Pride

God has been faithful this week to me to remind me to watch out for Pride in ministry. How easy it is to fall into it's trap. Here is what I want to remember and am going to start praying for now before we start:

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." ~1 Corinthian 1:26-27

It is a good thing he does not use people of influence or wisdom because we don't have much of either one! All the more reason to Praise His Name! Here is a Poem that Beth Moore (of course I have to quote her) wrote:

My name is Pride. I am a Cheater.

I cheat you of your God-given destiny...

because you demand you own way.

I cheat you of contentment...

because you deserve "better than this".

I cheat you of knowledge... because you already know it all.

I cheat you of healing... because you're too full of me to forgive.

I cheat you of holiness...

because you refuse to admit you're wrong.

I cheat you of vision...

because you'd rather look in the mirror than out a window.

I cheat you of genuine freindship...

because nobody's going to know the real you.

I cheat you of love...

because real romance demands sacrifice.

I cheat you of greatness in heaven...

because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.

I cheat you of God's glory...

because I convince you to seek your own.

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

You like me because you think I am always looking out for you.

Untrue.

I'm looking to make a fool of you.

God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry...

If you stick with me,

You'll never know.

Continue to pray for us! Hans has a congregational vote on Sunday and he is supposed to start next week. We can feel your prayers and see the results!! Thank- you.