John 3:30 - Jesus Must Increase and I Must Decrease.
John 3:30 (NLT) He must become greater and
greater, and I must become less and less.
COMMENTARY PEARL
More than twenty years have passed since
I received my first invitation to speak at a
womens event. Word of mouth spread, and invitations
increased. It seemed obvious that Jesus was opening
these ministry doors, so I walked through them
despite feeling woefully inadequate. My stomach
knotted and my knees knocked every time I got up to
teach.
One weekend while in my hotel room
between meetings, I experienced an aha moment. It
was like Jesus removed a veil from my eyes, so I
could see the reason behind my fear: pride.
The revelation shocked me, but I knew it
was true. I was more concerned about making a
good impression on my audiences than about making
Jesus famous. I wanted women to like me, and I
wanted them to think I was a skillful Bible
teacher. In my selfish pursuit, Id sought to make
myself - not Jesus - greater and greater.
The aha moment humbled and grieved me,
and I confessed my pride as sin. From that day
forward, I purposed, as a speaker, to make Jesus
great.
Before I go onstage, I form two fists and
then slowly open them, palms down. I silently
pray, Jesus, I release all personal ambition and
selfish motives. Then I turn my hands over, palms
up, and pray, Fill every cell and fiber of my
being with Your Holy Spirit. You must increase,
and I must decrease.
More of Him; less of me. Thats the way
I want it to be. Thats the way it must be.
by Grace Fox
Faith Step: If you think pride is an
issue for you, pray the prayer I mentioned above,
doing the hand motions. Do this often and
sincerely, and it will make a difference. [Mornings
With Jesus 2020 Devotional by Guideposts and
Zondervan]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190810-1420.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657