The Truth

Tag: HUMBLENESS

  • THE HOLY SPIRIT — OUR DIVINE COMFORTER, GUIDE, COUNSELLOR, AND EVERLASTING HELPER

    “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you”(John 14:26).

    Who Is the Holy Spirit?

    The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, the third Person of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is not an impersonal force, an invisible energy, or merely a feeling that comes upon us. He is divine, personal, holy, and active in the lives of those who belong to God.

    From the very beginning of creation to the glorious fulfilment of God’s purposes, the Holy Spirit is at work. He gives life, reveals truth, convicts the heart, teaches the Word, strengthens the weak, comforts the sorrowful, and empowers believers to live according to the will of God.

    The Lord Jesus did not promise His disciples that they would never experience sorrow, uncertainty, temptation, or difficulty. He promised them the Holy Spirit, the divine Helper who would remain with them.

    “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16).

    What a glorious promise! We may sometimes feel alone, but we are never beyond the reach of God’s presence. The Holy Spirit works within us, reminding us of the words of Christ and helping us walk in faith, obedience, and holiness.

    The Holy Spirit speaks: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 2:7).

    In Scripture, He speaks through God’s revealed Word, directs God’s servants, brings truth to remembrance, and calls people to obedience.

    In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”

    His voice does not lead us away from Christ or contradict the truth of Scripture. Read His Word prayerfully, remain humble, and be willing to obey when Scripture makes His will clear. The heart that listens to God must also be willing to follow Him.

    The Holy Spirit guides us: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

    Life is filled with decisions, crossroads, uncertainties, and moments when we do not know which direction to take. We may understand our circumstances only partially, but God sees the beginning and the end. The Holy Spirit guides us into truth, teaches us to discern right from wrong, and helps us apply God’s Word to our daily lives.

    The Lord Jesus said: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

    His guidance calls us to prayer, biblical wisdom, discernment, and obedience. When you do not know what lies ahead, trust God enough to take the next faithful step. You may not see the whole road, but you can seek the One who leads you.

    The Holy Spirit comforts us: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:18).

    There are wounds that words cannot heal, tears that we hide from others, and sorrows that we struggle to explain. Sometimes even the people who love us cannot fully understand the pain we carry. But God knows. The Holy Spirit is our divine Comforter. He reminds us of God’s promises, strengthens our hearts, and helps us endure seasons of grief, loneliness, disappointment, and suffering. Romans 8:26 tells us that the Spirit helps our infirmities and intercedes for us when we do not know what we should pray for as we ought. You may not always receive an immediate answer to your pain, and your circumstances may not change overnight. Yet you can bring your sorrow before God and ask the Holy Spirit to sustain you through it. When human words fail, we can still turn to the God who knows our hearts.

    The Holy Spirit counsels and teaches us: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you”(John 14:26).

    The Holy Spirit is our divine Teacher. He helps us understand the truth of God’s Word and reminds us of the teachings of the Lord Jesus. He corrects our wrong thinking, exposes the deception of sin, and teaches us to see our lives through the light of God’s truth. A wise counsellor does not simply tell us what we want to hear; godly counsel leads us towards what is right. The Holy Spirit directs us towards Christlike character, humility, repentance, forgiveness, and obedience. When pride rises within us, He reminds us to be humble. When bitterness takes root, God’s truth calls us to forgive. When temptation presents itself, the Word of God reminds us to choose holiness. Let us never seek the Spirit’s counsel merely to confirm our own desires. Let us seek Him with surrendered hearts, willing to be corrected and transformed.

    The Holy Spirit heals and restores: “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

    God is the healer of the brokenhearted. Through the Holy Spirit, God works in human lives to bring conviction, renewal, comfort, strength, and restoration. The Spirit helps us confront the wounds of our past, repent of our sins, release bitterness, and grow in the grace of Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers believers in the ministry of healing, whether by restoring the body, strengthening the soul to endure suffering, or granting the courage to seek help. Whatever our circumstances, we can entrust ourselves to the mercy and wisdom of God.

