A FEW THOUGHTS ON TODAYS READING...
Many of the nations who were written about in this section saw their downfall due to pride. We read concerning Tyre, in Isaiah 23:8-9, "Who has taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city, Whose merchants are princes, Whose traders are the honorable of the earth? The Lord of hosts has purposed it, To bring to dishonor the pride of all glory, To bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth." Tyre was destroyed due to pride, plain and simple. We read in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall." We read in Proverbs 6:16-17, "These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look,...". We read in James 4:6, "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
If people were to rank sins (which everyone seems to like to do), the tops would be murder, rape, kidnapping, etc. But God lists pride. The first sin ever committed was pride, by Satan, which caused him and 1/3 of the angels to fall from heaven. The first sin on earth was pride, as Eve desired to be like God, by eating the fruit. There are a multitude of murderers in prison who have turned their lives over to God, but the great majority supposedly walking freely on this earth can't see God, because they are blinded by their pride. We hear these comments all the time by those who elevate their own opinions and sense of right from wrong over God's Word: How fair is a God that He would disapprove of two people who love one another from being together even if they are the same gender? What kind of God would condemn people to hell unfairly?
How loving is a God who would allow my loved one to die or get ill? How impotent is God to allow this hurricane to kill so many people? This is just a small list of the statements that people make doubting the fairness, love, justice, and power of our immutable or unchanging God. May we all realize that we are unworthy recipients of His mercy and grace. Nothing should be considered beneath us, if it is done in service to God and others. All that we have in this life is a gift, which is unearned. It is His grace. Only when we realize this, can we spontaneously praise Him, despite our circumstances, the One who is worthy of all of our praise. As we read Isaiah do immediately after telling of the many burdens in Isaiah 25:1, "O Lord, You are my God, I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.”
THIS WEEKS MEMORY VERSE
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ~1 Ephesians 6:10-11

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Dearly beloved, remember that you are not of this world; that Satan is not your captain; that your joy and Paradise are not here; that your companions are not the multitude of worldlings. But ye are of another world. Christ is your Captain; your joy is in heaven; your companions are the fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, virgins, confessors, and dear saints of God, who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.
— John Bradford (c. 1510-1555)








"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
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