies you may watch seem okay to you but what are you saying, by your actions, to those around you?
A poetess by the name of Lois Blanchard Eades, from Dickson, Tennessee, wrote a poem that we think you all should read. How would you honestly answer the questions she poses.
If Jesus Came to Your House
If Jesus came to your house, to spend a day or two – If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do. Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room to such an honored Guest, And all the food you’d serve to Him would be the very best, And you would keep assuring Him you’re glad to have him there – That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare.
But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door With arms outstretched in welcome, to your heavenly Visitor? Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they’d been? Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn’t heard? And wish you hadn’t uttered that last, loud, hasty word?
hiding the bad things
Would you hide your worldly music & put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about? And I wonder – if the Savior spent a day or two with you, Would you go right on doing, the things you always do? Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?
crazy music
Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace? And would your find it hard each meal to say a table grace? Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read, And let Him know the things, on which your mind and spirit feed? Would you take Jesus with you, everywhere you’d planned to go? Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so?
family dinner
Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends? Or would you hope they’d stay away, until His visit ends? Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone? It might be interesting to know the things that you would do If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you.
saying goodbye
Thank you for the poem Lois, it really does make a good point. As Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is our responsibility to live our lives the way He taught us to live. Each and every day, we should be focused on what is good; what is right; what can bring glory to God.
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.
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** Poem By Lois Blanchard Eades and article by Sunrise Chapel Church / Photo by George Becker
Humility is a core virtue that lies at the heart of a life devoted to God. It is the opposite of pride, which exalts self and separates us from God and others. Instead, humility draws us closer to God, allowing us to serve others and grow spiritually. The Bible consistently highlights humility as a hallmark of Christlikeness, urging believers to embrace it in their daily lives.
This article explores 15 characteristics of humility as seen in Scripture, offering practical insights into how we can cultivate this transformative virtue. Through these traits, we learn that humility is not weakness but a powerful reflection of trust in God, love for others, and obedience to His will.
1. Dependence on God
Humility begins by acknowledging that we are utterly reliant on God for strength, guidance, and provision. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart, not leaning on our understanding. A humble heart seeks God’s will daily, knowing that apart from Him, we are powerless (John 15:5). This dependence fosters prayerfulness and a deep relationship with God.
2. Selflessness
A humble person considers others’ needs as more important than their own (Philippians 2:3-4). Selflessness mirrors Jesus, who humbled Himself to serve humanity by dying on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). This selflessness is seen in acts of kindness, generosity, and sacrificial love for others.
3. Repentance and Teachability
Humility involves recognizing our mistakes and seeking God’s forgiveness. King David demonstrated this in Psalm 51, where he repents sincerely after his sin. Furthermore, humility makes a person open to correction and instruction. Proverbs 9:9 says, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser.” A teachable spirit reflects trust in God’s wisdom over our own.
4. Gratitude
Gratitude flows naturally from a humble heart that acknowledges God’s blessings. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 commands us to give thanks in all circumstances. This gratitude shifts our focus from entitlement to appreciation, fostering contentment and joy in God’s provision.
5. Modesty
A modest person does not seek to glorify themselves or elevate their achievements. Romans 12:3 reminds us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. Modesty is reflected in speaking, dressing, and behaving in ways that draw attention to God, not self.
6. Submission to God
Submitting to God requires surrendering our desires and ambitions to His authority. James 4:7 urges us to submit to God and resist the devil. This involves trusting His plans and obeying His Word, even when it is challenging or countercultural.
7. Submission to Others
Ephesians 5:21 calls us to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. This mutual submission fosters harmony in relationships, whether in marriage, friendships, or community. It reflects a willingness to put others’ needs above our own and honor their perspectives.
8. Trust in God’s Justice
A humble person refrains from seeking revenge or vindication. Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.” Trusting in God’s justice requires humility to let go of the need for control and trust that He will make all things right.
9. Gentleness and Meekness
Gentleness, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23), is a hallmark of humility. It involves responding to others with kindness and restraint, even when provoked. Jesus described Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29), setting an example of how to treat others with compassion and patience.
10. A Listening Ear
Humility is demonstrated by a willingness to listen to others and value their input. James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” A humble person doesn’t dominate conversations but instead seeks to understand and learn from others.
11. Obedience to God
Obedience is an act of humility, as it requires surrendering our will to God’s commands. Jesus exemplified this in His prayer at Gethsemane, saying, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Obedience shows trust in God’s wisdom and love.
