A friend messaged me this morning and said she was reading my book and that she was reading this particular chapter called "Having your cake and eating it too" or something fabulous like that (LOL) and that I needed to read it out loud on my Facebook page because she thought it was something the world really needed to hear right now. I of course was honored, but had no idea what the chapter was about. I told her I would think about it. First I need to read it for crying out loud. I don't remember what I did twenty minutes ago. Certainly not 4 years ago. So I looked it up and read it. I wrote her back and jokingly said "Wow! I really should and dang I am a really good writer!" Hahahahaha!
Here's the deal folks. God is a really good writer. I clarified this with my friend as well. I only write about the ideas He gives to me. When I write about what I write about, well those chapters don't usually get published and frankly, probably shouldn't. My Bible study just yesterday, the very day before I got this message said "Don't believe your own press." Beth Moore was discussing a particular king and his pride. She went on to talk about professional athletes. She said she absolutely loves it when they win a big game and give God the glory. Me too! I always get the chills. But then God doesn't get the ring does He. The press isn't talking about God the next morning. You don't hear God's name on the news winning the Super Bowl. The players become the heroes. Not God. And the athletes? Well they get more famous, more money, and more "me, me, me." Not all of them of course, but some. We do have some Tim Tebows out there and God bless them for always standing strong.
This happens a lot don't you think? We ask God for guidance and then when He gives it to us, well we don't need Him anymore. We ask Him for success and when we get it, who needs God? We have our kingdoms to rule. We tend to forget in a quick hurry who gave us the ability, the finances, the house, the car, the gifts, the talents, the "kingdom" and all of a sudden "we" are the most important thing. Pride becomes an ugly word.
This is usually about the time in the Old Testament when God shows up and strips everything away from people. Especially kings. Man He can rip some kings. Just ask Nebechanezzer or Uzziah. One turned into a beast roaming in the wilderness like a cow covered in feathers or some such thing and one was immediately struck with leprosy. Whoa. Well, God doesn't appreciate pride. God doesn't tolerate pride. God will knock you off your high horse just as fast as you climbed up on it. Why shouldn't He? He is God. He is the one who made EVERYTHING, including you. You are non existent without Him. You simply would not be. He is the only king. Sorry Elvis.
There is nothing wrong with having pride in yourself as long as like everything else, every other thing that can quickly become a bad habit, it is kept in check. Having pride in yourself and being proud are quite different. We need to always remember who gave us the things we have to be proud of. We need to always put God first and give Him all the glory. And you know what? Maybe we need to get Him a Super Bowl ring every now and then. He might like one! I know He helped the Chiefs last year because I was begging Him too. He and beautifully talented Saint Patrick Mahomes. Wait, is he a saint? Surely he is!
Be careful who you invest your time in. Be cautious who you invest your money in and with. Be careful who you back and who you don't. Be careful who you clap for and who you don't. Someday, we will have to answer to God for all of those things. I'd love for Him to notice that most of my time was spent getting to know Him more and honoring Him by the way I live my life. Wouldn't you? Do what you love and love what you do and at the end of everyday, give God the glory He deserves. It's HIS DAY, everyday. Amen.
P.S. The two ladies in this picture, they love and honor them some Jesus, big time. That's why they are winners. :)
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