Prayer and Thanks

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Colossians 1:3 NKJV

Thanks to God is the first clue that our thoughts on fixed on Him. Are we giving thanks to God at every turn?

See what Paul says about giving thanks in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Being thankful is God’s will for us, so in everything let us give thanks.

Before I came to Christ, my thoughts were not very positive and I found it difficult to give thanks readily. Now, being a new creation in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) it’s much easier giving thanks. Sometimes, I wake up in the morning with thankfulness and praise to God on my mind. How wonderful it is!

Prayer is the next clue that your relationship with God is flourishing. Paul mentions he is always praying for the Colossians. How often are you in prayer, once a day or throughout the day? Here’s the key – pray always. The psalmist knew it in Psalm 55:17 “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.”

If Jonah could pray from the belly of a fish in Jonah 2:1 “Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the fish’s belly.” Then we can certainly pray in whatever condition we find ourselves.

Even when we don’t know what to pray the Holy Spirit in us helps us for in Romans 8:26 is says “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Where can you start being thankful today?

Lord, thank you for all you have done and all you are still doing in our lives today. Help us to draw near to you through prayer. Help shape our thoughts around you. In Jesus’ name Amen.

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Rules versus Righteousness

  

“They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul.”” Acts 23:14 NKJV

As I pondered over this verse I thought of rules versus righteousness. There were about forty Jews who took this oath to kill Paul. These men were angry enough to take a pledge to kill someone.  But to let anger drive you to make hasty decisions you will regret later is not only foolishness but it is sin.  The Bible teaches “in your anger do not sin” (Psalm 4:4 NIV). 

According to these Jews the rules had to be followed.  Anyone who rejected the rules would be punished.  Isn’t that just like man? We make a rule and expect others to follow it.  When they don’t, we say they deserve punishment.  If God wanted us to follow rules, He wouldn’t have sent His Son, Jesus.  For God said, “This is my Son, whom I love and I am well pleased.  Listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:5 NIV)

These Jews were so bent on following a rule of taking an oath they were blind to how wrong their planned action was.   Paul did nothing worthy of death, yet these men were willing to deny them self food and water until they killed him. Killing someone without cause is wrong.  Jesus took this a step further saying even being angry at your brethren without cause puts us in danger of judgment (Matthew 5:22 NKJV).  

The thing is we usually think we have a just cause, don’t we?  That’s where righteousness comes in. Righteousness defined by Merriam Webster is acting in accord with divine or moral law: free from guilt or sin and morally right or justifiable.  The Bible teaches us in Psalm 14:3 NKJV “They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, no, not one”.  No one is good, except God.  Our righteousness is worthless in His sight.  The only righteousness that is worth its weight in gold comes from God Himself.  These Jews were not practicing righteousness that comes from God, but what comes from man.  If they were following God, I’m sure they would have remembered Exodus 21:14 NKJV “But if a man schemes and kills another man deliberately, take him away from my altar and put him to death.”

Next time anger tries to over take you, stop and ask your self “Why am I angry?”, “Am I trying to get someone to follow my rule?”, “Am I acting in accord with God’s Word?” Submit to the Lord, resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).   God’s righteousness is what we need, not rules. 

 Lord thank you for your precious word and your Holy Spirit who reveals your truth to us.  Thank you for your righteousness that sets us free from rules and brings us into relationship with you.  Help us in every way grow into your likeness.  In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.  © Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Accepting His Will

 

So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” Acts 21:14 NKJV

 

Why is it so hard to accept the will of the Lord?  One reason is we can’t understand why pain and suffering are part of the Lord’s will.  When we study God’s word, it is pretty clear we will have tribulations.

 

James 1:2-3 NKJV “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

 

John 16:33 NKJV “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

 

Romans 8:17 NKJV “and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”

 

Trials, testing, and tribulation are part of life.  But all of it God uses for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).

 

Another reason for not accepting the Lord’s will is stubbornness or self-centeredness.  Again, studying God’s word reveals we are not the only stubborn ones.  Even God’s chosen ones, the Israelites, were stubborn.

 

Exodus 32:9 NKJV “And the LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people!”

