NOTES: The Rotten Fruits Of Pride by Hephzibah. 7/21/24
Thank You, Father, in Heaven above.
"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 14:11 NLT
Dear Hephzibah, this letter is beautiful, wonderfully complete, and truly nourishing to the soul. Thank you, well done.
Lovers of self, defined by many words.
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be.
lovers of self,
lovers of money,
proud,
arrogant,
abusive,
disobedient to their parents,
ungrateful,
unholy,
heartless,
unappeasable,
slanderous,
without self-control,
brutal, not loving good,
treacherous, reckless,
swollen with conceit,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
having the appearance of godliness,
but denying its power. Avoid such people" 2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV
There's a big difference between loving oneself (pride) (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV) and being humble (Philippians 2:7-8), which are opposites.
Christ Jesus, the greatest example of humility.
"Instead, he gave up his divine privileges
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal's death on a cross."
Philippians 2:7-8 NLT
A simple prayer of faith.
Oh, LORD, forgive us of our pridefulness, one of the many sins that blind us and lead us astray from Your presence. Oh GOD, now create within us hearts of humility and obedience, enabling us to do those things You desire, those things that will honor and exalt You as the LORD Almighty, who is Sovereign over all, in Jesus' Holy Name we proclaim, in the Name which is above all Names we pray this day. Amen
Colossians 3:12-17 "ESV Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Amen! Thank you James, for such a relevant & significant prayer as well as noteworthy scriptural verses too. May they all seep into our hearts and minds being washed and renewed in the spirit of our minds in Christ Jesus.
Heavenly father,
create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Put within me and continue to develop an emotionally pure mind. The mind of Christ,
casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of You God, and help me in bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; Putting on the new self in through and by your Holy Spirit. I repent of any and all pride may it be crucified and be put to death in all it's forms and please forgive me father for when I have been prideful, and displayed exhibited the spirit of pride against another, and may they be able to forgive me too, and even when I have entertained or had prideful thoughts cross my mind. I know only you can help me father to overcome pride, so I ask please help me, I know all things are possible to the one who believes and all things are possible with You abba, and I can do all things through Christ Jesus whom strengthens me. Please help me identify when pride is occuring in my mind and heart and to not allow it to take over, may that spirit of pride in all its vanity & futulity be destroyed, rooted out and removed, so only the spirit of humility and meekness which is far more powerful & stronger will only constrain & weaken pride, that modesty selflessness & self sacrifice of Christ Jesus remain and be brought forth in my life, personality and being, & in all my reactions responses & dealings with others. Enabling me to exemplify Jesus in that specific area effectively father. Thank you father for being the hearer of prayer! May You bless each and everyone of your servants as I ask this prayer for the whole body of believers of Christ. Continue to bless and fill brother James with your overwhelming presence Spirit and love in abundance and overflowing. Thank you For your lovingkindness forgiveness grace and mercies that are new each and every day! Amen.
I ask God everyday to help me be calm, loving and supportive to others. My husband and I are self employed window cleaners and so we go to a different house most days. There are a couple people that I'm like a counselor to, and my husband appreciates that about me. The more I share my faith, the more people gravitate towards me. We need to be salt and light!
That's wonderful you do that Deb! I used to be a window cleaner too in my mid to late twenties with my former husband. There's nothing quite like white vinegar and fairy washing up liquid in warm water with the wide mop and squeegee to leave them windows sparkling! Leaded square windows were the worst!!! I'm so thankful heavenly father is utilising you on your rounds to be such an inspiration and blessing to others you are coming in contact with, in also being available as a listening & active presence, offering hope & sharing the good news about Jesus and offering his wise & Godly counsel.
We are indeed the salt and light. Salt not only enhances the flavour of food but is also a preservative, it also cleanses and disinfects wounds and helps in bringing healing to them.
when God calls His children salt, He teaches us that His purpose is in making us the subjects of His grace & that we may become agents in saving others. the love of Christ is diffusive and aggressive. Salt must be mingled with the substance to which it is added; it must penetrate and infuse in order to preserve. So it is through personal contact and association that others are reached by the saving power of the gospel. They are not saved in masses, but as individuals, one person at a time and through much patience. Personal influence is a powerful component in blowing forth Gods seeds like dandelion seeds being blown in the wind, but it is the holy spirit wind that distributes and gets planted into others hearts, especially if the soil.of their hearts is right. We must come close to those whom God desires to benefit.
When the love and fruits of God is dwelling in us it will flow out to others. Our unselfish interest and love will want to warm and melt the hearts of those around us. We do not do this by our own efforts, but rather the Holy Spirit accomplishes this in our hearts and in the lives of those around us. Our personal walk with God and Christ Jesus is not just about us, it is also about all those who we come into contact with and the influence we may have on them. Jesus is the light of the world. (John 1:4; 8:12; 9:5)
So we reflect His light. The life of Christ in our souls causes His love to be revealed in our characters making us the light of the world. We have no light in and of ourselves. It is not our light but Jesus’ light reflected in us, refracted shining dawning upon others and are evidence of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us for the benefit of those around us.
Jesus is the great source of illumination for the entire world, however, He chooses to be revealed through his human worshippers, servants, disciples of followers. Jesus came to reveal the Father, and now we are sent to reveal Jesus to the world.
Mixing salt and light together creates an incredible chemical reaction and brings forth spirit and life to the hearer. Mostly nearly all life in earth depends on light, hence human beings depend upon God's true light of the word that became flesh that he sent upon the earth in the form of his only begotten son Jesus his express image of the invisible God as visible and of the only way to salvation and that many through him might be saved.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Thanks H, for your encouragement that a Huge part of my life.
I appreciate your Love ❤️
I belong to a Christian online family of others praying & being supportive towards one another. Also we pray for this dying nation and world . It called Olive Tree Ministries with Jan Markell. On Telegram, once you join her channel, also allows you to become a member of the Chat . I invite to join us , the more people who hold to sound doctrine of Jesus Christ the better. I actually was thinking of posting your article in the Chat it was so well written.
So to answer maybe one of your questions my desire is that no one be Left Behind! So my mission is to Witness to as many people the Lord puts in my Path. And pray pray Pray 🙏 Look forward to meeting you and all the Saints in Our Heavenly Home 😁
Important topic Pride. I try to look in side myself, and can believe there is some type of pride in my life . I was born a sinner, bin forgive bye the Blood, but still have that sin nature. I’m in Love with Jesus and try to Humbly follow His Way.
Nelson I love your honesty and thank you! What an incredible scripture that are God's truths and promises to us. What's your strategies and next best step in moving forward & progressing with your personal Godly goals Nelson? I really like verses 12 & 13 of Titus 2 instructing us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously & Godly in this present age...as we are awaiting the blessed hope & appearing of the glory of the great God & our Saviour Jesus Christ. If you can think there any ways I may help in assisting you, please do let me know! It's also an area heavenly father is working with me on too Nelson!
How to far more effectively look out for the interests of others. How can I foster far more meaningful deep prodound connection with others? How to communicate and connect with others to create a far more loving connection through warm communication. Being less introspective, and far more curious about others, to consistently believe the best about others, to express concern about their lives, how to support them, and how to effectively help others grow, and when to share my own, knowing how to build them up, being an encourager, knowing how to refresh them & lift them up. Reminding others of God's presence, especially when their hearts are troubled. Not reactive but responsive, refocusing their hearts back to heavenly father. Being excited to know Jesus better.
It is an important subject to write on, as pride means so many things.
Yet we must have courage and be bold and not be fearful and cowardly. Yet I don't think this is a matter of "balance" but of what we have courage for and are bold about.
If we have faith in God then we can be very bold, as was David when he took on Goliath, yet his brothers thought he was being proud.
Very important points raised Martin, thank you. So it is our father in heaven whom determines what is pride and not that of what other people think and falsely accusing others of through their own pride and lack! David knew his God, this was not pride but the fact of the testament of truths of how God demonstrated Himself in David's life, he knew God on a very intimate close personal level that most did not, David and God were very well acquainted with each other and as he poured out his heart, his joys, tears, difficulties, trials, rejoicings, shortcomings, victories & whose heart was after God's own heart & even as a mere shepherd boy
in tending after the sheep and lambs of his flock, would make melody to God composing and conducting songs upon his harp, writing down words of praises lyrics alongside the music structures, and we have the privilege of so many of them recorded within the book of Psalms. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:31
Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18
NOTES: The Rotten Fruits Of Pride by Hephzibah. 7/21/24
Thank You, Father, in Heaven above.
"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 14:11 NLT
Dear Hephzibah, this letter is beautiful, wonderfully complete, and truly nourishing to the soul. Thank you, well done.
Lovers of self, defined by many words.
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be.
lovers of self,
lovers of money,
proud,
arrogant,
abusive,
disobedient to their parents,
ungrateful,
unholy,
heartless,
unappeasable,
slanderous,
without self-control,
brutal, not loving good,
treacherous, reckless,
swollen with conceit,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
having the appearance of godliness,
but denying its power. Avoid such people" 2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV
There's a big difference between loving oneself (pride) (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV) and being humble (Philippians 2:7-8), which are opposites.
Christ Jesus, the greatest example of humility.
"Instead, he gave up his divine privileges
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal's death on a cross."
Philippians 2:7-8 NLT
A simple prayer of faith.
Oh, LORD, forgive us of our pridefulness, one of the many sins that blind us and lead us astray from Your presence. Oh GOD, now create within us hearts of humility and obedience, enabling us to do those things You desire, those things that will honor and exalt You as the LORD Almighty, who is Sovereign over all, in Jesus' Holy Name we proclaim, in the Name which is above all Names we pray this day. Amen
Colossians 3:12-17 "ESV Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Thank You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
GOD bless you all!
MIQEDEM - Kumi Roni https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXdk6Pcc58o&list=PLU-murLz1EPIT-f5NF-Op_1JU4PAi-nJG&index=7
Amen! Thank you James, for such a relevant & significant prayer as well as noteworthy scriptural verses too. May they all seep into our hearts and minds being washed and renewed in the spirit of our minds in Christ Jesus.
Heavenly father,
create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Put within me and continue to develop an emotionally pure mind. The mind of Christ,
casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of You God, and help me in bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; Putting on the new self in through and by your Holy Spirit. I repent of any and all pride may it be crucified and be put to death in all it's forms and please forgive me father for when I have been prideful, and displayed exhibited the spirit of pride against another, and may they be able to forgive me too, and even when I have entertained or had prideful thoughts cross my mind. I know only you can help me father to overcome pride, so I ask please help me, I know all things are possible to the one who believes and all things are possible with You abba, and I can do all things through Christ Jesus whom strengthens me. Please help me identify when pride is occuring in my mind and heart and to not allow it to take over, may that spirit of pride in all its vanity & futulity be destroyed, rooted out and removed, so only the spirit of humility and meekness which is far more powerful & stronger will only constrain & weaken pride, that modesty selflessness & self sacrifice of Christ Jesus remain and be brought forth in my life, personality and being, & in all my reactions responses & dealings with others. Enabling me to exemplify Jesus in that specific area effectively father. Thank you father for being the hearer of prayer! May You bless each and everyone of your servants as I ask this prayer for the whole body of believers of Christ. Continue to bless and fill brother James with your overwhelming presence Spirit and love in abundance and overflowing. Thank you For your lovingkindness forgiveness grace and mercies that are new each and every day! Amen.
I ask God everyday to help me be calm, loving and supportive to others. My husband and I are self employed window cleaners and so we go to a different house most days. There are a couple people that I'm like a counselor to, and my husband appreciates that about me. The more I share my faith, the more people gravitate towards me. We need to be salt and light!
That's wonderful you do that Deb! I used to be a window cleaner too in my mid to late twenties with my former husband. There's nothing quite like white vinegar and fairy washing up liquid in warm water with the wide mop and squeegee to leave them windows sparkling! Leaded square windows were the worst!!! I'm so thankful heavenly father is utilising you on your rounds to be such an inspiration and blessing to others you are coming in contact with, in also being available as a listening & active presence, offering hope & sharing the good news about Jesus and offering his wise & Godly counsel.
We are indeed the salt and light. Salt not only enhances the flavour of food but is also a preservative, it also cleanses and disinfects wounds and helps in bringing healing to them.
when God calls His children salt, He teaches us that His purpose is in making us the subjects of His grace & that we may become agents in saving others. the love of Christ is diffusive and aggressive. Salt must be mingled with the substance to which it is added; it must penetrate and infuse in order to preserve. So it is through personal contact and association that others are reached by the saving power of the gospel. They are not saved in masses, but as individuals, one person at a time and through much patience. Personal influence is a powerful component in blowing forth Gods seeds like dandelion seeds being blown in the wind, but it is the holy spirit wind that distributes and gets planted into others hearts, especially if the soil.of their hearts is right. We must come close to those whom God desires to benefit.
