Memorize:“ Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God endureth continually; Psalm 52:1.
Devotional Reading: Proverbs 11:1-14
One of the common challenges associated with wealth, power or might is that most of people in these categories become boastful. Warriors and tycoons. Kings, Political Leaders and generals in different speres of life. The wealthy Films Star and Entertainers who amass vast empires. Successful athletes who dominate competitions and win precious medals, there is a common trend among many of these people, if care is not taken, the real human nature emerge in them and “They become BOASTFUL”
Many of such people have displayed boastful hearts. To their fans and supporters, they may seem like heroes. They may feel justified by their proclamations and perspective. They may think they are being confident, penetrating and assertive.
But the Bible reminds us in Proverbs 15:25; “The LORD will tear down the house of the proud. But He will establish the boundary of the widow” this include all those who are humble. Many boast to glorify self, and push back the almighty God into secondary place in their life, they fail to acknowledge that the almighty God is the actual giver of all glory and success in life and He deserves all the praise.
God sees how the boastful actually “practice deceit” and “plot destruction.” He hears when they speak words that wound like deep cuts, delivered by daggers.
Regardless of what they may think about themselves, God knows their true intentions, and whether or not they really love what is good. God will judge every work wether it be good or bad according to Romans 2:6; Who will render to every man according to his deeds.
David saw how many people like this trust in themselves and their own resources. He saw that they were men “who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in their great wealth.” which God allowed them acquire, many became strong “by destroying others.” They thought in their hearts, No one can touch me; I have seen of recent some of these people fall from glory to ashes like a pack of cards, some even went to the extreme and committed suicide because of the shame that suddenly came upon them.
1 Corinthians 4:7; For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hast not received it?
David was confident that God knew the truth about every heart, and would take action to judge and correct those with deceitful hearts.
The Bible reminds us why we need to be “like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God.” Instead of trusting in ourselves and filled with boastful pride, we need to “trust in God’s unfailing love.” To realise that our strength comes from Him.
Instead of being filled with boastful pride, we need to to put on garment of humility, if we should boast at all, let us be reminded that our boast should be in God, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” 1 Corinthians 1:31.
Instead of focusing on ourselves, Paul reminds us that our focus should be in Christ Jesus “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” Galatians 6:14.
I pray for you that from today, every garment of pride and boastful nature in you will de removed and destroyed in Jesus name.
Prayer point: O LORD, please give me the grace to remain humble all the days of my life in Jesus name.
Key Dose: Remember that God is opposed to the proud, but gives Grace to the humble
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle
