3 posts tagged “arrogance”

PRIDE AND ARROGANCE

Read Daniel 4–5

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4:37 NIV

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Today I received this e-mail from our former pastor David Jeremiah of Turning Point and Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California.

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This may go down in history as one of the most traumatic weeks in American history.  One gets the impression from the news that we are teetering on the edge of the worst financial crisis since the great depression of 1929.  People everywhere are uneasy and some are in a panic mode. 

All of us should be concerned, and I am sure you have been doing some extra praying during these days.  But at such a time as this, I find my faith lifting me up and giving me a sense of confidence that is only understandable to those who know the Lord.  Paul was right when he wrote to the Philippians that the “peace of God was beyond understanding.”

One of the big reasons for confidence in such a time is a relationship with a never-changing God.  He is not affected by the collapse of our financial institutions.  And I sometimes wonder if He isn’t allowing this in order to get the attention of the blessed people of America.  I was reminded this week of a passage in the Old Testament that records a warning that God gave to His people Israel as they were about to embark on their journey into the promised land.  Listen to these words:

Deuteronomy 6:10-12 - “So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant - when you have eaten and are full - then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.”

Is this not an accurate picture of our nation today?  We have been given so much, and we have forgotten God.  Is it possible that Almighty God has had enough of our arrogance and self-praise?  The Bible does not hold out much hope for nations that forget God.

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Read 1 Samuel 15

             So Samuel said: "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.  1 Samuel 15:22‑23a NKJV

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            King Saul thought that it was enough to follow God’s instructions partially. He not only took the spoils of war for himself, contrary to God’s command, but he also set up a monument in his own honor, instead of honoring God. Saul’s arrogance was like the sin of idolatry. According to God’s standards, he was worshiping himself. Saul knew exactly what God required–but he thought he could pick and choose which instructions were convenient for him. His impressive monument became proof of his arrogance – and God took the kingdom from him and gave it to another.

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            Lord, as I seek Your will and purpose for my life, I want to be faithful to the instructions given in Your Holy Word. You have honored the position of wife and mother and required that it be given priority. Help me to remember this, as the world begins to squeeze me into its mold. Righteousness in Your eyes is far more important than worldly accomplishment.

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            Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV