disciple saint francis

The Unusually Humble Words of Francis of Assissi

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Previously, we described the challenge of humility. On this day when we remember the crucifixion of Jesus and his deep humility, it might be helpful to remember someone who strove to imitate Christ’s humility. Francis of Assissi (b.1182 – d.1246) was founder of the Franciscan movement that swept across Europe in the 13th century. Francis left behind his family wealth after a dream from God and encounters with God that filled him with love and convinced him to follow the way of poverty. He began to minister to the poor and at one point he went to a local lepers’ house and asked forgiveness for despising them, gave them all some money and kissed each one on the mouth. Later, he spent two years nursing lepers and living in poverty. Many people in the town thought he was mad and they mocked and ridiculed him. Soon others began following him Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

The Children See The Kingdom – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. ” Luke 10:21 (NIV). This is one of my favorite verses. First, notice that Jesus was full of joy. During Easter week we think a lot about Jesus’ suffering. But we need to remember that Jesus also experienced great joy and this joy was due first to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And in this particular passage the 72 ministers Jesus had sent out had returned with news about the miracles and exorcisms God had done through them. And so Jesus rejoices because all these people got to see the kingdom of God! The Jews had waited for centuries for Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

The Least Are The Greatest – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:48, NIV. Once again Jesus declares that his kingdom is an upside-down kingdom. Humans strive to be great in this life but our status in the kingdom of God is not dependent on our status in this world. God is not interested. Instead, it is the one who is least among us who is the most important. In this passage Jesus was referring to children as being great. But based on his other teachings it appears that anyone who is willing to humble themselves like a child is great in the kingdom of God (Matt. 18:4). This is so encouraging to those who have no status in this world, who do not receive much honor from others, and who realize that we really are only children before God. You can take heart that God Continue Reading →

humility pride

The Challenge Of Humility

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Jesus described himself with the words: “I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matt. 11:29, NIV). Humility is a trait of citizens of the kingdom: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3, NIV[). If we are becoming like Christ then we will be growing in gentleness and humility. Jesus is the ideal and by the Father’s grace we can relate to others with the same gentleness and humility that he had. This will be a huge challenge for us as we grow in Christ because we will be given positions of responsibility and we will be immediately tempted to think of ourselves or present ourselves as more mature and invulnerable than those around us. We will fear showing weakness because we might lose credibility. Specifically, we will begin to act less needy and become less teachable. We will become less willing to Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Extreme Fruitfulness – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15 (NIV) This is Jesus’ promise at the end of the parable of the sower. The seeds that fell on good soil produced a huge harvest “a hundred times more than was sown.” We all want to live fruitful lives for God and produce as much as God allows us to produce. So how do we bear a bumper crop for God? This verse mentions five responsibilities. First, have a noble heart. That is, we desire what is excellent and honorable. Second, we have a good heart. That is, our heart actually embraces and abides in good. Third, we hear the word. So we need to expose ourselves to God’s word. Fourth, we retain God’s words. Thus, we need to believe God’s Continue Reading →