Humble Thyself by Pastor Mark Jensen

Good morning friends and family of God Honor Strength, welcome to the beginning of a new week. A week where we can look forward to God meeting each of us at the point of our needs, insuring that whatever they may be, He knows of them and will meet them according to his plan for you.

This past weekend, my wife and I made a decision to spend a day fasting and praying and seeking God, with no distractions, no electronics, no social media, so we did a Full Fast from sunrise to sunset and the experience was truly amazing. Never before have I felt this close to our Father in Heaven. Never before have I felt such peace in my life than that day, being still, praying without ceasing, being quiet and listening to the words God spoke to me. If you have never fasted before, be sure to prepare yourself first, but then I highly recommend it.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Whether or not you make a decision to fast or not, you should still continue to remain humble before our Father in Heaven. With all that is expected of us each and every day here in the real world, we have a tendency to place ourselves before others or over others and some even over God. Here in the natural world it is acceptable to believe that there are some people who are better than others, that some people are more important than others due their position or their title or their name. And there will be some who may have authority over others but in God's eyes we are all the same. It does not matter the color of your skin, the language that you speak, which school you went to, your social status or your circumstances today. You are a child of the most High God, just as I am, just as is that person sitting next to you on the bus, or in the car next to you stuck in traffic, or that coworker that never seems to get it. We are all loved by God and we are each his child.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2
As much as we may find pleasurable all this world has to offer and may find ourselves conforming to this world, we need to remember that true happiness and peace does not come from this world, but from walking with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yes, some will find pleasure in this world but it will only be temporary. And yes, the enemy will do all that he can to offer you all that you desire in this world, for he knows as well that it is only temporary and then he will have you for all eternity in hell. Now I am not saying that we cannot enjoy all that God has to offer in this world for there is beauty and wonder and awe in his glory. What I am saying is do not conform to the evil and sinful pleasures that the enemy has created in this world, and yes, we each know the difference.

Remain humble before God, no matter what you become in this world, no matter how important you may or may not be. Never allow yourself to conform to this world and jeopardize where you will spend eternity. Seek God every chance you get, pray often, listen to his words, follow his guidance, follow his direction and he will lead you to where you are supposed to be, to where he created you to be. It may not be easy where you are right now, believe me I know that to be true. And you may not always understand the decisions or choices he has us make, but what you can understand is that God loves you for you, not for what the world might make of you or what the enemy may try to make you believe, He loves you for you, because he created you in his image.

As I speak a blessing over each of you, always remember, I am here for you if you ever need to talk or get something off your chest or if you need prayer for yourselves, your family or your friends. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Dear Father God, thank you for blessing us with this day and loving us as Your children. Watch over each and every one of us as we start each day, as we go through this week, keeping us in the palm of Your hand. Guide us in our daily lives, directing us on the path You have planned for us, bringing forth the dreams you have planted in each of our hearts. For we know who we are and whose we are, children of the most high God. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

"Keep your Faith strong, your Hope alive and your Prayers never ending."
God Bless
Pastor Mark