The war against pride that takes place in our minds is one of the greatest battles we will face.  For wisdom is not only comprised of knowledge and experience, but also requires humility.  No one is born wise.  We must humble ourselves to gain wisdom because it doesn’t come from within. For when we think we know, we are unable to receive anything new. 

Where does true wisdom come from?  The one who knows all things and holds all things together, God, Himself.  He was here before the world began and spoke all things into being. For who knows more than Him?

In addition to humility, we must ask in faith.  It is by that faith, that our eyes are open to truth, wisdom, and the secret of joy in this life. When we doubt, we are no longer moving in a direction of truth and wisdom, but instead are randomly shifting back and forth with no course or destination.  

How great is our God that He generously gives us wisdom when we ask in faith!!!

Reflection

Are you depending on God for wisdom or on yourself?

Are you doubting the LORD’s provision or trusting in faith without doubting. 

Confess if needed and pray that God would magnify your belief, squash your doubt and pride, and fill you with His wisdom!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are wisdom as much as You are love.  You are all knowing, everpresent, and all powerful. Even the wind and waves obey You. Would you please help our unbelief, get rid of any of our doubts and the pride that entangled us, and fill us with Your wisdom? We ask all this that we may glorify You in all we think, say, and do.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

While the enemy seeks to devour, we will seek the LORD.  For in Him all things are possible and all victories have been won.  We must not try to win again, but simply trust in the ultimate victory already won by our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Personal Reflection

Spend some time today searching areas where pride may still be creeping in.  A good starting point may be anything surrounding your strengths.  Examine honestly and ask a close friend to assist.  

Sincerely pray that God would conquer that pride and replace it with trust in Jesus

Prayer Focus

Father, we desire that our pride would be squashed and You would clothe us with humility, that we may resist the devil,  and that You wold receive all the glory due Your name.  We pray this not in our own strength but instead in the powerful name of Jesus!

#truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl

Learning requires discipline both from self and from a teacher.  Correction is also necessary so that we may see the right direction to go.

I remember one of my first classes in business offered by my workplace was on constructive criticism.  I thought I was pretty good at accepting criticism to improve until we started doing role plays. I found something rising in me that raised my temperature and tempted me to yell out, “I know how to do this better”

That temptation was linked to pride.  I do not know better than everyone else, nor do I know better than, God, who placed them in my life.  I learned that day that my pride is stronger than I had realized and it needed to be conquered and caged.  Pride, put simply, hinders every aspect of the learning process and can lead to stupidity.

Personal Reflection

How do you react when someone gives you correction? It could be a parent, boss, pastor or even a spouse alerting you to something. All of these could ultimately be from God. After all, He disciplines  who He loves.

Will you humbly choose the path of loving discipline and reproof or pridefully embrace stupidity?  The choice is yours.  Take note this is not a one time battle, pride is always trying to squeeze its way into your life and thought.  Be on the alert!

Prayer Focus

Amazing teacher in the heavens, humble our hearts today. Let our pride be conquered and our hearts be open to your discipline.  May your word and knowledge have its way in us; hat we may be transformed and confirmed in the image of Christ.  May your reproof result in righteousness and glory to you now and forevermore; in Jesus Name, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#prideleadstostupidity, #disciplineandreproofleadtolife

#truthtalk4life

There is a manner in which we are to walk in our calling.  We are all ministers of reconciliation (2 cor 5:18) and have been given the great commission (Matt 28:18). It is a great responsibility to carry the Good News of Jesus Christ and should not be taken lightly.  You have been chosen to receive a magnificent gift.  How we share that gift has the power to change lives forever.

From prison, Paul reminds us of 6 things:

1. Humility – We only have the gift of Christ and our calling because God chose to give it to us not because of anything we have done.
2. Gentleness – Our walk does not require us to force feed anyone the Gospel. Gentleness is required as some have been hurt by judgement and legalistic tactics to try to produce righteousness
3. Patience – The timing of a person’s faith is crafted by God, not by us.  We must learn trust that God has every detail covered.  We simply walk faithfully and He will reveal truth in His timing.
4. Forbearance – Let’s face it, those that have been hurt repeatedly can be hurtful themselves.  Living in unity with believers requires forbearance.  There are immaturities, nativities, and annoying habits that we must look past.
5. Love – Love is required to do the 4 things above.  A love for God, His mission, and His people.
6. Unity – We must seek and preserve unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  A desire for everyone to know you’re right is often the greatest destroyer of unity.  Jesus prayed that we might be one even as He and His Father are one.  You can’t get any more unified than that!

Personal Reflection:

What area(s) above do you struggle with the most?  Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and Matthew 28:18.  How does God’s purpose for us in these passage help equip us to overcome those struggles?

Prayer Focus:

As I think about all these 7 Hows of walking out your calling, I am reminded of our dear brother and sister in Christ, Saeed and Naghmeh Abedini.  Headlines have abounded, comments have been hurled.  What is needed in this time are these 7 manners above.  We must continue to support them in Love, Unity, Forbearance, Patience, Gentleness, and Humility and refrain from taking sides or casting judgements.  They are in a great spiritual battle and need the reinforcements of our prayers more than ever.

Heavenly Father, you alone are our source of strength.  From you comes the help we need.  Please instill deeply these 7 attributes in our walk with you.  Lord, we cry out to you on behalf of our dear friends Saeed and Naghmeh.  May there be healing that abounds, resulting in your glory and even greater testimony of your great love; in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, Amen!