Tag: pride
Guided to Glory!
Scripture reading for September 11: Psalm 73:23-26 “Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my Portion forever.”
Jude 20-22 “But you beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt, . .”
Have you ever envied someone who appeared more prosperous or blessed than you? This psalm deals with the honest confession of a person who struggled with envy and coveting the apparent prosperity and blessing of the wicked. Evidently he was suffering with some affliction as well and he entertained thoughts like “in vain have I kept my heart clean.” (vs 13) But as he continued the psalm, he entered God’s sanctuary and saw the end of the wicked in judgment by the Almighty. Though they had lived in apparent luxury, they would be swept away in a moment at the judgment.
In spite of the psalmist’s doubts and envy, God was with him and held his right hand, leading him with His unfailing counsel. He revealed that in the end, in spite of the suffering and eventual death, he would be with God in glory. God would be the strength of his heart and his Portion forever!
Jude, wrote to the church to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. (vs 3) Jude was aware of the battle for our faith waged by our flesh and our enemy, Satan. Jude encouraged believers not to be deceived by the false, but to build up their faith through prayer in the Holy Spirit. They must faithfully wait for the mercy of God and show mercy on others who struggled. That’s our merciful Father and Lord guiding His church home to eternal glory!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your mercy and the Wonderful Counselor You sent to live in us and help us to pray and stand in our faith. Thank You for empowering Your Church to share that message with the lost and doubting. In Christ’s Love, Amen.
Beware of Pride!
Scripture reading for July 27: 2 Chronicles 26:16-19 “But when he (King Uzziah) became strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. But Azariah the priest went in after him, with eighty priests of the Lord who were men of valor, and they withstood King Uzziah and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priest, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary, for you have done wrong, and it will bring you no honor from the Lord God. Then Uzziah was angry. Now he had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and when he became angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead . . ..”
As we look in Scripture for instruction on healing and maintaining health in our bodies, we come to a difficult story. King Uzziah was a good king who initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He began a 52 year reign at 16 years of age. He began by seeking the Lord and God prospered him and the nation of Judah. He loved the soil and had lots of vines and farmers working for him. He built a big army and fortifications and developed a reputation for his military skill. Everything was going right for him.
But when he became strong, he grew proud in his heart and lost his way. His pride was religious. He thought he had just as much right to offer incense to the Lord as the priests who were designated by God to do that task. After all, he thought God would be pleased that he was seeking Him. When confronted, instead of humbly repenting, he raised the censer in anger towards the priest and leprosy broke out on his forehead.
This story reminds us that sometimes disease and sickness can come from spiritual attitudes that are rebellious against God and His established authority. It is so easy to become proud when we are successful and blessed by the Lord. It is easy to make assumptions when we are doing religious things. But God does see and know our hearts. Satan fell because of pride. Beware!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this warning in Scripture written down for us. Through the Holy Spirit, reveal what I need for healing and restoration. Amen.
Day 5–Fire-setter? Or fighter?
Scripture reading for April 3: James 3:5-6 “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”
As a fire-fighter, I love to put out brush and grass fires. In fact, just yesterday, I was playing golf and a grass fire call came over my pager. I rushed back to the clubhouse and then drove quickly the half-mile to the fire station. I jumped into my suit and boots and took the brush truck loaded with water back to the other side of the course. It turned out that the golf course superintendent had started a small brush fire in the morning and the wind picked up blowing sparks into nearby grass. The dry grass quickly spread as wind gusted and flames headed for the adjoining houses. It was just a small brush fire that ignited several acres in a short time! Thankfully, working with others, it was quickly extinguished.
James wrote about the tongue as a small fire set in the body. The untamed tongue is a world of unrighteousness and evil. Although small, our tongue can quickly start a big blaze that spreads rapidly bringing wide-spread devastation. James says that our untamed tongue can set the whole course of life on fire and it derives it’s deadly match from hell itself.
