King Nebuchadnezzar learned this first hand after his pride caused him to over-reach. Pride takes many forms, some more subtle than others, even disguising itself as modesty. But God recognizes it. The heart of pride is in opposition to God. Better to humble yourself than be humbled by God.
Peter’s instruction to leaders still holds true. Live with the end in sight. Not in a morbid sense, but with a sense of urgency and anticipation. The end is always near. We will all face God. Live looking and praying for His return.
Happy and completely content is the one who reveres the Lord. This person fears the departure of the Lord’s presence. The one who says ‘No’ to the Lord develops a hardened and calloused heart that doesn’t notice His absence. Living life on their own they find trouble.
When sleep doesn’t come for busy thoughts, rise and give thanks. Turn your mind to the many blessings of God and thank Him for each one. Count your blessings. It’s better for sleep than counting sheep. And more meaningful too. Happy Thanksgiving Day!
Since the Word was planted in you, endeavor to be good soil so that it grows and multiplies producing a spiritual harvest. Crave the Word so that you may grow thereby. Sow the Word so that others may know rebirth.
Untested faith is not faith. True faith perseveres. There are trials and suffering in this world, but they are not meaningless. We have the choice of becoming bitter or better in these times. The faithful will not only endure, they will shine like pure gold.
In this day of Google search and multiple translations, we still need to memorize Scripture. It’s the best way to “hide” God’s Word in your heart. Memorizing and meditating on the Word overwrites the old hard drive with a new operating system.
The more you read Psalms, the more you recognize the words Jesus spoke. It’s as if God gave us the Messiah’s script centuries before. It’s one thing to say what the Messiah was to say, but it’s another thing to do what He was supposed to do. Jesus says and does all. He is the Capstone.
Those who are ‘talkers’ beware! Sin is on the tip of the tongue. Complaining, gossip, lying, filthy language, sarcastic joking and cursing are among the sins of the tongue. From where does this talk come? The heart. The tongue is a heart monitor. It reports what’s in the the heart. Only God can change hearts and tame our tongues.
I like Ezekiel’s response: “Lord, You alone know.” When Ezekiel preached the Word and prayed for the Spirit to move, the bones put on flesh and breathed. The preaching of God’s Word still brings those dead in sin to life and reconciles those who are spiritually separated from God. Preach to the bones!