    The Holy Spirit protects and strengthens us: “And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes” (Ezekiel 36:27).

    The Holy Spirit strengthens believers to resist temptation, stand firm in faith, and persevere through spiritual struggles. He reminds us of God’s truth when deception surrounds us. He empowers us to reject sin and helps us recognise the difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Ephesians 6:10–18 teaches us to put on the whole armour of God and to stand against spiritual evil. However, the Spirit’s protection does not mean that Christians will never face danger, persecution, illness, or hardship. Rather, we can trust God’s presence and strength even in the midst of trials.

    Do not depend only upon your own strength. Pray, remain grounded in Scripture, resist evil, and seek the wisdom of God. The One who strengthens your faith can help you stand even when the world around you seems uncertain.

    The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin: “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8).

    The Holy Spirit reveals our need for repentance and directs us towards the righteousness of Christ. When we have acted wrongly, He brings God’s truth to bear upon our conscience. He calls us to acknowledge our sin, turn away from it, and seek God’s forgiveness. Conviction is an invitation to return to God; it is not a reason to hide from Him. First John 1:9 promises that when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Do not harden your heart when God’s Word exposes something that must change. Humble yourself, seek forgiveness, and allow the Lord to transform you.

    The Holy Spirit intercedes for us: “The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).

    There are moments when our hearts are so burdened that we cannot find the words to pray. We may sit before God in silence, carrying grief, confusion, or a longing that we cannot express. Romans 8 reminds us that our weakness does not place us beyond God’s help. The Holy Spirit helps us in our infirmities and intercedes according to the will of God. Prayer is not dependent upon our ability to speak eloquently. Come before God honestly. You do not need to impress Him with beautiful words. Bring Him your tears, your questions, your repentance, your gratitude, and your deepest concerns.

    The Holy Spirit empowers us: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8).

    The Holy Spirit empowers believers to bear witness to the Lord Jesus Christ. He gives courage to speak the truth, strength to endure opposition, and grace to serve others. He distributes spiritual gifts according to God’s purposes, equipping the Church for ministry and the building up of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). The Spirit empowers us to glorify Lord Jesus, serve humbly, love sacrificially, and proclaim the Gospel faithfully. The evidence of His work is not merely an outward display of spiritual enthusiasm. It also includes a transformed life that increasingly reflects the character of Christ.

    The Holy Spirit produces His fruit in us: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23).

    The Holy Spirit does more than give us strength for a particular task. He works within us to transform who we are. He teaches us to love when hatred seems easier, to remain patient when circumstances test us, to speak gently when anger rises, and to pursue peace when conflict surrounds us. The fruit of the Spirit reveals the character God desires to cultivate in His people. Spiritual maturity is not measured simply by how much we know, how eloquently we speak, or how many spiritual experiences we describe. It is also revealed through the love we demonstrate, the forgiveness we offer, the humility we practise, and the holiness we pursue. Let us ask not only for the gifts of the Spirit but also for the grace to bear His fruit.

    The Holy Spirit gives life and renews us: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6:63).

    The Holy Spirit is active in the work of spiritual renewal. The Lord Jesus taught Nicodemus that a person must be born of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5–8). Through the Spirit’s work, we are brought into new life in Christ, renewed in our minds, and enabled to grow in holiness. When we have become spiritually weary, we can pray for renewal. When our love has grown cold, we can return to Christ. When sin has entangled us, we can seek God’s forgiveness and the Spirit’s help to walk in newness of life. The Christian life is not merely an attempt to improve ourselves through human effort. It is a life of dependence upon God’s grace and the transforming work of His Spirit.

    The Holy Spirit reveals and glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ: “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16:14).