12. Patience
Humility fosters patience by trusting God’s timing and enduring trials without complaint. Colossians 3:12 encourages believers to clothe themselves with patience, along with compassion, kindness, and humility. Patience reflects a heart that is at peace with God’s plan.
13. Willingness to Forgive
Forgiveness is a key characteristic of humility. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to forgive others as Christ forgave us. A humble person recognizes their own need for forgiveness and extends the same grace to others, breaking the cycle of bitterness and resentment.
14. Avoid Boasting
A humble person avoids boasting about their achievements or possessions. Jeremiah 9:23-24 says, “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength… but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know Me.” Humility directs attention to God rather than self.
15. Servanthood
Servanthood is one of the clearest expressions of humility. Jesus demonstrated this when He washed His disciples’ feet, saying, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:14-15). A humble person willingly serves others, finding joy in meeting their needs without seeking recognition.
Conclusion
Humility is a transformative virtue that aligns us with God’s heart and helps us reflect Christ in our daily lives. These 15 characteristics—dependence on God, selflessness, repentance, gratitude, modesty, and more—provide a roadmap for cultivating humility. By embracing these qualities, we can glorify God, deepen our faith, and strengthen our relationships with others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for teaching us the beauty of humility through Your Word and the example of Jesus Christ. Help us to embody these 15 characteristics in our lives, that we may serve You faithfully and reflect Your love to those around us. Shape our hearts to be humble, patient, and kind, always seeking Your will above our own. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” – Acts 1:8
In the realm of spirituality, the Holy Spirit is central to the Christian faith. Jesus promised His followers that the Holy Spirit would come to empower, guide, and comfort them. However, alongside this divine presence, various counterfeits emerge, often masquerading as spiritual guides. This article explores these counterfeits through the teachings of Jesus, emphasizes the importance of discerning the authentic work of the Holy Spirit, and provides guidance on how to receive the Holy Spirit.
Understanding the Holy Spirit
Before diving into the counterfeits, it’s essential to grasp the significance of the Holy Spirit in the words of Jesus. In John 14:16-17, Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
Jesus’ promise indicates that the Holy Spirit is not just a passive force but an active presence in the lives of believers. He provides:
• Power: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
• Wisdom: In John 16:13, He reassures us, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”
• Comfort: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18).
• Guidance: “The Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26).
The Third Person of the Trinity
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity, which consists of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This divine relationship emphasizes the unique roles each person plays in the believer’s life. While the Father is the Creator and the Son is the Redeemer, the Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, and Guide, actively working in the hearts of believers to bring about transformation, empowerment, and intimacy with God.
The Nature of Counterfeits
Counterfeits of the Holy Spirit can take many forms, appearing attractive and persuasive. They can lead individuals away from genuine experiences of God’s Spirit. Jesus warned about these deceptions in Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Here are some common types of counterfeits:
1. Self-Exalted Leaders
Some individuals position themselves as spiritual authorities, demanding devotion and submission. Jesus cautioned against such leaders in Matthew 23:1-3: “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.’” Authentic spiritual leaders will always direct individuals to Christ rather than seeking power for themselves.
2. Philosophical and New Age Teachings
Many have turned to philosophies and New Age teachings that blur the lines between spirituality and self-help. Jesus emphasized the importance of truth in John 8:32: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” True empowerment comes through the Holy Spirit, not through self-derived philosophies.
3. Oracles and Mediums
Throughout history, people claiming to have insights into the spiritual realm have attracted followers. Jesus warned against seeking guidance from such sources. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, it is written, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead.”
4. Emotional Manipulation
Some religious gatherings may rely on emotional manipulation, creating an atmosphere that seeks to provoke spiritual experiences without the genuine work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus emphasized the importance of true worship in John 4:24: “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Genuine encounters with the Holy Spirit produce lasting transformation.
How to Receive the Holy Spirit:
Receiving the Holy Spirit is a vital step for every believer. Jesus invites all who seek Him to experience this life-changing gift. Here’s how you can receive the Holy Spirit according to the teachings of Jesus and the Scriptures:
1. Be Saved: A Born-Again Christian
The first step to receiving the Holy Spirit is to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. In John 3:5, Jesus states, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Being saved means acknowledging your need for Jesus, repenting of your sins, and accepting His grace and putting your faith in Him.
2. Ask with Faith
In Luke 11:13, Jesus assures us, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” This verse emphasizes that receiving the Holy Spirit involves asking God in faith, believing that He desires to give you this gift.
