Saturday, March 12, 2016

Humble People



We all know that humble means not being arrogant or displaying an attitude of important. Some might say that humble can represent insignificance, a state of abasement. Some might say that humbleness is a form of weakness, but is it really.

Humble people are happy people, always ready to forgive, peacemakers, filled with gratitude and patient. I would say, humble people are truly blessed. We cannot live our lives, in an ungrateful state, remain arrogant and assume we are better than other people are. Even super rich people, blessed with all the trappings of material comfort need to be humble. 

Why do people always seek to find the approval of others for deeds done, why is there an importance to be recognized and remain exalted. I think this is an empty form of real joy and happiness. The arrogant, proud and insolent place their happiness in worldly possessions, but not all do so; there is the super-rich who are humble and do not boast of the good works done.
Some humble people are both rich and poor, happy and content with whatever life situation they may confront. It is the changing of attitude toward events that make humble people the star of the show, and not seeking approval. The millions of little nobodies that contribute to the peace and love of the universe sending out a clear message of living a life that is pleasing to G-d.

Humble, being true to oneself, choosing truth, peace and love as the guiding factor. Consistently remaining grateful for the universe and the beauty we behold each day. Giving thanks at all times for the blessings received. Seeking to promote peace and unity. Humbleness is not a form of weakness; humbleness is the true way to live, the only one life we have. Being humble opens ups avenues of happiness, receives G-d’s promises, grace, and blessings. Why do we choose not to live in a state of humbleness, when there are so many joys to receive and why do we want to live a life of arrogant emptiness. Are we lost and afraid? 

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
I found this article on the web, and it is worthwhile reading.
 SOURCE:
Jesus says in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!"
Let's face it; humility isn't a very popular word. Yet, all throughout the Bible, the Lord instructs us about the benefits of being "humble-minded."
I love James 4:6. It says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (ESV). In other words, the humble get the help!
I believe humility is often misunderstood and even viewed as a weakness. But it's the exact opposite. Humility places us in a position to receive God's grace and become everything He's called us to be.
A humble person is also a happy person. They can take joy in their life and what God has called them to do, regardless of what the world thinks about it.
For instance, you may think your present assignment from God is something mundane. The proud person always wants to do something they think the world will admiresomething others see as "important." The truth is we don't have to do something important to be important.
We are important because God loves and values us. Our worth comes from him. As we receive His love and find our true worth in Him, then we can truly enjoy our purpose in life and live in contentment.
So many people are miserable, constantly comparing themselves to others who are smarter, prettier, or more successful. But the "poor in spirit" have the ability to be happy with who they are.
My husband, Dave, is a perfect example. Years ago, the Lord instructed him to leave his job in the engineering field to help establish Joyce Meyer Ministries.
At that time, God spoke to his heart and said, "If you do what I am calling you to do…and allow Joyce to do what I've called her to do, then you will have a lot of peace and happiness."
Dave is an extremely vital part of this ministry. We are a team, and he oversees all of the business and financial aspects of the organization. However, it takes a truly humble man – a man who is secure and knows that God approves of him – to be okay with his wife being the one "out front."
I can honestly say that Dave is one of the happiest people I know. He knows what God has asked him to do…and he is doing it with joy.
What are some other character traits of a humble person?
1. The humble can always ask for help, and they don't insist on everything being done their way.
2. They are quick to forgive others, difficult to offend, and content to wait on God for vindication when they have been wronged.
3. They are patient and don't get frustrated with the weaknesses of others (Galatians 6:2).
4. The humble person is a peacemaker. In fact, we need humility to maintain peace in our lives. Romans 12:16 is one of my favorite scriptures. It says, "Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty…but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself."
Wow! Just imagine if we all decided to adopt just this one command from the Bible. If you're like me, so many times you feel like saying, "My way or no way at all!" But there's a better way…a way that leads to peace with ourselves and others.
5. A humble person knows when to be quiet. It's certainly not wrong to talk, but a humble person is comfortable allowing others to have center stage and doesn't feel the need to speak their mind in every situation.
6. A humble person sees their own weaknesses and can readily admit them. When we open up to others about ourselves, it can actual encourage and help them realize they're not the only ones who deal with things.
Dave is very easy going and has what I call "quiet faults," meaning most people don't immediately see them. I, on the other hand, have "loud faults" – some of my greatest struggles have been with my mouth! Now, I certainly don't take joy in Dave's weaknesses, but it does help on occasion for someone like me to know that he's working on things too.
7. A humble person happily serves other people, and they don't do it to be seen. They do it unto God, knowing their reward will come from God.
8. A humble person is very thankful. This is one reason why they're usually so happy. When we live with an attitude of gratitude, it releases joy and power into our lives.
9. A humble person has a tender conscience and is quick to repent.
10. A leader who is truly humble treats everyone with respect. How a leader treats people is the quickest way to find out their level of humility.