 

2 Chronicles 30:8 NKJV “Now do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the LORD; and enter His sanctuary, which He has sanctified forever, and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you.”

 

Acts 7:51 NKJV “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.”

 

Let’s face it we want our way most of the time.  I have found when I am least willing to accept God’s will it is due to my own immaturity.   If thoughts like “I deserve it”, “It’s not fair”, “I have a right to…” are present, you can be sure you are out of God’s will.  Self-serving thoughts are not part of God’s will.

 

What did Jesus teach?  He told us to deny self, pick up our cross and follow Him (Mark 8:34).  He said if someone strikes you on the cheek, turn and give them the other cheek also (Matthew 5:39).  Jesus is our role model.  He laid down His life for us.  We in turn lay down our claim/desire to have things our way.

 

Ignorance is another reason for not accepting God’s will.  It is pretty hard to accept something you have never heard of before.  This is an easy one to correct.  Start reading God’s word.  Join a small group so you can talk with others about questions you may have about what you have read.  Pray God will open your eyes.

 

When Judgment Day comes, ignorance will not be an excuse that saves your hide. 

Romans 1:20-21 NKJV “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Creation points to God.  The stars of above, the ocean depth, the uncountable grains of sand on the beaches, and even the tree branches that reach heavenward all point to a creator.  The world we live in shows obvious signs of a “designer”.  It didn’t just happen by chance.  I saw a bumper sticker the other day saying “THE BIG BANG THEORY: GOD SPOKE AND BANG IT HAPPENED”. The evidence of God is all around us.  It’s even within us.  If you studied human anatomy for any length of time you would find evidence of God in how the body works.  We were made to know God, because He has put eternity in our hearts. (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

We have looked at a few reasons for not accepting God’s will.  What’s holding you back?  If trials have stopped you in your tracks, trust God to use it for good.  If self-centeredness or stubbornness is the issue, pray for God to give you a desire to follow him.  If ignorance holds you back, read God’s word.

 

Jesus gives us peace beyond what the world offers.  You just need to trust and obey, there’s no better way.

 Lord thank you for your life-giving word. Give us a desire to follow hard after you.  Help us be God-center rather than self-absorbed. Give us endurance to get through the tough spots in life.  Help us see life from your perspective.  In Jesus’ name Amen.   © Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Prove Yourself

The word of the Lord is proven; he is a shield to all who trust in Him.  Psalm 18:30 NKJV 

How is the God’s Word proven to you?  For me, the Lord has proven not only His Word, but Himself to me on several occasions. 

 

One way He proves Himself is through answered prayer.  When I was a new believer, the Lord was very generous in answering my prayers.  I kept a journal with all my prayers and all the ways God answered those prayers.  It was exactly what I personally needed to help develop faith in God.

 

Other ways He proves Himself is through confirmations.  If I receive a thought and believe it to be the direction God wants me to follow I wait for the confirmations before heading down that path.  It doesn’t take long, before I recognize the same thought/direction in a sermon, radio program, or something I read or even a certain situation.  Usually these confirmations come in three’s and sometimes fours!  As if God really wants to get my attention! 

 

Can you relate?  No?  Try reading God’s Word, watching for Him to speak to you not only through the very words you read, but through the situations of your life.  Pray God opens your eyes to see Him and hear Him.  That’s a prayer He’s sure to answer! 

 

Lord God Almighty, thank you for proving Yourself to us, even though You are God and shouldn’t need to, You choose to for our benefit.  Thank You for hearing our prayers and opening our eyes and ears to see and hear You.  In Jesus’ name Amen.  

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Try Me

“Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.”  But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!” Isaiah 7:10 -12 NKJV 

Have you ever wanted a sign from the Lord just to make certain it was the Lord guiding you?  I think this is perfectly natural, don’t you?  We tend to want to deal only with the things we can see, hear, touch, feel, smell, etc. 