    One of the most important works of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit does not lead us away from the Lord Jesus. He reveals the truth of Christ, deepens our understanding of His Word, and transforms us to become more like Him. The Holy Spirit reminds us of the significance of Christ’s sacrifice, the greatness of His resurrection, and the hope we have through Him. A genuine work of the Holy Spirit leads us towards greater love for Jesus, deeper reverence for God’s Word, and a life that bears witness to the Gospel. Let Christ remain at the centre of your worship, your prayer, your service, and your life.

    The Holy Spirit dwells in believers: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).

    We should therefore seek to live in a manner worthy of the One whose presence has been given to us. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a precious gift. Our lives are not meant to be ruled by selfish desires, bitterness, dishonesty, or impurity. We are called to honour God in our bodies, thoughts, words, and actions. Make room for prayer. Meditate upon the Scriptures. Practise obedience. Pursue peace with others. Turn away from what dishonours God. The Spirit’s indwelling presence is not permission to live carelessly; it is a call to live as people who belong to Christ.

    The Holy Spirit gives wisdom and discernment: “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:8).

    The Holy Spirit equips God’s people with wisdom and discernment for the situations they encounter. He helps us distinguish truth from error, recognise the dangers of temptation, and respond to others with godly understanding. James 1:5 encourages those who lack wisdom to ask God, who gives generously. Ask the Lord to make you wise not only in what you believe, but also in what you say, how you act, and how you treat others.

    The Holy Spirit unites us in love and fellowship: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

    The Holy Spirit brings believers into the fellowship of Christ’s body and calls them to live in unity, love, and peace. He teaches us to bear with one another, forgive one another, and serve one another with humility. Unity does not mean that every Christian must agree on every matter. It means that we seek to honour Christ, hold fast to the truth, and treat one another with grace rather than pride and hostility. A heart being transformed by the Spirit will increasingly seek reconciliation, show compassion, and pursue the good of others. Where the Spirit’s fruit grows, love becomes visible.

    The Holy Spirit is our seal and assurance: “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).

    The Holy Spirit is associated with the sealing of believers, marking them as belonging to God and pointing towards the promised redemption. This gives Christians a profound reason for hope. Our salvation rests upon the grace of God through Jesus Christ, not upon our ability to earn His favour. The Spirit’s presence reminds us that we belong to the Lord and are called to live faithfully as His people. Therefore, do not treat the grace of God lightly. Walk in repentance, trust in Christ, and seek to honour the One who has called you to Himself.

    The Holy Spirit can be grieved: “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God” (Ephesians 4:30).

    Because the Holy Spirit is personal, Scripture warns believers not to grieve Him. Ephesians 4 places this warning in the context of falsehood, corrupt speech, bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice. These are not small matters to God. They damage our relationships and contradict the character of Christ.

    We must therefore examine our hearts. Are we harbouring resentment? Are our words building people up or tearing them down? Are we making room for dishonesty or refusing to forgive?

    When we recognise our failures, let us not hide behind pride. Let us repent, seek God’s forgiveness, and return to a life of obedience. The Spirit who convicts us also helps us grow in holiness.

    The Holy Spirit is our ever-present Helper in every season: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities” (Romans 8:26).

    In joy, we can thank Him. In sorrow, we can seek His comfort. In uncertainty, we can ask for wisdom. In temptation, we can seek strength to resist. In weakness, we can pray for His help. In service, we can depend upon His power.

    The Holy Spirit is not confined to a church building or a particular hour of prayer. The Christian life is a life of walking with God every day.

    Yet we must remember that His work is not a promise that every desire will be fulfilled or every difficulty immediately removed. He works according to God’s wisdom and purpose, leading us to trust Christ in all circumstances.

    Whatever season you are passing through, turn to God in faith. Let His Word shape your heart, let prayer strengthen your relationship with Him, and let the Spirit lead you towards the character of Jesus.

