1 Peter 5:5

For Reading and Meditation:     Hebrews 4:1-16

We turn now to consider that facet of God's character which we describe as "grace." Grace is more than a synonym for love; it is a characteristic of the Deity which is quite close to love (and mercy) but yet deserves to be seen as different and distinctive. I heard an old Welsh preacher say: "Grace is a word with a...

IT is of great importance, to have and to cherish right views of our own littleness and insignificance; of our vileness and unworthiness; and of our own absolute and constant dependence on the mercy of our God. To possess a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price; that so we may be humble under cross providences, considering our sin and ill-deservings,how we have requited the Lord; seeing the hand of God working all in all; acknowledging Divine providence, let who...

The Bible is full of paradoxes, that is, truths that seem contrary to what we would normally suppose or truths that seem to contradict one another. G. K. Chesterton maintained that paradox is truth standing on its head to attract attention. Here are a few of the paradoxes trying to attract our attention.

We save our lives by losing them; we lose our lives by loving them (Mark 8:35).

We are strong when we are weak (

Pride is robbery. It is the robbery of that which is most precious and sacred in the universe, namely, the glory of God. To the Maker of the universe belongs all the glory of the universe. Pride takes its stand over against God and defies him. It claims for itself the tribute that belongs to God; and would have all eyes directed to itself, all knees bent before itself. God must resist pride: resist it when angels sin; when men build a tower of Babel; when men say of the voice of Herod, '' it...

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory. § Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? § In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. § Be clothed with humility.[Jesus] was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. § All who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at [Stephen], saw his face as the face of an angel. § The glory which You gave Me I have...

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. § Since you have purified your souls in obeying the...

They had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” § Be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who … made Himself of no...

God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (1 Pet. 5:5).

Humility is the hallmark of the servant resting in, and sent from, the Father's presence.

"There is a sense in which God's true servant is always a defeated man. The one who drives on with a sense of his own importance, who is...

God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (1 Pet. 5:5).

Resting in His glory there will manifest His humility in us here.

"Our hearts have such a tendency to turn back to legalism, and to think it humility. The only real humbleness and strength and blessing is to forget ourselves in the...