November 13

Ezekiel 27-28

Your heart has grown proud because of your wealth (28:5). Many biblical scholars believe that today’s reading about the King of Tyre metaphorically describes Satan. All the pieces are there–ancient creation, proud heart claiming divinity, beauty, access to God, place in Eden, and a spectacular fall. It is a sad reality that many people to whom God gives great wisdom, He also gives great wealth, but they turn to pride. Some of the most prideful people I’ve met were also the wealthiest and most unhappy. Pride is a disastrous vice and the root cause of all sin. I’m not God; neither are you.

Hebrews 11 (cont.)

He was looking ahead to his great reward (11:26). Moses rejected the immense wealth and privilege of bug-worshiping Egyptians for the poverty and shame of God-worshiping Israelites. You may have the same opportunity. Moses believed God’s reward beat Pharoah’s, and his choice led him to the desert where God developed his faith.

Is God developing your faith in a dry place? You do not know the future, but you know by faith that a better day lies ahead. Applying Hebrews 11:26 to oneself requires meditation and time–it is the Lord who reveals such mysteries and sets new things in motion. Living in faith is not wishing for a better day; faith is confidence in God that follows hunger for God. Be still and know that I am God (Psalms 46:10).

Psalm 111

Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind His great deeds. You may think of creation started, seas parted, or disease thwarted (smile). Now, focus. Holy Spirit, show the reader your great deeds done in their life. Show the reader your mighty hand (v. 4). We worship your holiness and magnificence, you are Lord Almighty, El Shaddai!

Proverbs 27:15-16

Like trying to grasp oil. Contentiousness is a common sin in our nation. It slithers in and strikes without regard to spiritual condition, even Christ’s followers have succumbed to an argumentative spirit. It works against a humble spirit that God rewards. It is anti-submission, pro-disruption, and powerfully selfish. The proverb talks about a contentious wife, and I’ve seen her destroy many marriages. I’ve seen the principle applies equally to contentious men who refuse to be led by wiser heads.

Restraining that person is like trying to hold onto a handful of oil. You do not have to try it to know it’s impossible. Contentiousness yields loneliness, and God does not want that for you. To find peace, we must battle the contentious spirit. If it’s in you, renounce it, ask God to heal the raw emotions that let it take hold. (I’ve found that contentiousness hangs onto feelings of inferiority that stem from damaging lies). Take authority. Tell it to leave. If it’s plaguing a loved one, ask if they’re hungry for God’s peace and gently work with them until the Holy Spirit heals the wound and the unclean spirit slides out. (I’ve described the basic process that brings inner healing. Contact me if you’d like to know more.)