When the love and fruits of God is dwelling in us it will flow out to others. Our unselfish interest and love will want to warm and melt the hearts of those around us. We do not do this by our own efforts, but rather the Holy Spirit accomplishes this in our hearts and in the lives of those around us. Our personal walk with God and Christ Jesus is not just about us, it is also about all those who we come into contact with and the influence we may have on them. Jesus is the light of the world. (John 1:4; 8:12; 9:5)
So we reflect His light. The life of Christ in our souls causes His love to be revealed in our characters making us the light of the world. We have no light in and of ourselves. It is not our light but Jesus’ light reflected in us, refracted shining dawning upon others and are evidence of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us for the benefit of those around us.
Jesus is the great source of illumination for the entire world, however, He chooses to be revealed through his human worshippers, servants, disciples of followers. Jesus came to reveal the Father, and now we are sent to reveal Jesus to the world.
Mixing salt and light together creates an incredible chemical reaction and brings forth spirit and life to the hearer. Mostly nearly all life in earth depends on light, hence human beings depend upon God's true light of the word that became flesh that he sent upon the earth in the form of his only begotten son Jesus his express image of the invisible God as visible and of the only way to salvation and that many through him might be saved.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Thanks H, for your encouragement that a Huge part of my life.
I appreciate your Love ❤️
I belong to a Christian online family of others praying & being supportive towards one another. Also we pray for this dying nation and world . It called Olive Tree Ministries with Jan Markell. On Telegram, once you join her channel, also allows you to become a member of the Chat . I invite to join us , the more people who hold to sound doctrine of Jesus Christ the better. I actually was thinking of posting your article in the Chat it was so well written.
So to answer maybe one of your questions my desire is that no one be Left Behind! So my mission is to Witness to as many people the Lord puts in my Path. And pray pray Pray 🙏 Look forward to meeting you and all the Saints in Our Heavenly Home 😁
Thanks H
Important topic Pride. I try to look in side myself, and can believe there is some type of pride in my life . I was born a sinner, bin forgive bye the Blood, but still have that sin nature. I’m in Love with Jesus and try to Humbly follow His Way.
So looking for Titus 2:13-14
Nelson I love your honesty and thank you! What an incredible scripture that are God's truths and promises to us. What's your strategies and next best step in moving forward & progressing with your personal Godly goals Nelson? I really like verses 12 & 13 of Titus 2 instructing us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously & Godly in this present age...as we are awaiting the blessed hope & appearing of the glory of the great God & our Saviour Jesus Christ. If you can think there any ways I may help in assisting you, please do let me know! It's also an area heavenly father is working with me on too Nelson!
How to far more effectively look out for the interests of others. How can I foster far more meaningful deep prodound connection with others? How to communicate and connect with others to create a far more loving connection through warm communication. Being less introspective, and far more curious about others, to consistently believe the best about others, to express concern about their lives, how to support them, and how to effectively help others grow, and when to share my own, knowing how to build them up, being an encourager, knowing how to refresh them & lift them up. Reminding others of God's presence, especially when their hearts are troubled. Not reactive but responsive, refocusing their hearts back to heavenly father. Being excited to know Jesus better.
Thanks H,
It is an important subject to write on, as pride means so many things.
Yet we must have courage and be bold and not be fearful and cowardly. Yet I don't think this is a matter of "balance" but of what we have courage for and are bold about.
If we have faith in God then we can be very bold, as was David when he took on Goliath, yet his brothers thought he was being proud.
Very important points raised Martin, thank you. So it is our father in heaven whom determines what is pride and not that of what other people think and falsely accusing others of through their own pride and lack! David knew his God, this was not pride but the fact of the testament of truths of how God demonstrated Himself in David's life, he knew God on a very intimate close personal level that most did not, David and God were very well acquainted with each other and as he poured out his heart, his joys, tears, difficulties, trials, rejoicings, shortcomings, victories & whose heart was after God's own heart & even as a mere shepherd boy
in tending after the sheep and lambs of his flock, would make melody to God composing and conducting songs upon his harp, writing down words of praises lyrics alongside the music structures, and we have the privilege of so many of them recorded within the book of Psalms. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:31
Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18
Thank you so much for your important comment and your encouragement David!