As a first responder who fights fires, I surely don’t want to be responsible for setting them! The longer I live as a member of my community of responders, The better I am understanding the power of our tongues. Our words can bring healing, they can break through hardened hearts, they can comfort and encourage and help maintain unity and good will. But if we are careless with our words, they can start fires of strife among our community destroying unity. Each person must go to God for grace and power to tame the fire of our tongues. Let’s be fire-fighters and not igniters!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving Your children understanding concerning the power of our tongues and the need for Your help in bringing the fire under control. Help me to use my tongue to quench the fires of pride and calm the winds that spread discord. Amen.
Humble Yourselves
Scripture reading for November 13: 1 Peter 5
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:5-9
Peter was a brash and boastful person before he met Jesus Christ. He was humbled as he denied knowing Jesus three times as Jesus had predicted. Jesus restored him by asking if he loved Him three times. But Jesus taught us to humble ourselves rather than having to be humbled! Peter now concludes this letter to the church with encouragement to the elders to humbly shepherd God’s flock willingly with gentleness and modeling Christ’s example. (1 Peter 5:1-4)
Peter encouraged all younger believers to ‘clothe yourselves with humility.’ The reason is that God’s grace is only given and able to be received by humble hearts. God, Himself, opposes the proud. Pride is the mark of the devil who is constantly after believers to devour them. When we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, an act of humility is to cast all our anxieties on Him out of faith that He will care for us. We humbly watch and pray for ourselves and our fellow-believers. Pride and rebellion against authority are common attacks of our enemy Satan. He is a rebel himself and pride and self-exaltation got him kicked out of heaven. Peter promised the humble that God would exalt them in the proper time! Jesus lifts up those who willingly humble themselves!
Have you ever been humbled by God because of pride or rebellion? Do you find it difficult to humble yourself by praying or submitting to the elders who watch over you? Is there an attack of the devil in your life today that you need to resist? Will you humble yourself and ask for prayer?
Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ Name, I humble myself today under Jesus Christ the Great Shepherd. Thank You for His humble and gentle heart given to me by the Holy Spirit. Continue to teach me how to humble myself to respect my elders and each person and willingly serve them as Jesus called me. Amen.
One True God
Scripture reading for July 16: 1 Corinthians 8
“For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth–as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”–yet for us there is one God, the Father, from Whom are all things and for Whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through Whom we exist. However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:5-9
Although our nation was founded on Christian principles, we are far from trusting in the “One God” and “One Lord” that Paul spoke of to these Corinthians. In their culture there were many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’ that competed for attention. Idolatry was common and people worshiped through bringing sacrifices, keeping rules, eating foods, and sexual contacts. Here Paul was dealing with foods served at the idol temples. These had often been animal sacrifices offered to idols. Corinthian believers had come out of this idolatry and looked upon the meat as tainted and thought they would be defiled if they went back to eat it. Paul told them that these idols and false gods were really nothing and had no influence.
But this knowledge could make a believer proud and the pride could keep them from loving God and those made in His image. To love each person where they were was the example and calling of Jesus and God the Father. Mature believers must always act in love towards those still not understanding accurately the influence of these false idols. Some believers were being hindered by the liberty of those flaunting their ability to eat the meat sacrificed to idols. Paul stated, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” 1 Corinthians 8:13
Have you ever struggled to limit your freedom in Christ for the sake of a new believer coming out of idolatry? Is it easier to act on knowledge and rules than to show genuine love through restraint? How does Jesus advise us to handle believers who have a weak conscience?
Prayer: Father, thank You for being patient with me when I was lacking knowledge and understanding of truth. Help me to show Your love and patience towards newer believers as they struggle to come out of idolatry and often fail to understand the new liberty given by grace and faith. Amen.
