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Humility Brings Honor - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) July 25, 2025
- P L U N D E R E R
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
We previously focused on the meaning of humility. We learned that it is the choice to fear the Lord instead of men and that it brings riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4). Today, we focus more on why it is a crucial aspect of the Christian's journey.
Let's briefly consider the opposite of humility - pride. It is a condition that plagues most people, believers and non-Christians alike. This should come as no surprise, given that pride was the first sin recorded in the Bible. Yes, the pride of satan caused it to be kicked out of heaven along with a third of the angels because they sided with the devil against God. The devil desires that everyone made in the image of God will be driven mad with pride, just as it is. It knows that this is a key way to keep souls from reaching heaven.
God's word, however, instructs individuals to avoid pride at all costs, and this is a choice we need to commit to. The Holy Spirit will help us once we do. Micah 6:8 tells us how important this is, saying, No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (NLT). We are also warned that "pride precedes a disaster, and an arrogant attitude precedes a fall" (Proverbs 16:18 GWT).
While pride comes before a downfall, humility, on the other hand, precedes honor. Proverbs 29:23 - Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor (NLT). The honor spoken of here is not just what we would think of, such as prestige and wealth. When God speaks of honor, there's so much more to it.
For example, God's honor upon the Israelites in Canaan meant that their enemies trembled with fear when they learned of their approach (Deuteronomy 2:25). Rahab testified to this (Joshua 2:10). In King David's case, it meant that God gave him a great name, like those of the greatest men on earth (2 Samuel 7:9). In practical terms, David's reputation kept his kingdom safe until after the death of his successor, King Solomon. Furthermore, God held him up as the standard that every new Judean king had to meet. Imagine such blessings in your own life. This is the kind of honor that godly humility can bring.
But wait, there's more!
Proverbs 22:4 makes clear that life is a reward of godly humility, but how many of us want to make it to heaven, where life is forever? Humility leads to honor from the Lord and guarantees our entrance to His kingdom. Romans 2:7 - To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. As we seek honor by walking in godly humility, eternal life with God is the reward. And we are to persist in seeking that honor of eternity. Therefore, we can't allow ourselves to be distracted or deterred. The only one who wins when that happens is our enemy, satan.
May we all live lives that put James 4:10 into practice. May we humble ourselves before the Lord so He will lift us up. And may we all depend on the Lord, His Word, and Spirit to shun pride as we journey to heaven, IJMN, Amen.
To learn more, please read:
God, you are the King of Glory. Àpáta Ayérayé lo jẹ (You Are the Rock of Ages). Daddy God, please come through for me in my finances. Provide for me that I may continue my education this fall, IJN, amen. I praise You in advance for doing that thing for me that will have me and all my family glorifying your Name until eternity, for indeed, You are the God who blesses us so that the ends of the Earth may fear You (Psalm 67:7). In Jesus' Name I pray, amen!!!
CLOSING PRAYER
Glorious God, You've done it again. Another day of fellowship has come to an end, and it is by Your grace that we were able to meet. Thank You, Redeemer God. I pray over all who participated and those who will at a later time. May today's message remain fresh in their hearts, and may each one choose to walk in the fear of You at all times so that they live a life of godly humility that pleases You and brings them the great reward of Your kind honor. As they receive Your honor, I pray that even men will honor them. I pray that because they are pleasing to You, their enemies will make peace with…
Lord, I pray that Your will be done in my life and the lives of my family members and loved ones.
Have Your way, God. Transform as You will and lead us into the fullness of life that You have promised.
I surrender all, oh Lord, IJMN, Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
Why don't we take some time to pray for ourselves? First, I want to encourage you to repent for all your sins before praying the prayer below. Remember that an unrepentant heart is a prideful heart and thus lacks humility. To learn more about repentance, please see here.
Having repented for sin, please join me in praying:
Thank You Heavenly Father for once again teaching us about godly humility and the rewards it brings for us Your children. In the name of Jesus, we pray that this lesson will sink deep into every fiber of our beings so we can serve You faithfully as You desire. We seek to join You in heaven and call on You for…
Dear Lord, You are the Balm of Gilead. Our Shelter and Peace.
Your word states in Proverbs 23:32-33 that people should not allow themselves to be intoxicated, as such stimulants bite "like a snake and poison[s] like a viper" leading to confusing thoughts and ideas.
Father, I pray for those relying on intoxicants such as alcohol, weed, and other stimulants seeking to alter their minds and escape the realities of the world. Your word warns believers to "be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
I pray for an end to their dependence on chemical stimulants for peace. May they all come to know who You are and…