 

In today’s verse we see Ahaz is doubly blessed by the Lord.  First the Lord spoke to Ahaz.  That in it self is a wonderful blessing.  We can see from Ahaz’s response that he actually heard the Lord.  Second, the Lord says “Ask for a sign” as if to let Ahaz know the Lord will accommodate whatever was necessary for Ahaz to know for certain the Lord was on his side.  But sadly, Ahaz responsed “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!” 

 

Let me ask you this, if the Lord tells you to ask for a sign, isn’t that like giving permission?  If the Lord says it’s okay, then isn’t it okay?  Why then would Ahaz say no? Unfortunately, for Ahaz, he was harboring pride in his life that made him unable to receive the blessings God offered.  You can read more on Ahaz in 2 Chronicles 28:16-27.

 

This idea of “testing the Lord” isn’t anything new.  We see several examples in the Bible about it.  Let’s look at a few.

 

The first one that comes to mind is the story of Gideon.  He was called by God to defeat the Midianites.  Gideon wanted to know for sure it was really God calling him to do this, so he asked for a sign.  Actually, he asked for two signs.  Judges 6:39 NKJV “Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew.””  God honored Gideon’s requests and gave him the signs and proceeded to be with Gideon to overcome and defeat the enemy.  

The second example is Matthew 14:28-30 NKJV “And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!””  This one is not so much a sign, as it a confirmation.  Peter wanted confirmation from Jesus that it was really Him.  Notice he asks for the impossible (let me walk on water to you), knowing that only Jesus can cause the impossible to be possible.  Also notice that Jesus honors the request and Peter gets to walk on water!  

The third example is found in Malachi 3:10 NKJV .  The Lord says “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.”  God is telling the people if you will obey my instructions I will take care of you.  God even instructs them to “try him” on this one.  Why would God say “try me” if He didn’t mean it?  Oh by the way, God never says anything He doesn’t mean.   

So what do you think?  We’ve looked at four different examples of “testing or trying” the Lord.  In each case, the Lord was open to being tested by man and He honored each one, except in Ahaz’s case because of his own stubborn refusal to listen to the Lord.   

Is the Lord leading you?  Do you need a sign of confirmation?  Don’t be afraid.  Ask and you shall receive for this is what Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV says ““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” 

Lord, thank you for dealing so tenderly with us.  Thank you for helping us to trust more fully in you.  Thank you for allowing us to test you when necessary.  Thank you for your Word. In Jesus’ name Amen.  

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Evil Before Causes More Good Later

 “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Luke 7:47 NKJV 

Have you heard the expression “the bigger they are the harder they fall”?  Well, to me that’s basically what Jesus was saying when he addressed his disciples.  The farther we get from God in our rebellion, the more we are forgiven when we repent and the more love is expressed over being forgiven.   

2 Chronicles 33 tells us of King Manasseh who became king at age 12 and reigned in
Jerusalem for 55 years.  This king did evil in the sight of the Lord.  Let’s look briefly at his life and his turn around.

• He built the high places, his father Hezekiah had broken down.
• He raised up altars to Baals.
• He made wooden images to other gods.
• He worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.
• He also built altars to other gods in the house of the Lord.
• He built altars for other gods in the two courts of the house of the Lord.
• He burned his children in the fire to offer to other gods.
• He practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery and consulted with mediums and spirits.

 

He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke the Lord’s anger. Verse 10 tells us “The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen.”   When our hearts are full of evil, we harden them against the Lord, as was the case with Manasseh.  So Lord caused Manasseh to be captured by Assyria and bound with bronze fetters and taken away to
Babylon.  There’s much that could be taught on the “bronze fetters” but we’ll save that for another time.   Just know that bronze signified redemption.  Think about that.   

Okay we’ve seen Manasseh’s evil works and we’ve seen how God dealt with him.  In verse 12 it says “Now when he [Manasseh] was in affliction, he implored the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers”.  Isn’t it funny how affliction drives us to God?  Why do we have to wait until things are so out of control?   

Verse 13 continues “and prayed to Him; and he received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to
Jerusalem in his kingdom.  Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God.”  God knows exactly what we need to experience in order for us “to know the Lord is God”.   It was only after Manasseh was in such dire circumstance where everything was outside of his control that he finally realized who God was.   

