Page 13 - LDBD Community Mailer Magazine - Vol. 2, Issue 1 - Jan Feb 2019

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Encouraging Word

Humility Will Unlock God’s Favor
by Pastor Juanita Thomas
Unfortunately, we are living in days that humility has taken a
back seat to aggressiveness, audaciousness and cockiness.
However, the Christian must stand firm in the belief that God
has called us to humility. Typically, when we hear the word
humility we think of being walked over or even perhaps letting
people take advantage of us; but, humility is no such thing. In
fact, humility is simply “liberty from pride.”
James 4:6 says “God opposes the proud but shows favor to
the humble.” If we want the favor of God, then we have to
position our hearts and minds toward humility. In its proper
context, James chapter 4 is speaking about rejecting the
glamour of this world and submitting our will to His will.
The world would try to convince the Christian that talking
tough and having no respect for others is the way to get ahead.
Scripture clearly teaches the opposite. An example of this can
be found in the life of the Apostle Paul.
Paul says in Philippians 3:4-6— 4 though I myself have
reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh,
I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a
Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for
righteousness based on the law, faultless.
In other wards Paul is saying if anybody has a reason to think highly of himself, it is me, but if we
continue to read through verse 7 we see his humility.
In verse 7 he says: - But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
Paul was moved from a man that was self-centered to a man that was God centered. This transfor-
mation happened after his encounter with Christ. How then, should this move us from concept to
bite-size spiritual food? Let me give you three take-always:
If you truly have had an encounter with the living God there should be a sign.
Often times we are looking for signs and wonders that point to evidence of our salvation, but God
is looking for a changed life. When you’ve had a genuine encounter with the Lord there are some
things, places, words and deeds that will be forced out of your life. You cannot stay the same when
you’ve been touched by the Master.
Be transformed by His power.
You will not be able to move from self-centered to God centered without God’s power. So, learn
to cooperate with the process and understand that you are not lesser because you overlook, give
grace or even hold your tongue in a situation that you normally would have exploded over.
Understand there is a before and after picture of your walk.
Just like Paul there should be a before and after picture of your life. Before should represent what
you were before your encounter with Christ and after should represent who you’ve become after
your encounter with Christ. There should be a vast difference and contrast that points people
toward seeing the difference God can make in an individual. So, today choose to represent Christ
through humility and watch God unlock his divine favor on your behalf in your life.
________________________________
Pastor Juanita Julia is the lead Pastor of Christ the King Christian Fellowship in Las Vegas, NV. She also is the host of Life
Coaching through the Bible with Pastor Juanita Julia featured on the word station 100.7 KWRD in Dallas, TX. She is a
mother of three adult children Tyler, Madisyn and Marshall as well as a online life coaching that coaches clients from coast
to coast. juanitathomas1996@yahoo.com

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