3. Pray for the Holy Spirit
Here is a heartfelt prayer you can pray to God from your heart to receive the Holy Spirit:
Prayer
GraciousFather, I come before You in the name of Jesus. Thank You for the gift of salvation and for loving me so deeply. Today, I humbly ask for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, You are welcome in my heart. Fill me with Your power and presence, From the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I open my heart to receive all that You have for me. Transform my life and lead me in Your ways. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, amen.
4. Receive by Faith
After praying, it’s important to receive the Holy Spirit by faith, trusting that God has heard your prayer. In Acts 2:38-39, Peter proclaimed, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.”
5. Live in the Spirit
Once you have received the Holy Spirit, embrace your new life. Galatians 5:16 encourages us: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Living in the Spirit involves daily reliance on God, prayer, and obedience to His word.
Recognizing the Authentic Spirit
To discern the genuine work of the Holy Spirit, believers must develop a close relationship with God through prayer, scripture, and community. Here are some ways to ensure one is attuned to the authentic voice of the Holy Spirit:
1. Scriptural Alignment
The Holy Spirit will never contradict the teachings of Scripture. Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Engaging regularly with the Bible helps believers understand God’s character and will.
2. Fruits of the Spirit
Evaluate spiritual experiences based on the fruits they produce. In Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus teaches, “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? … Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” True encounters with the Holy Spirit lead to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
3. Community Confirmation
Engaging with a community of believers provides support and confirmation. Jesus emphasized the importance of community in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Spiritual experiences are often affirmed within a church body.
4. Prayer for Discernment
Believers should actively seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in their lives, asking for discernment to recognize true spiritual authority and protect themselves from counterfeits. In James 1:5, we are assured, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Conclusion
In a world filled with spiritual counterfeits, the call to recognize and embrace the authentic work of the Holy Spirit is more critical than ever. Jesus reassures us in John 10:10: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” By grounding ourselves in Scripture, nurturing our relationship with God, and fostering community, we can confidently navigate the spiritual landscape and receive the transformative power the Holy Spirit offers. Remember, the Holy Spirit is the key to living that abundant life in truth and power, guiding us away from the deceivers and into a deeper relationship with God.
“If we have a terrible angry heart, God would rather have us focus on being delivered from anger than to set ourselves to read the Bible an hour every day”
“It’s better to pursue humility, than to be a proud evangelist”
“In God’s eyes a pure hearted widow’s penny is worth more, than a proud Pharisee’s bag of money”
“We can joyfully live in the freedom knowing that God is not pressing all these things on us – always telling us “do more, do more, do more, not good enough, not good enough.” He wants us to spend our energy and our thoughts on obedience in the inward life.”
Full Article
1 Samuel 15:22 “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams”
SAUL
1 Samuel 15 explains why the first king of Israel (king Saul) lost his kingdom. God told him to defeat the Amalekites and “utterly destroy them and all they have” (v3). He didn’t do that. Instead, he defeated the Amalekites but spared their king, and spared many nice goods that they had with a plan to sacrifice them to the Lord. The worst part was, he thought that he was pleasing God by doing this! (v17). He must have felt so proud with an intention to sacrifice all those nice things to God. But then Samuel the prophet came along with a surprising rebuke – “obedience is better than sacrifice” (v22). We go on to read that this is when God decided to take away the kingdom from Saul.
A MISCONCEPTION OF WHAT IT IS TO PLEASE GOD
Like Saul, it’s possible that we can have a wrong concept of what’s pleasing to God and what isn’t. It’s possible that we are laboring in this Christian life to live for God in a way that isn’t the best and may even be disobedient altogether. In this Christian “race” we are running, we should be sure we are running toward the right goal. We should be much more focused on the goal of obeying God (inwardly from the heart), rather than sacrificing many things to Him (externally with many works).
EXAMPLES
Inward obedience is what God wants us to focus on. If we have a terribly angry heart, God would rather have us focus on being delivered from anger than to set ourselves to read the Bible an hour every day. How many Christians set themselves to be delivered from anger? I don’t know the number but I’m pretty sure it’s far less than the number who commit to reading the Bible daily! There’s no command from God to read the Bible daily, but Ephesians 4:30 tells us to put away all wrath. That’s an example of God desiring inward obedience over outward sacrifice.