It’s best to be humble
Scripture reading for March 21: Luke 14
“Now He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:7-11
Pride is a hallmark of the sinners life. Sinners almost always think more highly of themselves than others and they seldom think of God as real or of deserving honor. Jesus came to a feast given on the Sabbath by a ruler of the Pharisees. They were watching Him carefully, to trap Jesus. He healed a man with dropsy and they were silently angry at His ‘work’ on the sacred Sabbath. In response to their judgment, Jesus told the invited guests a parable of a wedding feast with invited guests. Those in attendance had evidently taken places of honor and there was jostling for these choice positions. This selfish attitude was evident in the religious life of Israel and was also among the disciples–wanting positions of honor at Jesus’ right hand.
But Jesus used this parable to teach that it’s best to be humble and take the lowest seat first. The master of the banquet can then invite you to take a better place rather than remove you from the highest place bringing shame and dishonor. This was a spiritual principle of Christ’s kingdom and a core principle of His world view: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” This is contrary to the world’s view of grab the best for you! Repentance requires humility. The kingdom of heaven is like being invited to a wedding banquet. The Groom is Jesus Christ and those invited are the humble who will graciously respond and put on the wedding garments provided! (Luke 14:16-23)
Have you responded to Christ’s invitation to His great banquet? What are indications in your own life that you are now acting in humility and taking the ‘lower place?’ Is it wrong to have expectations of great reward for serving Jesus?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the invitation to attend the greatest banquet ever, the wedding supper of the Lamb! I am thankful for any place at that table. Use me to spread the invitation to others who need to humble themselves in repentance before this great event takes place. Amen.
Beware of putting on a show.
Scripture reading for January 31: Matthew 23
“They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, Who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:5-12
Jesus warned His disciples about the religious showmen of His day, the Pharisees and scribes. Their religious deeds were meant to be seen by others so that their reputation might be enhanced. Pride and desire for glory was behind their showmanship. They wanted approval of men and places of honor and people looking upon them for their prestigious titles. These people were setting themselves up for a humbling experience.
But followers of Jesus would find true greatness in becoming servants of God and others. The titles of ministry or leadership were not to be sought after. Each follower had One Rabbi and Teacher, Jesus Christ, Who Alone was worthy of praise and exaltation. No man was to be called ‘father’ because all have One Father, God Almighty. The posture of assuming the lowest place of a servant would bring reward.
Do you see any aspects of your life today where you are seeking the approval of men rather than God? Are titles and places of honor something you crave? What is one thing you could do to humble yourself?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this plain warning concerning the pride of life and seeking man’s approval. I know that I have fallen into that trap at times in my life. Thank You for the correction and direction that comes from Your Word and the Holy Spirit. Have Your way in me, Lord! Amen.
Grudges, pride and destruction!
Scripture reading for September 16: Obadiah
Jacob and Esau were twin brothers. Prophesy was given over them even before they were born that there would be conflict between each other. Esau was the first-born and Jacob came out holding onto his brother’s heel. A spiritual conflict ensued that caused these brothers and their descendants to be in a struggle that lasted for hundreds of years. Jacob got Esau’s birthright for a bowl of soup. (Genesis 25:32-34) Jacob stole his brother’s blessing from their father Isaac with the help of their mother Rebekah. Esau was furious and held a grudge against Jacob, plotting to kill him. (Genesis 27:41) Jacob fled to Paddan Aram, to Laban’s house to find a wife. (Genesis 28:1-3) Esau had upset his parents by marrying Hittite women who were idolaters! (Genesis 27:44) So this conflict between two brothers smoldered like a fire, particularly in the heart of Esau!
