Ephesians 4:2-3, “I beseech you to lead a life worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

The fourth gate we need to strengthen is…

THE VALLEY GATE (Nehemiah 3.13)

The Valley Gate speaks of humility and lowliness. This gate gets broken down very quickly in our homes. Pride arises so easily. Everyone in the home – father, mother and the children all want their own way. This breaks down the Valley Gate.

We might as well face it. If we want God’s blessing upon our marriage, if we God’s presence to fill our home, we have to take a humble attitude. God runs away from pride, but runs towards humility. 1 Peter 5:5-6 is a good memory Scripture for everyone in the family, “Yes, all of you be submissive to one another; and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” *

Jesus paved the way for us. Let’s look at His example. He says in Matthew 11:29, “I am gentle and lowly in heart.”

The prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 was literally fulfilled by Jesus. ** “Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus could have ridden into Jerusalem on a beautiful Arabian steed, which would have been more befitting to Him. After all, He was the Son of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. But no. He rode in on the foal of a little donkey!

He chose the lowly way to show us the way.

How often we get on our “high horse”! Many times we won’t come off. We know we are right. We demand our way. But oh dear mother, this isn’t the way of Jesus. He doesn’t ride the high horse. He rides the foal of a donkey! Will you follow His example? Will you get off your high horse and choose the lowly way? Will you ride the little donkey? This will smash your pride to the ground, but it is the best thing that can happen. Instead of the spirit of strife and tension, God’s presence will come.

We have to deliberately choose this way. When we face conflict with our husband or in any other relationships with family or other people, which we constantly do, we need to make a firm decision and say, “I will take the lowly way.” Yes, say it in your mind, but to really get the message, you may have to confess it out loud!

I’ll never forget the story a preacher told of an unforgettable sight he was privileged to see when he was out hunting. As he looked up at a craggy, steep cliff through his binoculars, he saw two mountain goats walking along a very narrow trail. Both goats were coming from different directions and there was absolutely no way for either of them to pass one another. He held his breath as he watched. He waited to see a fight and one or both hurtle down the cliff. Instead, what he saw amazed him. When they met, one of the goats lay down on the path, while the other goat walked over the top of the other one. Both continued in safety.

These were goats he was watching, independent goats who always want to be in the highest spot. Surely, we who are God’s sheep should take the lowly way. God chose to call us His sheep because they are a meek and submissive animal.

Which will you ride today? Your high horse or your little donkey?

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

PRAYER:

“Oh God, please help me to see that riding my “high horse” is the opposite way you want me to live in my home. Give me grace to take the lowly way and ride my little donkey instead. Amen.”

AFFIRMATION:

* Take time to look up these Scriptures and meditate upon them:

Isaiah 2:11; 57:15; 66:2b; Psalm 138:6; Proverbs 6:3b; 11:2; 16:19; 3:34; Matthew 18:4; Philippians 2:3-8; Colossians 3:12 and James 4:6,10.

 

** Matthew 21:4-7; Mark 11:7; Luke 19:38 and John 12:14-15.