ODB: the life that matters
August 9, 2010
Humility is the recipe for success.
READ: 1 Peter 5:1-7
Remember those . . . who have spoken the Word of God to you, whose faith follow. —Hebrews 13:7
Isaac Hann was a little-known pastor who served a small church in Loughwood, England, in the mid-18th century. At the close of his ministry, the membership of the church numbered 26 women and 7 men. And only 4 of the men attended with any regularity.
In this age of mass media and mega-churches, who would consider this a successful work? In our world today, Isaac Hann would be considered one of those pastors who never quite “made it.” He certainly wouldn’t have been invited to speak at pastors’ conferences, nor would he have written articles on church growth.
Yet, when he died at 88 his parishioners placed a plaque on the wall of their meeting house that remains to this day. It reads in part:
Few ministers so humble were, yet few so much admired: Ripened for heaven by grace divine, like autumn fruit he fell;
Reader think not to live so long, but seek to live as well.
First Peter 5:5-6 comes to mind: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” Reverend Isaac Hann “made it big” in a way that matters—humility before God and a reward in heaven. We can too. —David Roper
Source: Our Daily Bread
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
insulting your mission field
July 6, 2009 “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”. . . “Neither do I. Go and sin no more” (vv.10-11). READ: John 8:1-11 Adam’s words slashed through the room like a grunge band at a polka fest, his ugly phrase hanging in the air like diesel exhaust. He had just [...]
ODJ: Grumble Rumble
May 21, 2012 The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat Me with contempt? Will they never believe Me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?” (v.11). READ: Numbers 14:1-11 Grumble Rumble is a website that allows you to air your complaints. It claims: “Our goal is to help you [...]
ODJ: the power of gratitude
October 6, 2009 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus (v.18). READ: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 Recent studies have shown that practicing gratitude leads to a healthier, more fulfilling, others-centered life. People who focus on what they are thankful for (versus those who dwell on hassles and [...]
ODJ: behind the scenes
June 22, 2011 Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this? (v.14). READ: Esther 4:1-16 One of the things I appreciate about the Old Testament book of Esther is that God’s name isn’t mentioned in it—not even once. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not losing my belief [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米