    Walk in the Spirit

    The Holy Spirit speaks, guides, comforts, teaches, convicts, strengthens, empowers, renews, and produces His fruit in those who belong to Christ. He helps us in our weakness, directs us towards truth, and glorifies the Lord Jesus. But let us never seek only what the Holy Spirit can do for us. Let us seek to know God more deeply, love Christ more faithfully, and become more obedient to His Word.

    The greatest evidence of the Spirit’s transforming work is not merely what we say about Him, but how our lives increasingly reflect the love, holiness, humility, and truth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Do not grieve the Holy Spirit. Do not resist His call to repentance. Do not ignore the truth of God’s Word. Instead, pray for wisdom, walk in obedience, cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, and remain steadfast in Christ. May our hearts become willing vessels, our lives become living testimonies, and our words bring glory to the name of Jesus.

    Holy Spirit, teach us to hear the truth, give us grace to obey, strengthen us in our weakness, comfort us in our sorrow, and transform us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Lead us in the way of righteousness, fill us with Your love, and help us glorify our Lord in everything we do. Amen.

    “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).

  • THE MIND OF CHRIST

    THE MIND OF CHRIST — FROM THE THRONE TO THE CROSS, AND FROM THE CROSS TO GLORY.

    “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

    There are moments when Scripture does not merely teach us something, it brings us face to face with the heart of God.

    Philippians 2:5–11  reveals the heart of Christ: how the One who was above all chose to humble Himself, how the Lord of glory became a servant, how the sinless One embraced the cross, and how the Father exalted Him above every name.

    And then Scripture gives us a command:

    “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

    The deeper question is: Am I allowing the mind of Christ to shape my life?

    The Apostle Paul tells us that Christ Jesus, “being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God” (Philippians 2:6).

    The Lord Jesus did not begin His existence in Bethlehem, Bethlehem was not the beginning of Christ. He came from glory. The One who lay in a manger was the One through whom all things were created.

    The Apostle John declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

    And: “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).

    The hands that created the heavens became the hands that were pierced by nails.

    The One who spoke light into existence allowed Himself to enter the darkness of the cross.

    The One before whom angels bow came among humanity as a servant.

    This is the depth of Christ’s love.

    Philippians 2:7 says: “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.”

    The world teaches us to seek recognition. Christ teaches us to seek obedience.

    The world says: “Make yourself known.” Christ says: “Humble yourself.”

    The world measures greatness by position, possessions, authority and recognition.

    The Lord Jesus revealed a different kind of greatness. True greatness is found in humble service. He had every right to glory, yet He willingly descended. He had every right to be served, yet He came to serve. The Lord Jesus Himself said: “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

    That is the mind of Christ.

    Philippians 2:8 says: “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself.” He humbled Himself. Nobody forced Him. Love led Him. He knew what awaited Him. He knew about rejection. He knew about betrayal. He knew about the scourging. He knew about the crown of thorns. He knew about the nails. He knew about Calvary. And yet He continued.

    Why? Because He loved us.

    “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

    At the cross, we see the terrible seriousness of sin, but we also see the immeasurable greatness of God’s love. The cross says to the sinner: “Your sin is serious.” But the cross also says: “You are loved.”

    Philippians 2:8 continues: “He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

    The Lord Jesus’ humility was not merely an attitude. It became obedience. He did not simply speak about surrender. He lived it. He did not stop when obedience became painful. He continued all the way to the cross. This is something every follower of Christ must understand. While obedience can be easy, following God sometimes costs us everything by requiring the surrender of our plans, pride, desires, comfort, and reputation.

    But the example of Christ stands before us: Obedience to God must be greater than our desire for comfort. The Lord Jesus Christ prayed in Gethsemane “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).

    That is the cry of a surrendered heart.

    The Cross was not the end. Human eyes could look at Calvary and see defeat. But heaven saw obedience. The grave appeared to be the end. But resurrection was coming. The cross looked like humiliation. But exaltation was coming.