Here’s the best part – his turn around.  Verses 14 through 17 describe all the good Manasseh did after he turned back to the Lord. 

• He built a wall outside the City of
  David (fortifying the city).
• He enclosed Ophhel and raised it to a great height (more fortifying)
• He posted military captains in the fortified cities of
  Judah.
• He took away foreign gods and idol from the house of the Lord.
• He removed all the altars he had built and cast them out of the city.
• He repaired the altar of the Lord, sacrificed peace offerings and thank offerings on it.
• He commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of
  Israel.

 

As you can see from Manasseh’s life, true repentance brings forth godly actions.  Manasseh did much evil prior to receiving the Lord in his life.  But after he “knew the Lord was God” he went on to do much good.     

There’s something about finally seeing how evil you were once the Lord opens your eyes that causes us to want to “make up” for all the bad.   Now, we realize we can never earn our way to salvation, but once we’ve trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation, our hearts now long to do what is right in the sight of the Lord.  It seems from the many examples we have in the Bible, that the more evil done before tends to cause more good to happen after receiving the Lord.  Does that make sense?    

Like Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”   Even our own evil deeds work out for good because they were used to draw us to salvation in Jesus Christ.   

What about you?  What evil do you do prior to “knowing the Lord was God?  What good are you now doing as a result of receiving Jesus Christ into your life?   

Lord God Almighty, thank you for knowing exactly what we need to come to knowledge You are God.  Thank you for using even the evil we have done to turn us around in repentance.  Thank you for forgiving us our sins and leading us in the path of life.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.  

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Shadows of Christ

 

“All the people of the land shall give this offering for the prince in
Israel. 17 Then it shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings, at the feasts, the New Moons, the Sabbaths, and at all the appointed seasons of the house of Israel. He shall prepare the sin offering, the grain offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offerings to make atonement for the house of
Israel.” Ezekiel 45:16-17 NKJV 

I’ve heard it preached the Old Testament is full of things that point to Jesus Christ.  But honestly, I could not see that for myself at first.  However, the more I read the Bible, the more God revealed to me and my spirit was convinced by God’s Spirit in me what truth really was.  Hebrews 8:5 says of the priests of old “who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things”.   

In today’s verse, Ezekiel 46:16-17, the Lord is giving instructions regarding the laws that govern the priests.  This verse stood out to me and I wanted to share why.   Let’s start by examining the verses piece by piece.   

V16 “All the people of the land shall give this offering for the prince in
Israel.”  Who was this offering for?  The prince of
Israel, the priest, responsible for making atonement for the people received the offering brought by the people.   Who can make permanent atonement for sins? Jesus Christ. Hebrews 7:24 says “because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.”  Who is called the Prince of Peace?  Jesus Christ.  Who is called “priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”?  Jesus Christ.   

V17 “Then is shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings ….”  Only the prince, the priest, can give the burnt offerings.  Why was only the prince able to perform this task?  God was laying out the picture of what was to come.  Only one perfect, sinless man could offer a complete atonement for sin.  Hebrew 7:27-28 says of Jesus “who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.”  

V17 “at all the appointed seasons for the house of
Israel.” Notice how God is a God of order.  Everything occurs at the appropriate time, the set time, the time determined by God’s clock.  At just the right time, God sent His Son (Galatians 4:4). 

V17 “He shall prepare the sin offering…” Notice whose role it is to prepare the offering?  Only the prince, the priest, can do it.  In the Old Testament it was the God selected and appointed lineage of Levi, who were responsible, but remember they were only a foreshadowing of the real thing to come.  In the New Testament, we see Jesus Christ has prepared Himself as the offering, when He chose to die on the cross for us.   

This is just one example of how Old Testament laws and rituals pointed to Jesus Christ’s fulfillment of them.  Read the Bible for yourself.  The more you read, the more God will show you.  Another excellent resource for understanding scriptures is to listen to Bible teaching on the radio or on the internet.  I’d like to offer three of my favorite resources:1)      Dr. J. Vernon McGee of Thru the Bible offers a radio program (FM 107.9 KWVE) called “The Bible Bus” that teaches the entire Bible verse by verse over a 5 year period.   2)      Calvary Chapel pastors are thoroughly trained to teach verse by verse as well.   Any time you have a chance to hear a
Calvary preacher, by all means listen.  3)      Truth for Life Ministries with Pastor Allister Begg, offers a wonderful daily devotion on-line or sent via email.  You can also listen to his sermons on line at http://www.truthforlife.org.   

