Chaplain's Corner
Mark Shogren
November 2026
Novembers's Monthly Chaplain Message:
From: Ch. Mark Shogren, Post 91, Edwin L. Jones, Oconomowoc
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
James 4:10 KJV
Humility is a virtue often mentioned and praised in scripture. In this verse it is also tied to a promise. When I think about being humble I look at the cross, and what Jesus did for mankind. Jesus willingly humbled himself and fully submitted to the Father’s will to become a sacrifice for our sins so we could receive eternal life, (Philippians 2:5-8) “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
James the Apostle begins the fourth chapter of his epistle by admonishing wrong motives between people in the church. He tells them that envy and strife are not from God. God gives grace, (James 4:6) “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resists the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble,” and our response should be to submit to Him and resist the devil (James 4:7) “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We demonstrate our recognition of our need for His grace and our desire to be in right relationship with Him by humbling ourselves and confessing our sins, and asking for His forgiveness and mercy. Humbling ourselves in this way allows us to experience the peace and restoration that can only come from being reconciled to God. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, we acknowledge His supremacy and our reliance on Him; every breath we take every beat of our heart is dependent upon God’s Grace and His divine will. When we live a humble life before God and our fellow man, and not demand our own way we avoid conflict. Seek to serve others without pursuing recognition, and receive correction without defensiveness, (Philippians 2:3) “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
The prophet Zephaniah captures it well in, (Zephaniah 2:3) “Seek the LORD, All you humble of the earth Who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility”.
When we examine ourselves are we truly humble before the Lord? Do we trust in His plan for us, or do we rely too much on our own strength and understanding?
God promises to lift us up when we humble ourselves before Him, “And He shall lift you up”. The Greek word for “lift up” is hupsoó: to elevate literally or figuratively, exalt, lift up. Jesus applied the same principle in, (Matthew 23:12) “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted”.
God Himself will lift up those that willingly humble themselves to His sovereign leadership, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. When we relinquish our need to control everything and instead submit ourselves to God, we open ourselves up to His divine blessings and support. God’s mercy and compassion run deep to those of a humble spirit and contrite heart. He lifts us from our burdens, fears, and doubts, and sets us on a path of faith and righteousness.
If you are struggling with unanswered prayer I would encourage you to willingly surrender your need to control everything; and submit yourself wholly to God so he can lift you up in your time of need✝️!
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