“Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men” (Psalm 107:15 KJV). God has created us and preserved us from death. Only bitterness would cause us to “curse God, and die” (Job 2:9). Only pride would prevent us from saying, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1Corinthians 15:10). There are a multitude of daily events, where we are preserved from harm in our travels, or from ill by those, who continually seek to “break through and steal” (Matthew 6:19) from us. God’s restraining hand must be praised, even when we took precautions. Walk humbly. To do otherwise is not to walk in the Spirit. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thessalonians 5:18). This is not a mindless repetition, but a heartfelt appreciation of what we understand of God’s wonderful actions toward us. For everything that we can see, there must be untold numbers of things which cannot be seen. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen” (John 21:25). Father, thank You for what You have done in creation, giving Your Law, establishing Your name in this earth, giving us Your Word, sending us Your Son, giving us Your Spirit, fulfilling Your Word, and concluding Your prophecies. Give us the inspiration of Your Spirit to conduct ourselves as Your children until You come to get us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Pride
Do You See What I See?
Probably not, but as it should be, I probably don’t see what you see. Why? Truth is unified only in Christ. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6 KJV). No one but God knows all. We each only have a small puzzle piece of the grand picture. What I don’t know could fit into innumerable volumes. And, I marvel at the understanding God has given to others to explain what I do not see. Only the Spirit of God integrates everything together in the Body of Christ. “If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?” (1Corinthians 12:17). Rather than complain of the darkness, should we not pray for faith to increase our understanding? “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). LORD, give us eyes to see and ears to hear that we may better appreciate You and be Your faithful servant. Lord Jesus, come quickly and deliver us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Overconfidence: Not a Gift of the Spirit
There is an American epidemic of overconfidence. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1Corinthians 10:12 KJV). A study of eight developed countries found that American students were dead last in math skills but number one in confidence in math skills. Atheist Bill Maher wrote, “We are number one in thinking we’re number one” (from “What This Comedian Said Will Shock You”). He continues, “Kids now have too much self-esteem, and it’s turning them into angry, screaming grievance collectors. All of that childhood tolerance is resulting in grown-up tyrants. It’s no wonder that by the time they get to college, just having to listen to an opinion they don’t agree with is considered an act of ‘violence.’” Those with true confidence see themselves and everything else from God’s point of view. LORD, grant to us the confidence that comes with standing with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Voice of God: Not in the Thoughts of the Wicked
“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts” (Psalm 10:4 KJV). Surely the Psalmist speaks only metaphorically, or is he? If God must be in all our thoughts, then everyone must be ungodly. No. We must be underestimating how God inhabits the thoughts of the godly. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2Corinthians 10:5 KJV). Let us treat every thought as if we were listening to God, then we would not be as the wicked. Amen?
What Stops Us From Believing?
What stops us from believing? According to Scripture, faith works by love. In other words, the motivation of love either drives or hinders our faith. “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love” (Galatians 5:6 KJV). We trust God more, if we love Him more. And, why do we love Him? “To whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little” (Luke 7:47 KJV). May God break down my pride that I may love Him more and trust Him more!
We Need A Miracle 