Humility

In January 2011, I asked God a question. I had to put aside my pride to even speak the question out loud.
After all, shouldn't I know the answer to that question?
Surely I have learned this by now!?
My question?
So simple and yet so complicated according to the world I live in.

GOD, WHO ARE YOU?
As soon as I asked Him this, another question rose up and I had to say...
"GOD WHO AM I?
I am learning that one answers the other.......
This is what He is teaching me about Himself and about myself on this day, July 29th, 2011.


It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. ⁵ After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:1,3-5

When you pray for eyes to see, be prepared to see!
Who is my example, my mentor?
Who is the one I walk behind, watching carefully each step, so that I can do the same?
Who do I trust in this position of power over me?

His name is Jesus. He lived for just over 30 years, a couple of thousand years ago.
He is my example, my mentor, my Truth.

Despite the knowledge of the pain and horror of what was certain to come, Jesus chose to give more; to give in fuller measure.
Despite knowing He had the power to steer away from the pain and horror of the cross, He chose to demonstrate service at a new level, to His friends.....His disciples

He knew what His disciples needed from Him at this time in history, despite what was looming before Him.
Death was laughing at Him, He was days away from the cross, but He chose to come in the opposite spirit and reveal a greater picture of love to these men; His friends who were following His lead.
They were watching.
He revealed this love in a very vulnerable way, at a table where amongst His friends, sat an enemy.
He chose to be vulnerable and serve his enemy with the fullness(no holding back) of His love. He did not cheat His enemy of this fullness, He gave fully....freely.
He gave His enemy every opportunity to receive.

He stripped before them.
He became naked before them....vulnerable.
They had not seen Him vulnerable like this before.
He was the King of kings and He reigned over His kingdom with humilty and love, as a servant.
Love that was limitless. There is no favoritism with Him (Eph 6:9).
All present were offered the full measure of His love; all!
Never has anyone given in the way Jesus gave.
He gives and gives and gives, because of what He was given.
All things are under His power.....a gift from the Father for His beloved Son.
There is no pride or arrogance in this power, only humility.
The secret?
Jesus knew that He had come from God and was returning to God v3. Jesus knew who He was.
He lived out of His belovedness and the truth and it set Him free to be and to love with the full extent of His love.....even to His enemy.
Therefore......throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race market out for us (Heb 12:1).
Jesus is the example.
He is the One to watch.
He ran to the cross, sinless, and changed the history of the entire world and won for the Kingdom the greatest victory ever fought.
And He did it naked!!

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves therefore under God's might hand and He will lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:5b,-7

"Oh God
help me
to believe
the truth
about myself
no matter
how beautiful it is"
(M. Wiederkehr)

Have you met Jesus yet?
Are you reading this and wondering why?
Maybe today, Jesus would like to demonstrate to you the full meansure of His love for you.
Despite where you have been, you are welcome where He is.

Lord, I need you.
I admit that I don't know you.
I feel my sin and I don't like it.
You say I can give it to you and so today I want to do just that.
Will you come and forgive me of my sin and save me from it.
Will you come and enter my heart, showing me the places that are dark and bring fear into my life.
Will you come and shine your light over me.

There is a version of the Bible called "The Message" and in the message there is a plain and simple invitation from Jesus to all of us. I love the way it is written in this version of the Bible.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:28-30 Message)

May you know the "unforced rhythms of grace" today!!!!

http://youtu.be/6Cr5tgdLkSw