Devotion for Today

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Internal Strife

August 1, 2013

Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.
–Proverbs 16:18 (TLB)

David, king of ancient Israel, found himself in the midst of a confused national situation. His kingdom was torn by internal strife. Slave hated master; master hated slave. People blamed the government, and government blamed the people. David looked about him and saw that every man thought himself perfect. Each individual placed blame upon other individuals. David knew that if sinful pride continued to increase, his nation would collapse spiritually. He knew that economic depression, moral disintegration, or military defeat inevitably follow spiritual decline. So David turned to God, and it was revealed to him by the Spirit of God that the spiritual tide of his nation could rise no higher than the spiritual level of his own heart. So he fell on his knees in utter humility and prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23,24).

Prayer for the day

Lord, deliver me from the sin of pride, and fill me with continuing humility as I go about the tasks before me this day.

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15 Comments

Nellie says 8.1.2012, 1:49 p.m.

I need this verse to remind myself to give all to Jesus and search my heart and pray for others too. Thanks

Susie says 8.1.2012, 11:18 a.m.

What a beautiful prayer. Let all who are exhausted trying to be good be inspired and encouraged that the world has been at this point before- let us be like David- pray to right our own hearts as we provide examples for others.

Sue says 8.1.2012, 10:11 a.m.

Sounds so much like our leaders today. We need to rise and show people the way.

Joe says 8.1.2012, 08:38 a.m.

Amen. Faith,hope and love for all in need.

Gerry says 8.1.2012, 07:34 a.m.

We ought to begin and end each and every day , praying and thanking God for his Divine Guidance. It's a perilous journey on your own.

Jacob Aluko says 8.1.2012, 07:04 a.m.

our Nigeria President should learn frm dis"

Herb K says 8.1.2012, 06:35 a.m.

The central letter of 'pride' is 'I'. The central letter of 'sin' is 'I'. When we look at ourselves we wonder how we can ever be saved. When we look to Jesus we wonder how we can ever be lost.

Chibuzo says 8.1.2012, 06:33 a.m.

It is good to start a day with God.a day you start with God is a peaceful day.the peace i have in my life today is because i start the day with God

Dina says 8.1.2011, 9:36 p.m.

Everything I am today is because of God, he loves me so much and cares for me. I am humbled by his love for me and he never left me during my darkest moments. He made me realize that nothing is more important in this world than having HIM in your life all the time. I love you so much GOD!

Edwin says 8.1.2011, 5:21 p.m.

What a humble prayer by David. To my best of knowledge, pride is a seed of the devil.As followers of Christ, we must overcome pride by humbling ourselves because our God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble(1Peter5:5). Beloved lets follow the example of Christ "who being in very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. A being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on the cross!."(Philippians 2:6-8)

Sandra says 8.1.2011, 4:25 p.m.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for the political leaders of the United States of America to increase their spiritual heart level so that our country can rise on an ever increasing spiritual tide. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Jo says 8.1.2011, 10:53 a.m.

When we bought our bed and breakfast ten years ago, we dedicated it back to the Lord. We have depended on Him every step of the way and He has never failed us. He continues to send guests to us when we need them the most and in return they receive much needed rests and alone time. Our nation needs to learn dependency upon God.

Adeline says 8.1.2011, 09:03 a.m.

Please help me God today, to live for Your Will not mine own...my ways are selfish, hateful, prideful, self-destructive...

Rich says 8.1.2011, 08:55 a.m.

Dear Lord... grant unto me and others in need hope and Your guidance, let good happen

Gerry says 8.1.2011, 07:12 a.m.

I have nothing, that God hasn't blessed me with. I cannot achieve anything worthwhile unless God permits and guides me. On my own I am utterly helpless. I have no reason to be proud. However with God on my side all things are possible. To God be the glory for ever and ever.