    Philippians 2:9 declares: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”

    There is a divine principle here: Humility comes before exaltation. The Lord Jesus descended willingly and the Father exalted Him. The world may not recognize humble obedience. People may overlook the servant. Others may never see the sacrifices made in secret. But God sees. And what God sees, God remembers.

    The Lord Jesus taught: “Whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

    Philippians 2:10–11 gives us one of the most majestic declarations in Scripture: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

    One day, every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess. Kings will bow. Nations will bow. The powerful will bow. The forgotten will bow. The rich will bow. The poor will bow. Every human authority will bow. Every earthly kingdom will bow. Because there is only one eternal King.

    Jesus Christ is Lord.

    The world may reject Him today. Some may mock His name. Some may ignore Him. Some may deny Him. But His rejection by men cannot diminish His glory. Jesus is still Lord. His throne cannot be shaken. His kingdom cannot be destroyed. His name cannot be erased. His glory cannot be diminished.

    The Apostle Paul begins this passage with: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

    We are not merely being asked to admire the Lord Jesus. We are being called to follow Him. To have His mind. To walk in His humility. To serve as He served. To forgive as He forgave. To love as He loved. To obey as He obeyed. To surrender as He surrendered. To put God before self.

    The Christian life is not simply saying: “Jesus is Lord.” It is allowing the Lord Jesus to become the pattern of our lives.

    When you feel the need to be recognized, look at Christ. When you are tempted to repay an insult, look at Christ. When obedience becomes difficult, look at Christ. When serving others feels beneath you, look at Christ. When you want to exalt yourself, look at Christ. When you are suffering for doing what is right, look at Christ. When you feel forgotten, look at Christ.

    He descended before He was exalted. He served before He was glorified. He suffered before He was crowned. He obeyed before the Father highly exalted Him.

    The Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:5–11 takes us on a breathtaking journey: From deity to humanity. From glory to humility. From being served to serving. From obedience to suffering. From suffering to the cross. From the cross to resurrection. From resurrection to exaltation. From exaltation to everlasting Lordship.

    And at the centre of it all stands one glorious name: JESUS.

    He is not merely a teacher. He is not merely a prophet. He is not merely an example. He is Lord. The One who humbled Himself will reign forever. The One who wore the crown of thorns will wear the crown of glory. The One who was rejected by men will be confessed by every tongue. The One whose hands were pierced will rule with all authority.

    Do others see the humble, loving, forgiving, compassionate, and obedient heart of Christ reflected in our lives, pointing to God’s glory rather than our own recognition? Because Christianity is not merely about carrying the name Christian. It is about carrying the character of Christ. We can possess outward religious practice and knowledge while remaining inwardly unchanged and disobedient to God.

    But the  Apostle Paul says: “Let this mind be in you.” Let Christ’s mind, heart, humility, obedience, and love shape your thoughts, desires, relationships, decisions, and actions.

    Philippians chapter 2, begins with humility, but it ends with glory. And this gives hope to every faithful servant of God. Your obedience is not wasted. Your tears are not wasted. Your prayers are not wasted. Your sacrifices are not wasted. Your quiet service is not wasted. Your faithfulness when nobody notices is not wasted. God sees. Keep walking. Keep serving. Keep obeying. Keep your eyes upon Jesus. Because the Christ who humbled Himself is the Christ who has been highly exalted.

    And the day is coming when every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess:

    JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!

    A PRAYER

    The Lord Jesus,

    Give us the mind that was in You. Remove pride from our hearts and teach us humility. Take away our desire for recognition and give us a servant’s heart. When obedience becomes difficult, strengthen us. When suffering comes, keep our eyes upon You. When we are tempted to exalt ourselves, remind us of Calvary. Teach us to love, forgive, serve and obey. Let our lives bring glory to Your holy name. And may everything within us ultimately declare what heaven itself declares: Jesus Christ is Lord.

    To Him be the glory, the honour and the praise, forever and ever. Amen.

