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Bible in One Year

Monday, September  27, 2010

(Ps 40 - Ps 42)

Memorise: "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph 3:8)

Read: Eph 3:5-8 

A ladder is an instrument for climbing. In Genesis 28:10-13, Jacob dreamt of a ladder that touched both Heaven and earth. The presence of a ladder suggests that ascent is possible. On the other hand, it also suggests that descent is possible. Matthew 23:12 says that anyone who is ascending on a ladder but suddenly puts on the garb of pride, would make a u-turn and see himself or herself descending. Are you already climbing high on that ladder? Do not become self conceited and arrogant or else, that could begin your fall. 1 Samuel 2:7 says it is God's job to promote or demote. It is possible for you to fall below where you are currently placed. Whether you will sustain your climb, maintain status quo or decline has a lot to do with your attitude to God, others and yourself. This is one area the fruit of the Spirit is preferred to the gifts of the Spirit. While the latter sets you climbing, it cannot sustain the climb. You will require the former to sustain your climb and prevent a decline. Gifts of the Spirit without the fruit will definitely lead to a decline. If God is using you in the miraculous and you lack humility, you would soon begin to rub shoulders with God and think you are on the same level. A very zealous minister of God used to say that at certain times, he was operating on the same level with God in anointing. Gifts without the fruit can turn you into God's enemy - e.g. through pride. 

Here is where Paul was different. Initially, he boasted that he was the chief of the apostles. Even when this was a statement of fact, he did not need to boast about it. God taught him tough lessons on humility and allowed a torn in his flesh just to silence his pride. Thereafter, he said he was not worthy to be called an apostle. Later, he said he was less than the least of the saints. And just before he died, he said he was the chief of sinners. Not because he had backslidden, but because he could now clearly see through God's eyes. Over a period of years, Paul went progressively down in humility because he had discovered the secret of upliftment. This is one time descent could be positive. That was what our Lord and Saviour also experienced. (Phil 2:5-11). He went down in humility at least seven painful levels. No wonder He was exalted far beyond reach! How humble are you? 

ACTION POINT:

Father, from today let it be the higher I ascend, the more humble I become.