First Peter 5:6 says, "Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you."
The older I get, the more I realize the importance of humility. Now I pray things like, "Lord, I can do absolutely nothing without you today. Please help me – I need your grace in every situation."
I encourage you to pray and ask for God's help. Nobody changes overnight, but by His grace, you can begin to develop an attitude of humilityand discover the life you really want.





Friday, March 11, 2016

It is not safe outside



There are so many stories of how people are attacked and murdered in South Africa. The crime prevention is in a mess, and many people are forced to stay indoors and avoid a confrontation with criminals.
Here is another story of an innocent man, who probably spent some time with friends and left to go home after an entertaining evening.  He never got into his car; he was severely beaten by unknown perpetrators and found hours later. He is in a coma recovering in hospital. The police are investigating. Can you imagine how devastating his family are?
 
We all cry out for protection but at the end of the day, we are all targets for criminals and more so in South Africa. I am always saddened by these stories and keep praying for the people affected by crime, especially the farmers. 

It must be traumatizing for people to live in fear and South Africa, especially the minority group who are becoming the victims of more attacks daily. 


*-*-*-*-*-*-*
SOURCE:
#ATTACK: Afrikaner man, Leon Scholtz (43) in coma after brutal attack
Boksburg: Leon Scholtz (43) was found lying in a pool of blood, beside his car, outside Top Shots, in Trichardts Road.
His mother, Petro, burst into tears when she spoke to the Advertiser this morning 
I’m hurt and I urge people out there to pray for my son,” she said, sobbing.
She added that Leon’s condition remains unchanged
A Boksburg North resident is still in a coma, in hospital after a vicious attack which left him for dead in the early hours of March 5.
Leon Scholtz (43) was found lying in a pool of blood, beside his car, outside Top Shots, in Trichardts Road.
His attackers are unknown.
Leon’s father, Johan, said his son was at Top Shots with his friends before the attack.
“When the time came for him to leave the facility, his friends walked him out and went back into the place, thinking that he had left,” he said.
However, when his friends were about to leave the place later, they noticed his car was still parked outside.
“When they approached they found that he was bleeding and badly beaten,” said Johan.
Johan said by the look of things he was probably attacked by more than one person.
Paramedics were called to the scene and administered treatment before transporting him to hospital.
His mother, Petro, burst into tears when she spoke to the Advertiser this morning (March 11).
I’m hurt and I urge people out there to pray for my son,” she said, sobbing.
She added that Leon’s condition remains unchanged.
Boksburg North SAPS spokesperson Juanita Coetzer said police are investigating a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
She appealed to any witnesses to come forward and to contact the detective branch on 011 306 0000, using reference number 107.
“Right now we have no idea who attacked him and with what, we can only hope that he recovers, so that he will be able to help us with more information,” said Coetzer.
Top Shots owner Belinda Liebenberg told the Advertiser that following the attack, they have since hired security guards to look after cars and to ensure people get into their cars safely.