July 26, 2013 (Isaiah 46-49; 1 Peter 5)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “You said, ‘I will reign forever as queen of the world!’ You did not reflect on your actions or think about their consequences.” Isaiah 47:7 NLT
Observation: Babylon was a boastful and proud nation that lived as if they were the world strength. They were a pleasure-loving kingdom living at ease and feeling secure. They embraced wickedness, felt secure in their own strength and ability, and felt like no one was mighty enough to bring them down. Their worldly wisdom and knowledge led them astray and ultimately brought them to destruction. They boasted of their power yet never reflected on their actions or considered the consequences they would reap from the seeds they had sown. Yet before they would come to ruin, God would use these stubborn unholy people to teach His own children a lesson. It was this boastful and proud nation that would enslave God’s chosen people by His design.
Application: There are many powerful lessons we can learn from the Babylonian nation. First and foremost we should learn God is in control. Any strength, or any appearance of strength, we may have came from Him. Our gifts, talents and abilities are all blessings from the One most high. As children of God we must be careful to never become so boastful and proud to believe we reign and rule our own lives. We must remember He is King, He is Lord, He reigns and He rules. We must be careful to reflect on our actions and consider the consequences wrong decisions could cause us to face. With God as our strength and Him as our leader we will be victorious and live according to His statutes bringing glory and honor to Him through our daily lives.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your word that is completely faithful. I praise You for who You are and how wonderful You work. You never cease to amaze me. You place Your hands of protection around me and You raise me up above my enemies grasp. You pour out blessings from heaven upon me and fill me with Your precious Holy Spirit. Lord, lead me today on the pathways of righteousness and keep my feet firmly planted on the solid rock of Christ Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!