  • THE SERVANT OF CHRIST

    “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

    The Apostle Paul is essentially asking: “Who is the Master of my life—God or people?” He had been criticized because the Gospel he preached was not designed to make people comfortable. He therefore makes his position unmistakably clear: his responsibility was not to alter God’s message in order to gain people’s approval. If the Apostle Paul had made his preaching softer, changed the truth, or compromised the Gospel simply because people might reject him, then he would no longer be acting as a faithful servant of Christ.

    The Bible teaches us to speak the truth in love, show kindness, live peaceably with others, and treat people with humility and respect. We should never sacrifice God’s truth merely to obtain human approval. There will be moments when doing what is right before God makes someone unhappy with us. The servant has one ultimate Master. A servant cannot have two masters when their instructions conflict. Stand for truth, obey God. If following Christ means losing someone’s approval, we must remember: human approval is temporary, but God’s approval is eternal.

    The Lord Jesus Himself said: “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:43). That is a serious warning. We can become so concerned about what people think of us that we gradually become afraid to do what God has called us to do.

    There is freedom in not living for people’s approval. When you constantly try to please people, you can become a prisoner of their opinions:
    You bloom like a flower in the warmth of their praise,
    Then wither away under a critical gaze.
    Anchored and safe in acceptance’s harbor,
    But tossed by rejection into doubt and disorder.

    When your heart becomes settled in Christ, the restless whispers of the world fade away, and you can rise to declare:

    My identity does not come from people’s applause.

    My calling does not come from people’s approval.

    My worth does not come from people’s opinions.

    The Apostle Paul was willing to stand alone. He had something more valuable than popularity: he had a divine commission. He knew that the Gospel was not his invention. Therefore, he could not change it simply to make people happy. This is especially important for anyone who teaches, preaches, writes about the Bible, or shares their faith. We must ask ourselves: “Am I saying this because God has given me truth to speak, or because I want people to praise me?” That question can search the heart deeply.

    A servant of Christ should have courage without arrogance, truth without cruelty, conviction without pride, and boldness with love. The Apostle Paul himself said: “Speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). So the Christian’s goal is not to please people at the expense of truth, nor to hurt people in the name of truth. The goal is to please God, speak the truth, walk in love, and remain humble.

    Do not allow the desire to be accepted by people to make you disobedient to God. Doing what is right does not always make you popular. Telling the truth can cause others to misunderstand you. Following Jesus means you walk a narrow path that not everyone likes. You do not live to get praise from others; you live to serve Christ. Listen to God’s quiet whisper. Ask Him to guide your steps and keep your heart faithful. “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then, whatever the cost, obey Him.

    The ultimate response of a true servant of Christ is: “Lord Jesus, above every human voice, I choose to please You.”

  • BE HUMBLE, BE EXALTED

    “When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed” (Matthew 8:1,2,3).

    St. Francis of Assisi was too wealthy. He had a fear and abhorrence of lepers. One day, while riding his horse near Assisi, he met a man afflicted with leprosy. The sight of the leper filled him with horror and disgust; he was shocked and disturbed, but he got off the horse and kissed him. The leper put out his hand hoping to receive something. Out of compassion, Francis gave money to the leper.

    But when Francis mounted his horse again and looked all around, he could not see the leper anywhere. He realised that it was Lord Jesus whom he had just kissed.

    Francis could have neglected and passed away but he heard that still small voice that guided him to stop, reach out and embrace the man with leprosy.

    That gesture of humbleness and obedience to the Lord’s voice transformed him to be a mighty saint of God. Lord Jesus Christ guided Saint Francis to minister even to the Muslim kings and to baptise them.

    “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” ( Hebrews 13:2).

    “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

    God will humble us and test us to know what is in our heart. He who has pity and lends to the poor, lends to the LORD, and God will bless him multifold.

    Help the poor and the needy. Pray for the sick. Visit the widows and the fatherless, bless them and be blessed forever.

    FOLLOW JESUS.