September 5, 2011 (Ezekiel 25-28; Revelation 10)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “By your great wisdom, by your trade you have increased your riches and your heart is lifted up because of your riches.” Ezekiel 28:5 NASB
Observation: Here we see the pride and arrogance of the king of Tyre. He had great ability to increase riches by the trade of that land. He made all the right “business” decisions. He increased so much that his wealth became his trust. His heart was lifted up by his accomplishments and riches instead of being lifted up by the one that created all things. Destruction came upon him because of this. Riches cannot be trusted, they are here today and gone tomorrow, but God is forever present and forever powerful.
Application: Here we learn the priceless lesson of who to put our trust in. Our abilities and accomplishments are blessings from God. He provides us these traits so that we can bring Him glory. When we trust in our abilities and accomplishments our trust is moved away from God. Suddenly we feel strong, and act as if we did all these things all by ourselves. Many rich men and women have come to the end of their lives only to discover that great wealth could do nothing for them. God provides and gives all things, He alone deserves and demands our trust.
Prayer: Thank You Father for providing abundantly for my family. I realize and understand all I have is Yours. I trust in You alone to provide all the skills, wisdom and ability, I will need to accomplish what Your will is for my life. Keep my eyes open and clear that I may only trust in You and never in the vanity of riches. Rid my soul of selfish pride and arrogance that trust in fading things. In Jesus name, Amen!