Arrogance Humbled

Focus verses: Daniel 4:28-30

Daniel Chapter Four recounts the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, the interpretation by Daniel, and the fulfillment thereof.

The messenger of God came to Nebuchadnezzar in a dream. He told the dream to Daniel, and Daniel interpreted it. He interpreted it faithfully even though he was greatly afraid because of the possible consequences.

In our focus verses, the king is literally patting himself on the back for all the accomplishments of his reign. He is ascribing all the power and glory to himself, not acknowledging that without the assent of God, none of this would have or could have happened.

The self-made man is created by an inferior workman.

When we fail to acknowledge God's power and might in our lives and put ourselves in the place of God, we have committed idolatry. Our God is a jealous God. He will not tolerate being ignored or cast aside. To do so leaves us open to the consequences of our actions.

If we choose to live without acknowledging God and His sovereignty, we are free to do so. But we will spend our lives and our eternities without Him as well. We are fortunate that He is a determined and persistent God who will use every means available to draw us unto Himself.

My sainted grandmother used to say "when God wants to let you know how small you are, He give you your own way." And when we are left to our own resources, we soon find our limitations.

God will be God. He is not willing that any should perish, but He gives us that option. That is the one place where God limits Himself. He will not override your free will. But oh, how foolish it is to use that free will to flout the King of Heaven!

Father, God,

Grant us the grace to see Your will in all our endeavors. Save us from the sin of arrogance, ignoring Your hand in our lives. Give us the wisdom to acknowledge You in all our ways.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

Surface or Substance

Focus verses: Joel 2:12-17

The book of Joel is a warning and a promise with a contingency. That contingency is here.

"Rend your heart and not your garment."

We all know people whose faith is all show and no substance. And we all know people whose quiet faith is all substance and not show.

I remember a lady, a quiet lady, who was faithful at church - the quiet one in the corner. If there was work to be done in the kitchen, Ida was working. If something needed cleaning, Ida was cleaning. If someone needed prayer, Ida was praying. She filled every need she could see. She was the living example of "bloom where you are planted."

Her motivation was simple fidelity to God. His church had a need; she had a willing spirit.

Our country is in terrible shape, morally, ethically, spiritually. We hear people lamenting and decrying all over the place. But what are we doing to correct this sad state of affairs?

All the high-faluting campaigns will be found virtually useless. The people of God must return to Him in prayer and obedience. Nothing man can think of on a philosophical or psychological or sociological basis will be the cure for our sick nation. The cure can only come from God, and it will only come as the people of God turn to Him and follow His edicts. All of them, without diluting the word of God to acquiesce to political correctness.

We must rend our hearts to return to fidelity to God.

Father, God,

Help us to see our hearts as You see them. Keep us soft and responsive to Your promptings. Show us the way to lead our world to Your salvation.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

Chosen by God

Focus verses: Genesis 18:16-20

God chose Abraham. Genesis 15:7:

Notice that God informs Abraham and saves Lot not because of what they do, but simply because God has chosen them.

Lot has spent his years in Sodom as a righteous man. But it seems that he has tolerated - and even accommodated - the abominations of the society in which he dwells. Even though he has not succumbed to those vilenesses himself.

The nation who flouts the Lord is playing with fire. See Genesis 19:24 ff.

This should be a warning to our land today. Compromising God's word leads to disaster. Just as there are limits to God's patience, the should also be limits on our ability to tolerate and accommodate sin.

This is not to say that we ought to be judgmental. God alone will judge.

But we must, in all good conscience, point out destructive behaviors as outlined by scripture. When we fail to warn our society, we are guilty of aiding and abetting its sins.

Genesis 18:19: For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD... (KJV)

As children of God, we are expected to keep and teach the way of the Lord. When we keep only, we've fallen down on half of our job.

Father God,

Give us the boldness to speak your words and righteousness. Help us to inform and teach with gentleness and love.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen