Friday January 28, 2011
Today's Passage: Genesis 11:1-11:9
Memory Verse: Genesis 11:4
*E100 Challenge
I was reading the Word today and the thought came to me: "Bad motives stop forward motion". The thought peaked my interest because we're in a season of "Activation". We've been challenged to start actively responding to God's Word with more than just good songs and church attendance. But, when we set out to do something our motives have to be right. We can't SAY we're doing something for God and then turn around and take the glory. This was the mistake that was made by the people in today's passage.
The people in today's reading had a great thing going on. They had good communication. Can you imagine how hard it would be to get a bunch of different people to communicate effectively? Families that live in the same home rarely possess that skill. Members of the same church often have problems in this area too. But the people in our text were. The Bible says they spoke the same language. God even made the statement that they were so united, He Himself wouldn't be able to withhold anything from them. THAT'LL PREACH! But they had one big flaw in their plans. They forgot God. They thought their success in communicating could substitiute for God's wisdom and guidance. So, they sought to build a tower that stretched to the heavens so it could block God's influence. Wrong move. Listen friends. God will never raise you up to have to compete with who you are. The successes we're blessed with have a purpose. The goals we achieve are part of a greater plan. So, we can't become "I natured" when we're blessed with them. We must see them as opportunities to bring glory to God. That's all, nothing else. The people thought building the tower would empower them. But, all it did was set them up to be scattered.
In closing, enjoy the successes of life. Know that God has His hand on You. Whenever you get married, get a promotion, earn a degree, or have a child, it's all for God's glory. It means your satisfaction comes from His pleasure. The reason He does that is because He wants people to know how strong and loving He is. He wants people to know a life devoted to Him is the best life one can live. So, make sure He gets the glory for your achievements. As for the people in today's passage, instead of building a tower, they should've built a temple. A house where everyone could say: Lord, You are good. Your mercy is everlasting; and Your truth endures to all generations!
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your love and guidance. I will never take You for granted. Thank You for the gifts and abilities You gave me. I will use them to bring glory to Your name, not mine. Forgive me Lord for the times I've boasted unto myself. The reality is I'm nothing without You. Therefore, I'm Yours forever...in Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Passage: Genesis 11:1-11:9
Memory Verse: Genesis 11:4
*E100 Challenge
I was reading the Word today and the thought came to me: "Bad motives stop forward motion". The thought peaked my interest because we're in a season of "Activation". We've been challenged to start actively responding to God's Word with more than just good songs and church attendance. But, when we set out to do something our motives have to be right. We can't SAY we're doing something for God and then turn around and take the glory. This was the mistake that was made by the people in today's passage.
The people in today's reading had a great thing going on. They had good communication. Can you imagine how hard it would be to get a bunch of different people to communicate effectively? Families that live in the same home rarely possess that skill. Members of the same church often have problems in this area too. But the people in our text were. The Bible says they spoke the same language. God even made the statement that they were so united, He Himself wouldn't be able to withhold anything from them. THAT'LL PREACH! But they had one big flaw in their plans. They forgot God. They thought their success in communicating could substitiute for God's wisdom and guidance. So, they sought to build a tower that stretched to the heavens so it could block God's influence. Wrong move. Listen friends. God will never raise you up to have to compete with who you are. The successes we're blessed with have a purpose. The goals we achieve are part of a greater plan. So, we can't become "I natured" when we're blessed with them. We must see them as opportunities to bring glory to God. That's all, nothing else. The people thought building the tower would empower them. But, all it did was set them up to be scattered.
In closing, enjoy the successes of life. Know that God has His hand on You. Whenever you get married, get a promotion, earn a degree, or have a child, it's all for God's glory. It means your satisfaction comes from His pleasure. The reason He does that is because He wants people to know how strong and loving He is. He wants people to know a life devoted to Him is the best life one can live. So, make sure He gets the glory for your achievements. As for the people in today's passage, instead of building a tower, they should've built a temple. A house where everyone could say: Lord, You are good. Your mercy is everlasting; and Your truth endures to all generations!
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your love and guidance. I will never take You for granted. Thank You for the gifts and abilities You gave me. I will use them to bring glory to Your name, not mine. Forgive me Lord for the times I've boasted unto myself. The reality is I'm nothing without You. Therefore, I'm Yours forever...in Jesus' name. Amen.
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