Friday, December 3, 2010

Devotions December 3, 2010

Isaiah 10:15 (New Living Translation)

15 But can the ax boast greater power than the person who uses it?
Is the saw greater than the person who saws?
Can a rod strike unless a hand moves it?
Can a wooden cane walk by itself?

I am reminded not to be so self-sufficient and become proud for the things that I have and the person I see myself to be. God is leading me to something good in my life only I need to have more humility and obedience to God in my heart.

I am disappointed right now. Because of the way some people have been treating me but I guess, I have expected too much again from them. Why do I have this attitude? Why do I have this thinking inside me? Maybe because I am a person who needs to be appreciated most of the time. Yet, in spite of everything that I do to do good to others, I am left unnoticed and unappreciated. Because I seek constantly humans' approval and love. Still, at the end of it all, it is still God that will count, God and me.

I really have to ask God to change my thinking. And the way I perceive my service to others. I need to keep in mind all the time that to do good to others is pleasing to God.That my reward comes from Him and if people would appreciate it, then thanks if not, then God sees me. I need to look into my heart more and see what really motivates and drives me.

I am being set apart by God. He has a big plan for me, all I need to do is to obey Him and trust Him. And if success comes my way, I will give thanks to Him and give Him all the credit. It's not about me. It's about the One who created me.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Nov. 14

As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!” 2 Kings 5:7 NIV

This man had the wrong assumption. This verse reminded me not to jump into conclusions quickly, know the facts first and act foolishly.

But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage. 2 Kings 5: 11-12 NIV

These verses remind me to rid myself of pride and the feeling of self-aggrandizement. Naaman had this illusion that he was "above" others, that he was powerful and someone with a "name" and very good background. In the human standards, he was the best but a leprosy almost made him an invalid.Yet God provided a way out for him but he did not listen to him and tried to do things on his own. I see myself being like Naaman. I still struggle with my foolish pride and I hate it when it is being "threatened." I did not usually time alone with God and thought I was invincible having things on my own.

Lord, thank You for reminding that it is really essential and a non-negotiable thing that we keep our feet to the ground. Let no bitterness, pride, hate, jealousy and even positive things hinder me to run my own race.

Thank you so much for your inspiration and the blessings you have been giving me.

BEE

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

November 3, 2011

LORD, when you favored me, You made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid Your face, I was dismayed. Psalm 30:7 NIV

I am reminded that the things that have been happening into my life, the good and favorable things are all given to me by God and He allowed those things to pour onto my life. I will always remember that all the things that I have, the nice things come from Him and Him alone so I don't have any right to get glory nor claim any credit to myself. My spirit is sad today for in spite of the favors given me by God, the protection, the blessings I received today, I still had in me the spirit of arrogance and pride. Specially pride that I really need to surrender to Him. This is not a one night only transformation but a daily process for me to deal with. God by His grace, will help me see my follies and change my heart.
Lord, help me remember that when You favor me, You make my mountain stand firm. But when I am consumed with pride and haughtiness,You hide your face from me and I will feel inadequate and alone.
Lord, deal with my proud and arrogant heart. Remind me that all blessings emotional, physical, mental and spiritual all come from You and only You, no one else.
Amen.