Day 3: Week 6 (The Law of Divine Elevation)

[russhutto]

The Law of Divine Elevation

1) Central Passage(s):

Psalm 75:6-7
James 4:10; Job 5:11; Luke 14:11; Proverbs 3:34
John 3:30
1 Peter 5:6
Philippians 2:11


2) My Daily Surrender:
Luke 9:48
Ask the Lord to reveal any prideful motives and actions in your heart.

3) My Daily Praise:
Sing a hymn or praise chorus before the Lord.

[WorshipVanguard]

Central Passages:
This is a very insightful day. I’m always encouraged whenever I hear the words “God will exalt you” but I admit I’m challenged and humbled again when I hear the words “in His time.” I think a natural human reaction is “when is MY turn?” Even Peter asked Jesus, “what then will there be for us?” (Matthew 19:27) Many of us have gone through the ringer in ministry (and in life in general) and our natural response is “when is my turn?” or “What is in it for me?” As Moore stated and restated, the Lord is sovereign! He knows our needs, he sees our hurts, he knows our struggles, and he knows what we suffer in his name. No matter where we are, we must be encouraged that he never forgets us, and WILL exalt us by being patient (long-suffering). THAT is the hard part. So daily, I must remind myself … patience; just like being patient for your children to grow up. I’m looking forward to the days where both my children will be “self-sufficient” but I must remember I must cherish these days as they are young because I will not have them for long. Soon they will be driving and be much more independent than I would like. So, patience, Melanie. The Lord is being patient with me just as I must be patient watching my children grow up.

Daily Praise:
Lord, I could not help but sing the chorus to Revelation Song today! Tears seem to pour every time I sing this. You are indeed worthy of all my praise. I’ll sing it to you again,
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You…!

Daily Surrender:
Lord, I confess I’m uncomfortable when people in ministry prosper more than me even when I’ve been as low as I could possibly go (or could I go lower?). I do my best to minister to people where I am. My main focus has been to point people to you since I do not consider myself wise by human standards. Since you now have me outside of ministry, I’d like to use this time to re-evaluate my heart as a true servant, and allow whatever opportunity you send my way to show your love to others through my servitude. Lord, you are good!

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

Central Passages
The biblical promises are there-- if we humble ourselves before God, he will lift us up in due time. We are not to lift ourselves up; that is pride. We are to wait on God to lift us.

I'm working myself through a situation now that smacks of pride, of wanting to be lifted up, but being passed over...
I stepped down from my last worship leader position about 15 months ago. Since then we have found a new church and are singing in the choir. When the worship leader resigned a couple months ago, I pretty much expected they would ask me to interim, since I have 6 years experience, and know what kind of music the church likes. But they asked a friend of the interim pastor to do the music. He has a degree in music, but has not led in 15 years. He doesn't even know the contemporary songs the church knows. So I have struggled with that, and pretty much made peace with myself and God about it. Now, the director will be gone the next 2 weeks, and I don't know who they have asked, but I was willing and able. So once again, the feelings of hurt (pride) have resurfaced. I know that I am wrong to feel this way, and that it is my pride getting in the way. I know I will get over it, and the church will be just fine.

So today's lesson kind of kicked me pretty hard. Maybe God didn't have them choose me because he knows that my pride would get in the way of what he is doing. If I wanted to be in front of the people for any purpose other than exalting God, then I didn't need to be up there, anyway.

My Daily Surrender
Jesus, I have already spilled my guts here on this post. You know how I have let myself think wrong thoughts. You know how much I love leading people in worship. You know that some of my motives are pure, but not all of them are. I want to bring glory to you, Jesus. And if it is not your will for me to do that from the front of the stage, then give me contentment to exalt you from where I am. I don't want my pride to get in the way of your will being done.

My Daily Praise
"For Thou O Lord are high above all the earth;
Thou art exalted far above all gods.
For Thou O Lord are high above all the earth;
Thou art exalted far above all gods.
I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord.
I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord.
(©1977 Pete Sanchez, Jr.)

[InHisName]

Central Passage

It's nice to know that all of us here have struggled in some way or another with pride or frustration when it comes to serving in music ministry. I wonder why being involved in music has stirred up so many more emotions than other ministries? I'm perfectly content to let others take the lead in other ministries and have little, if any, pride or resentment but when it comes to music...

It's also nice to know that it's God's timing, and that we can stop the stressing and anxiousness as to WHEN things will "happen" for us. "Such knowledge takes away the stress of feeling we have to 'fight' to maintain our position." I think this takes a lot of practice but it's something to remember. HE'S in charge, not us.

Daily Surrender

Didn't I say in the last few posts about being somewhat resentful of "kids" being on the worship team in the big service while I'm not? (I have to say I do love where I am, but that 'ole pride and discontent kicks in.) Lord, TAKE AWAY that envy or jealousy when other people prosper more than I. I rebuke that pride in the name of Jesus!! Help me to willingly and lovingly wash their feet if need be!!

Daily Praise

"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, let the redeemed of the Lord say so, let the redeemed of the Lord say so, I'm redeemed, I'm redeemed, praise the LORD!!"

[bkwestman]

1. Central Passage
- What a great principle - What comes down through humility will go up through christ-like exultation! Only God could come up with something like that. That goes against human nature, for sure. But, we serve an amazing God, and it's so cool to see how He works things like that together. Why? To bring God glory. It By us being humble, we bring God glory, which is what we were created to do. And it's all through His sovereignty. How comforting to know that He has placed us where we are. We have satisfaction, security and serenity as we humble ourselves and focus on the present, knowing that He may lift us up in due time.

2. My Daily Surrender
- True success is not defined by human applause. Greatness is not determined by people's approval. I need to put that up on my wall. I am a people-pleaser, and it's very easy for me to seek after approval from men first. Lord, help me to keep my humble attitude, and seek Your approval above all else. Keep me from being jealous when I hear certain things. Help me to embrace the "bloom where you are planted" thought, and just wait on the Lord.

3. My Daily Praise
- Sang some Christmas carols to Him this morning.