Update - March 23

Spring is here! I hope it's treating you well.

We had a great meeting on Wednesday night and the week before as well. Here are some notes from Part 2 & 3 of Humility:

Humility: Part 2
-Psalm 25:8-14
What's being said in this scripture?
Why are we called to be humble? What do we get out of it?
Who are the people who fear God?
-Matthew 11:25-30; John 13:14-15; 2 Chronicles 7:12-14
What are these scriptures saying? What are they saying about humility?
-The "Gain"
In Psalm 25:8-14 what do we gain by being humble? Why are worldly gains mentioned so often? Are worldly gains important? How does humility strengthen our discipleship?

Humility: Part 3
-Mark 9:33-37; Romans 12:1-18; 2 Corinthians 10:12; James 4:5-10
We made a "Do's and Don'ts" list from these scriptures pointing out we should and shouldn't do to be humble.
-We shared some personal examples of what's happening in recent weeks in which we or someone else could have been more humble or in which we or someone else was adequately humble and why. We also shared ideas about specific ways we can be more humble in our everyday lives in the coming weeks.
-In the end, I shared this with the group:
"Incarnate Humility" by Andrew Murray (from Humility: The Journey toward Holiness)
It is important that we know who Christ is, especially the chief characteristic that is the root and essence of his character as our Redeemer. There can be but one answer; it is his humility. What is the Incarnation but his heavenly humility, his emptying himself and becoming man? What is his life on earth but humility; his taking the form of a servant? And what is his atonement but humility? "He humbled himself and became obedient to death." And what is his ascension and his glory but humility exalted to the throne and crowned with glory? "He humbled himself... therefore God exalted him to the highest place." In heaven, where he was one with the Father, in his birth, his life, and his death on earth; in his return to the right hand of the Father - it is all humility. Christ is the expression of the humility of God embodies in human nature; the Eternal Love humbling itself, clothing itself in the garb of meekness and gentleness, to win and serve and save us. As the love and condescension of God make him the benefactor and helper and servant of all, so Jesus of necessity was the Incarnate Humility. And so he is still, in the midst of the throne, the meek and lowly Lamb of God.

Resources I utilized throughout the Humility series include: Alive Now March/April, by Upper Room Publications; www.bible.com; www.twopaths.com; and Lists to Live By: The Christian Collection for Everything That Really Matters

In the way of business:
-We discussed our upcoming Disneyland Day - Saturday, March 31!!! We'll gather at the church and carpool together. Look for details and updates in your email - there is also a sign-up sheet being circulated (or simply email Amy and make sure she's aware that you plan to attend).
-Our next bLT meeting is April 1st - get any questions, concerns, comments and suggestions to one of the group members before then!

Next Week: "Suffering" with Ashok

May your Lent continue to be thought provoking and soul cleansing.
See you all soon!

-Rachel