A Story... A large silver-back gorilla jumped out of the dense forest, right in front of us. He screamed and beat his chest. Terrifying! He wanted us to go away. Our Rwandan guide told us to squat down and act submissive. I’ve never felt so submissive in my whole life. The guide motioned for us to calmly pluck leaves like a friendly gorilla.
It worked. That huge gorilla stopped screaming. Two young gorillas came into view. They began to play. Then the Mama appeared. It was a delightful happy family. We squatted on the ground plucking leaves for a long time. We didn’t dare make any other move. After a while, the family left, climbing through the trees. What an adventure! We trembled with both fear and great pleasure. Story from: Catch Your Breath
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Men and women infected with AIDS who embraced Christ taught us humility. Full of disease, shunned as cursed by evil spirits, and with no hope for better future in this world, they knew they were despicable sinners. They often said, “The only good thing about me is Christ.” “He has brought me to a good place.” When asked why they spent so long in worship, they answered, “There is nothing else worth doing.” Their passion was fervent; their joy deep.
God convicted us, their helpers. He asked, Why is your worship lukewarm? Why is your joy fickle, leaving you in suffering? The answer: we did not see ourselves as despicable sinners before a holy God. The breadth of his love and rescue was lost upon us. The Holy Spirit did a good work. He bent us low, to recognize the utter wickedness of our sin and our eyes opened to recognize the glory of God. Joy and fervent worship soared.
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Work on it: Ask the Spirit to expose arrogance. Repent and deny it life. Practice submission as the Son did to the Father. Luke 9:23
Note: Prayer with 2 or 3 others exposes roots of arrogance.
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Xtras! Good reads: Humility, Andrew Murray
Rediscovering Humility, Christopher A. Hutchinson Blacksburg, VA Pastor
* Tell someone of God’s Gospel Goodness.
* Ask someone to share their God Story.
* Join one or two in prayer for Revival.