If we have been living this Christian life for any period of time, chances are we’ve attempted to please God in many different ways like this. And we may have felt for a time that we were pleasing Him by doing many works. We may have felt very “productive” evangelizing and spreading the gospel, proving unbelievers wrong, tithing, serving five days a week in church, sticking to a prayer list… and many other external things. And not all these things are bad. Many of them are good. But what a pity if for so many years we’ve been most excited about those things and missed the thing that God wants us to focus on most; inward obedience of the heart – where we are progressing in the Christian life and our hearts are becoming more and more to be like Jesus’ heart. (1 John 3:3). “And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
It’s better to pursue humility, than to be a proud evangelist. It’s better to seek God for deliverance of a hateful heart toward some brothers and sisters in church than to serve them with a hidden bitterness. It’s better to give only a little money to the church, but be ‘rejoicing in the Lord always’ than to give a large bag of money every month, but at the same time have constant dissatisfaction with God and the Christian life.
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN INWARD OBEDIENCE AND OUTER SACRIFICE
I’m not sure why I have so often in the past had a wrong conception of what really pleases God. The Bible makes it very clear that God is not focused on the external but the internal:
(Romans 14:17) “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
(1 Samuel 16:7) “God does not look on the outward appearance but on the heart.”
(Matthew 23:26) “First clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.”
(Hosea 6:6) “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”
(1 Samuel 15:22) “To obey is better than sacrifice”
(Psalm 51:16-17) “For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”
I suppose that for myself it has been very easy to miss it, because in the past I have judged a successful Christian life by what looks ‘productive’ and the concrete results I could see. But as I am growing in the Lord and getting to know His heart, I am seeing more that what is admirable in His eyes is not what is admirable in the eyes of men (Isaiah 55:8-9). Men look at ‘results’ (sacrifice), but God looks on the heart (inward obedience).
Going back to the example of king Saul – if we read the chapter carefully we can see that the problems of his inward heart were the cause of his downfall:
(1 Samuel 15:17) Samuel said, “Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel
(1 Samuel 15:24) Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice.
Verse 17 makes it clear that king Saul once had humility (he once was little in his own eyes), but then lost it and became proud. Verse 24 makes it clear that he was a slave to the fear of men. His inward sins of the heart (pride, and the fear of men) were ultimately caused his downfall. No outward sacrifice could make up for this. He would have done much better to judge himself inwardly and work with God on that first, rather than focusing on doing so many things for God. And we would too.
FREEDOM FROM GUILT
A wonderful benefit I have gained from this truth which has brought much joy to my walk with the Lord is that since God is not as concerned about these outward things, that I don’t have to feel guilty if I am not able to keep them up as I’d like. I don’t have to condemn myself if I’ve missed my morning time in the Word, or if I forgot to pray for a brother or sister. What a joy to see that God is so easy on us! This freedom from guilt and condemnation in these areas helps me to focus with more joy on cleansing myself inwardly. Unlike Martha, we don’t have to feel like we have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders so that we can be “productive” for the Lord (Luke 10:40-42). We can joyfully live in the freedom that God is not pressing all these things on us – always telling us “do more, do more, do more, not good enough, not good enough.” He wants us to spend our energy and our thoughts on obedience in the inward life.
To clarify – it’s not that we should be undisciplined in our devotional time with the Lord, or be unproductive for the Lord. But in His eyes, if we focus more on cleansing ourselves inwardly then we will actually be much more productive for Him! How is that possible? It’s possible because in God’s eyes a pure widow’s penny is worth much more than a proud Pharisee’s bag of money (Luke 21:1-4). Our small works done for God with the right heart are worth much more to Him than many works done with inward sins – wrong attitudes, pride and such things.
Do your best, but don’t compare yourself to anybody, and don’t see God as looking down on you with disappointment over these things if you fall short. Jesus came to “set the captives free.” (Luke 4:18) God meant to set us free from sin, but He also meant to set us free from guilt! Don’t forget to claim God’s promise of freedom from sin without also claiming freedom from guilt, or you may find the Christian life very burdensome and discouraging. Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). If your walk with God is not restful, then you must be carrying some false weight which God does not want you to carry.
THE CHURCH GOAL
I am thankful that I have been blessed with many brothers and sisters who I believe have this same goal (of cleansing ourselves inwardly), who are in my church. It helps me to keep focused on this same goal. And I really didn’t get this goal until I was in fellowship with such people.
I’m not sure if our church family considers ourselves to have a list of ‘church verses’ which define us, but if we did, it would definitely contain Romans 8:29 – “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.”
The goal which we are aiming to run toward is cleansing ourselves inwardly so that we will be conformed to the image of Jesus. We believe that evangelism is good, and helping the poor is good, and serving the church is good, and giving money is good… But we are most excited about inward purity and obedience to God in our hearts. I believe this is what it means to focus on obedience rather than sacrifice. I encourage everyone to fellowship with the people who have a passion for this same goal, and not primarily on external things which many churches these days can be occupied with.
