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You probably have heard the sayinig, "Pride comes before the fall." It is based on Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall" (NLT). Pride. It is something that we all deal with and experince. We can be prideful of our children, or grandchildrenn or the college we attended and many of things. Jesus said this in Luke 10:18, “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!" (NLT). The Bible discusses in several passages how satan or the devil was cast out of heaven (ex. Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12–17; Revelation 12:4).

We live in such a competitive age and this can encourage us to be prideful and not submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We can have the belief or attitude that we are self-sufficient, autonomous, independent and equipped enough to take care of any and all our problems. Yet, our problems often remind us we do not have it all together. We not only need Jesus Christ, we need others. Pride keeps us from admitting our mistakes, sins and problems. Pride keeps us from praying daily to God. Pride keeps us from reading and obeying God's Word. 

And ufortunately, sometimes God allows things to happen to us to encourage us to swallow before our pride swallows us. Proverbs 11:12 says, "Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom" (NLT). Proverbs 13:10 says, "Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise" (NLT). The Bible says this in James 4:6, "And He gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (NLT). 

This week do a little pride check in your life. As a godly Christian friend to help you with this. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you where that ugly beast of pride exerts itself in yoiur life. For example, do you welcome accountability?  If not, it's due to pride. God says this in James 5:16,  "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results" (NLT). Notice how healing and freedom from your sin, addicdtions and problems come -- through sharing them with another godly Christian. Look at the word pride. What is the middle letter? -- I. That is always our problem, isn't it?

Do you admit when you are wrong to everyone when it is pointed out? Do you shuck your responsibility when others feel you are not right -- such as family or a friend? Do you give excuses or pass the buck or blame when someone -- a family membe, a coworker or a friend shows you were wrong? Do you freely say, "I am sorry. I was wrong" to family or friends?, or is it a struggle. If a struggle, that is a pride issue.

Love you, Pastor Kelly

Meditate On This Verse: James 4:!0, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor" (NLT).

Pray This Prayer: "Dear Jesus, there are times I live, act and believe I answer to know one and that I always know what is best for me and others. I disobey You due to pride just like satan did in the beginning. Like Adam and Eve, my pride causes me to not trust You and do things my own way. Jesus, give me an humble and contrite heart. Jesus, convict me to submit to You, Your Word and Your will. Help me to swallow my pride when I am wrong to say, "I am wrong. I am sorry." Jesus, I ask Your forgivness for being so prideful. Thank you! In Jesus' name, Amen!"

 

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