I hope you enjoyed this quick study of the Word and you are able to see for yourself how it represents Jesus Christ as our High Priest forever.   

Lord, thank you for your Word, the Truth and Your Spirit in us to guide us to You.  Give us a desire to read more of Your Word and to apply the lessons we learn in our lives today.  In Jesus’ name Amen.  

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

A Present Help

 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, Psalm 46:1-2 NKJV.  This psalm is encouraging us to hold fast to the Lord, no matter what is going on around us.  While reading verses 2 and 3 about a world being torn apart by natural disasters one must consider what was said right before that: God is our refuge.  So when our world is falling apart, whether due to physical illness, relational issues, or financial burdens, we can turn to Him for help. 

 

I love how the psalmist shifts his focus from the problems of the world in verse 2 and 3 to a holy place we call heaven in verses 4 through 6.  Don’t we see this pattern throughout the Bible?  “Keep your eyes on the Lord” is says over and over in various ways.   Consider how Matthew walked on water towards Jesus in Matthew 14:27-32 but as soon as his eyes saw the waves, he started to sink.  He sank because he took his eyes off Jesus.   And so will we if we choose not to focus on Him. 

 

Paul urges us to keep our thoughts on the eternal things rather than the temporary things in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NKJV “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

 

When the darkest hour is upon us, as our world comes apart before our very eyes, if we choose to keep our focus on God, we will remember what verse 5 says: “God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.”  God is with us.  We will not be moved.  God will help us, even when it looks like all hope is gone.

 

Who comes to our rescue?  Verse 10 says it all:  Be still, and know that I am God.   Stop fretting the situation you’re in.  Just be still.  Focus on God.  Realize He is bigger and mightier than our biggest problems.

 

What are the “mountains” quaking in your life today?  What “waters are roaring and troubled”?  Do not fear.  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Won’t you turn to Him? 

 

Lord, thank you for your precious Word, guiding us back to the truth.  You are our refuge and strength.  No matter what difficulties we have in this life, we can rest in you as our safe harbor.  You will keep us safe from all that’s falling apart.  Help us to “Be still, and know that You are God” and you are with us.  May we turn to you today, this moment and seek your refuge.  In Jesus name Amen.  

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Never Underestimate Pride

 

Pride only breeds quarrels (Proverbs 13:10 NIV).  This I can attest to in my own life.  Whenever there’s been conflict or quarrel, it usually traces back to some unchecked pride in one or more of our lives.  Pride is sometimes very subtle and difficult to detect.  Other times it’s pretty obvious.

 

We all can become prideful.  It’s in our sinful nature.  Whether it’s an external pride (like acting superior and behaving like you know it all) or an internal pride (selfishness, stubbornness) these forms of pride are not good.

 

We all need to recognize pride in our self.  Let’s look at what the Bible teaches in Matthew 7:3-5 NKJV: “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”   It appears we can be blinded by pride.  Therefore, we must first remove our own pride before we can assist anyone else with theirs.

 

How do we know if we’ve got pride in our life?  Here are a few areas to be watchful of:

Do you keep score when someone slights you or hold grudges?

Are you unable to apologize when you’re wrong?

Are you unable to ask for help?

Are you constantly focused on yourself?

Are you insecure?

 

If you see any of the above items appearing in your life, you’ve got pride. Looking at King Uzziah from the Old Testament, we can learn a lot from his example.  He started out well.  As long as he sought the Lord, he prospered.  Unfortunately, when he became strong in his own power (prideful) he went astray.  You can read more about King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26:1-23.  

 

The Bible teaches us God hates pride in James 4:6 NIV “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”   Therefore, let us humble ourselves before the Lord and He will lift us up (James 4:10).

