7/8/20 - JESUS OUR EXAMPLE

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:5-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have you ever heard the phrase “The way up is the way down?” In the kingdom of God His children understand that we need not seek promotion. Wherever we are placed to serve, as we honor God, He honors us. At least that’s the way I believed and lived that principle as I gained insight into the word of God. I never sought to be promoted, but in the good plans of God for me, I always was.

When I came to America I made a promise to the Lord. I vowed never to take a position that kept me from going to church on a Sunday morning. Guess what? The first interview I had, the woman didn’t discuss the position I applied for, but instead offered me a job, because that’s what it was, a job...to work every weekend and every holiday. I looked her dead in the face and asked her “do I look like a heathen?” I told her have a nice day! I honored my vow. God has taken care of me ever since that day. I’ve only held two full time positions in my forty-two years as a citizen of my new country and have had 5 promotions. One at my first four at the one I retired from. I never sought the promotions, they sought me. Faithful Father! God favored me because I honored Him. It would take too long to go into details, but the words of Asaph in the Psalms speaks volumes: “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” Psalm 75:6-7

Some reading this may say, “I worked hard for my promotion and everything I got. Nothing ever just fell into my lap.” Or this one (I’m prepared to lose some folks) “Black people have to work harder than anyone else if they want anything in this life.” Well I’m black! My daughter is black! So... without denying anyone’s personal struggles, we can testify in defense of God’s Word that it works IF you believe. And no, I do not believe in luck or coincidences, but I do believe in divine intervention and appointments. I’m going to borrow a phrase from a wise Spirit filled woman of God. “If that’s the position you lead your life from, you’ll always feel inferior or lesser than.”( that wise woman is my daughter). Or you can go to the other extreme too, and be so prideful because of all your accomplishments, that you forget, as a child of God, that it wasn’t about you but Him. Acknowledge Him in ALL your ways and HE will direct your path. Proverbs 3:6

The Lord told Joshua these words:

‭‭‭ “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8

My friends, if there’s good success then there must be bad success. A self made person is a prideful person. A person who acknowledges that they’re what they are by the grace of God is a blessed, prosperous and to be envied individual. This person has good success. They don’t lay awake at night worrying about losing it all in a economic crash. The God they trust is the same God who promises to restore. Hallelujah!! I say hallelujah! Unless your trust is in Christ Jesus alone, then your success is built on sand. Jesus, King Jesus y’all, humbled Himself by taking on human flesh. I still can’t wrap my head around that. He who owns it all became subject to those He created. Think about that for a minute. He gave up His glory, and for what? Us? Boastful, prideful arrogant people? Who think we’re the master and captain of our lives? Knowing all this, He still came and humbled Himself. WOW!

He is indeed our perfect example. One worth emulating. He showed us how to live down to be promoted up. God honored Him for humbling Himself, giving Him a Name above every name. This is why we shouldn’t use or say the name Jesus as though it were common. God took it from a common name in Jesus’ day to an all powerful exalted Name. When you speak that Name in faith; fireworks go off in Heaven and hell! Angels rejoice and Demons tremble. Angels bow, declaring His majesty. We, His redeemed children, join the angels in worshiping and bowing down to that Great Name. Yes friends! The way up is indeed the way down. On our knees that is. Giving honor and glory to Whom it’s due. The ONE who humbled Himself is now exalted! Jesus Christ our King!!!!!

Listen to this! I’m getting excited! I keep encouraging you guys to dig deeper into God’s Word, there’s wealth better than silver and gold there. Principles that will change our lives forever! OMgoodness! I’m bursting inside from the revelation! It’s better caught than taught. I’m trying to tell you what I know works. My God! You’re so so good!! Ok, ok . Listen to this:

“When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, He’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for— God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people.

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:4-7‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Need I say more? If you didn’t get or remember anything I wrote today. Remember this: You’re better off in your worse state in Him than your best state without Him! Hallelujah to the Lamb of God! You have to be spiritually minded to truly comprehend what I just said, or you’ll go tilt, I said you are better off having nothing in this life in Him, than possessing everything without Him.

I hear a song coming on. You do remember He loves to sing?

🎼 He’s been faithful, faithful to me. Looking back, His love and mercy I see. Though in my heart I had questioned, even failed to believe. Yet! He’s been faithful! Faithful to me.

Yes my friends! He’s worth it. He’s worth chasing after. Nothing or no one compares.🌹

My Jesus, my Savior! Lord there is none like you🎼 I confess that there have been times when I have not acknowledged that You’re the reason for whatever successes I’ve had in my life. It doesn’t need to be noticed by men, but I need to acknowledge that everything I have or hope to accomplish must find its origin in You and not my human efforts. I desire the good success you spoke about to Joshua. Whenever I get prideful and forget that it’s your goodness and mercy that makes me who I am, give me a vision of the cross. The place where you gave up everything to take my guilt and sin. Thank you seems so inadequate right now, but thanks for knowing my heart. Amen

“So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1:16-18‬ ‭MSG‬‬

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is HE who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms HIS covenant, which HE swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭8:18‬

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Written by permission of the Holy Spirit

W. Tennant