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Today is Wednesday September 16, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Daniel, please read chapters 4-6 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-16

Today's Message: Prideful Attitudes
When we realize the greatness of God and compare it to the failures of our lives, we will find it easier to turn loose of our prideful attitudes.

There is something deeply satisfying and fulfilling to the one whom beat all odds and accomplished his/her goals, especially after many struggles and setbacks. God always honors and rewards those whom have stood by Him in the midst of their struggles. However, we need to be very careful how we handle our success, the truth is that we do not get where we are all on our own. It takes lots of instruction from others (including God), discipline, and growing in order to reach that goal, one can say that “I did it” but too much pride can hurt us instead of help us. Above all, we can not place ourselves on a pedestal above everyone else, we may have accomplished some things, but we are not above anyone else.

Babylon was one of the most glorious cities ever to exist, Nebuchadnezzar was the first king to begin the "times of the Gentiles." The "times of the Gentiles" relate to the Gentile possession or dominance over the city of Jerusalem, and over the people of God.  He was now worshiping his idol, the work of his own hands, and himself as creator. God warned Nebuchadnezzar of the consequences of this in a dream, which Daniel interpreted, “This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.” -Daniel 4:24-27. Nebuchadnezzar was to be put down from honor and to be deprived of the use of his reason seven years, forced to live like an animal.

However, he did not heed the warning, instantly had the appearance of an animal, and was forces to live with the animals for seven years. “The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.” - Daniel 4:30-33. Seven years passed by and then God, in his mercy, moved the king to humbly pray. “And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:” - Daniel 4:34. When a sinner comes to himself, he will promote the welfare of others, by making known the wondrous mercy of God.

Pride and self-conceit are sins that destroy great men. They are apt to take all the glory of their success to themselves which is due only to God. While the proud word was in the king's mouth, the powerful word came from God. How careful we ought to be, not to do any thing which may provoke God to put us out of our senses! God resists the proud. He knows how to abase those that walk in pride, but gives grace and consolation to the humble, broken-hearted sinner who calls upon Him. When men are brought to honor God, by confession of sin and acknowledging his sovereignty, then, and not until then, can they expect that God will honor them. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” - Ephesians 4:4-7

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, we know that none of us are 100% humble, for we are clothed in these mortal, fallible bodies, but You are completely humble and we look to You as our example.  As we clothe ourselves in Your righteousness we can overcome the pride that is ever before us. We recognize that no good thing can come from us, but all that is good comes from You. Remind us daily that gratitude is the antidote for feelings of pride.  When we acknowledge that everything we have and all that we are is due to Your merciful blessings we are humbled and grateful to You, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy the rest of your week.
God Bless You,
Christina

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