 

Once we’ve discovered pride in our life, what do we do?  From

Saddleback
Church’s “The Source of Your Stress” message notes March 17-18, 2007:

1. Admit our sins honestly. (Proverbs 28:13)
2. Evaluate our strengths realistically. (Romans 12:3, Galatians 6:4)
3. Enjoy our success gratefully. (1 Corinthians 4:7)
4. Serve others unselfishly. (Philippians 2:3-5)
5. Depend on Jesus continually. (Psalm 10:4, Proverbs 22: 4)

 

Lord God Almighty, Your Word tells us You hate pride.  Enable us to recognize pride in our life.  Enable us to admit we are prideful, confess that sin and repent of it.  Enable us to walk in the light of Your truth that we may be set free by the power of your Word.  In Jesus name Amen.  

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Know Your Enemy’s Tricks

 

When things are not going as you planned, or there’s more confusion that peace or fights keep breaking out for no necessary, or you can’t find your car keys to get to bible study or any other distracting thing is occurring, stop and think. 

 

We have an enemy who wants to seek, kill and destroy anything having to do with God and His will.  Let me give you some examples of how the enemy may stalk you.  I started a Beth Moore Breaking Free Bible Study this month.  The first step was getting to the church on a Thursday night to get connected with other women interested in a Thursday night study as well.  Here are few things that tried to slow me down:   I ended up working later than usual so now I was rushed and my husband and I (who rarely argue) had an argument.  The enemy was trying to get me frustrated due to lack of time and discouraged due to the argument with my husband.  However, as I drove to the church I could see exactly what he was trying to do.  What did I do?  I armored up!  That’s right I begin praying Ephesians 6:10-20. 

 

Lord, thank you for having everything under control.  I ask for your protection as I put on your armor.  I put on the sturdy belt of truth around my waist.  I slip on the preparation of the gospel for my shoes.  I put on the helmet of salvation to guard my thoughts and give my confidence in my salvation.  I put on the breastplate of your righteousness to protect my heart.  I use my shield of faith, which enables me to extinguish the firey arrows aimed at me from the evil one.  Lastly I carry with me the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  I stand firm not wavering because I know in You I am strong.  In Jesus’ name Amen.  

The second thing I did was praise God for who He is.  I thanked Him for knowing exactly who He wanted to attend this small group.  I thanked Him for the healing that would come from this study.  I simply became overwhelmed with joy at the potential spiritual growth about to occur through this small group study.   Our enemy hates it when we praise God.  He will flee from you when you submit to the Lord and resist the enemies lies (James 4:7). 

 

The next week we were to meet again on a Thursday for the first time as a small group.  I just got back from Mammoth so I only had one day to prepare.  I had to clean the carpet and the sofas, scrub the floors, do the laundry and plan something for my husband and young son to do while the bible study was going on.  (The enemy likes to cause us to fret over having much to do, so keep that in mind and don’t buy it!)  I also needed to get with the woman I was to borrow the DVD but for reason she was not returning my calls or emails, so it was looking like we might have to start our lessons the following week.  I don’t know about you, but as a planner you want things to go smoothly.  Without the DVD on our first night, would not make for a good first impression but I was willing to giving it a go if forced to.  However, God prevailed.  As it turns out, she was out of town and that’s why she didn’t return my calls.  On the morning of the day we would meet, I finally connected with her and ended up picking up the DVD at lunch time.  (It didn’t give me time to review, but at least I had the video for group!)  During this whole time, the enemy was coming against me physically as well.  I have been experiencing very unpleasant intestinal pain the entire day on Thursday, the day of our first meeting.  I really felt awful, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from conducting this study no matter how bad it got.  It eventfully went away, when the enemy knew I wouldn’t give in to it. 

 

In the end everything turned out as it should but there were plenty of opportunities where I could have just lost it.  By being in constant pray with our Lord, I was able to hold it together and not stress all the details.

 

The next time you find yourself in a similar situation, remember to stop and think about how the enemy might be trying to get you to fall, fail or freak out.  Don’t buy into his deceits.  Instead, armor up!   

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.