A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse March 18, 2018 Up Is Down and Down Is Up Scripture Reading – James 4:10 (NLT) “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor." 

Let's be honest. In the 'real world', it is not those who humble themselves that more often than not rise up to the top, or even get what they feel that they deserve. This kind of talk might be o.k. in church, but things just simply don't work like this in business!....or at least some would say.

This is understandable, in our union mentality - I want what is coming to me thinking; or our self-promoting maneuvers that allowed us or those we know and envy at times to, 'climb and claw their way up to the top'.

Truthfully - in this world, things may operate many times in this way. But remember that in the world that really is real and eternal, 'Up is Down, and Down is Up'. Jesus not only exemplified this with His servant-leadership that took Him to the cross for our eternal salvation. But He also told us that the first (here) will be the last (there), and the greatest (here) will be the least (there) - that is if they are even there at all! And God Himself that His thoughts are different than the thoughts of man - as high as the heavens are above the earth.

So for those of us who desire to follow Jesus, this verse is true, even though it is against our carnal human nature, and certainly not in step with the way things are, 'normally done'. It is our honor to humble ourselves, both before God and man, and live our lives out in meekness, not to be confused with weakness, fearing the Lord more than anyone else.

The more we do this, the more that God will lift us up. In eternity, to be sure - but even in this life as we work and live for the Lord with all of our hearts, people will take notice, and God will provide us with everything we need in our lives. 

Prayer Father, forgive me I pray, when proudly I lean on my own understanding. Holy Spirit, help me to humble myself before God, and man, and trust in Him to lift me up and provide for me to serve You and others. I ask this through Jesus my Lord. 

Memory Verse:  1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT “Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.”