Now, over 500 years later, Obadiah the prophet is sent with a message for Esau’s descendants. They had become a nation that was dwelling next to Israel and Judah but still held a grudge! They had pride in their hearts that they in their own power and strength would make their own way. (Obadiah 3-4) They had violence in their hearts against their brother Jacob and stood aloof while Jacob was under attack. (Obadiah 10-12) They had looked down on their brothers when they were being overtaken by foreigners and actually rejoiced over their misfortune rather than helping to defend them. (Obadiah 12-14) God’s message was that as they had done, it would be done to them! Edom would reap what they had sowed and their pride would result in the destruction of the House of Esau! (Obadiah 15-18)
We can all learn from this sad story! A grudge held can infect a family which can eventually destroy a nation of people. Esau’s grudge was never fully dealt with! Esau’s focus on his own needs, appetites, and personal pride caused his family and eventually a nation that came from him to dwell in pride. This pride and despising of their brothers resulted in God’s judgment and their destruction! Unforgiveness is just as dangerous for us today! It will isolate us from our family and open us up to the enemy of our souls. It will cut us off from God’s grace! Jesus Christ died to heal our broken family ties and restore us to God’s family! Take time today to ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness! Humility always wins and defeats pride’s death traps!
King of Pride
Scripture reading for August 23: Ezekiel 24-28
Satan is not mentioned by name often in the Old Testament. This fallen angel inhabited the body of a serpent in the Garden of Eden and enticed Eve to eat the forbidden fruit in rebellion to God’s express command. The serpent was told by God that the Seed of woman would crush his head one day and he would bruise the Seed’s heel. (Genesis 3:1-6, 14-15) In perhaps the oldest book of the Bible, Job underwent a difficult trial as a result of Satan’s accusations of him before the throne of God. Satan was given permission to test Job by first taking his possessions and children and then taking Job’s health. In 1st Chronicles 21:1, Satan stood up against Israel and enticed King David to number the people and take pride in how many fighting men he had. In Zechariah 3:1-2, Satan stood before the Lord and accused Joshua, the high priest, and was rebuked by the Lord.
There are two other passages that commentators say refer to Satan because the descriptions go beyond that of an earthly man or king. One is found in Isaiah 14 and the other is here in Ezekiel 28:11-19 and is a lament composed by Ezekiel concerning the king of Tyre. This lament describes this ‘king’ as being the model of perfection and full of wisdom and beauty. He was in Eden, the Garden of God and covered with many precious stones. This king was anointed by God to be a guardian cherub on the holy mountain of God. There he walked among the fiery stones and was blameless from the day he was created. Then wickedness was found in him and he was filled with violence and sinned. God drove him from the mountain of God in disgrace. The sin was pride because of his beauty and wisdom. God threw him down to earth and by his many sins and dishonest trade he corrupted mankind with pride . God brought him to a fiery end and reduced him to ashes in the sight of all who watched.
You might say Satan is the king of Pride and of all the proud of the earth. All mankind has fallen under his spell because of Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden. But God has provided One who has crushed the head of this serpent, Jesus Christ the Lord. The end of time will see Satan (the Devil) cast into the Lake of Fire to endure his fiery torment that lasts forever! (Revelation 20:10) Check out your heart for pride today and allow the cleansing blood of Jesus to wash it away!
Love builds up!
Scripture reading for August 10th: 1st Corinthians 8, Psalm 9, Proverbs 4
1st Corinthians 8: 1-3 “Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.”
Paul, writing to Christians in a culture of idolatry, cautioned them against spiritual pride and using their freedoms and “knowledge” in a manner that might cause weaker or younger believers to stumble. “Knowledge” puffs up a person with pride. Using even right knowledge that an idol is nothing and that food does not necessarily defile you, even if offered to an idol, could cause those who still believe that is defiling to stumble and violate their conscience. The law of love says that we follow the Holy Spirit in caring for others and limiting our freedoms that all might grow closer to Jesus Christ. When we love God in this way, God takes note and upholds each loving believer.
Psalm 9:9-10 “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know Your Name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”
Prayer: Father, thank You for being our stronghold in times of trouble and in this idolatrous culture. Help me daily to stay humble and avoid the trap of pride. May Your love flow in me by the Holy Spirit to love God and show love towards others seeing them built up in their faith. May we not stumble as we run the race of faith and follow Your path of wisdom and uprightness.
Proverbs 4:10-12 “Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have lead you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.”