13/09/2013 - GET RID OF ALL PRIDE

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The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’

Obadiah 1.3

When pride enters our hearts, it is time to take a step back, because fall is imminent. Pride is the sign that the devil’s plan to destroy us is under way. It is time, then, to return to the Scriptures and, with an open heart, find out what the Lord has in store for your life. Follow his instructions and get rid of any thoughts that you are better or more gifted than others.

Pride comes from the devil, indicating that somehow he has entered your life to destroy you. The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1Peter 5.8). When you act with pride, the devil lets out a cry of victory, saying, “Yes!”. Pride is pernicious and will lead you down paths that are not good, while also bringing other evils to destroy humanity. Never forget that deep calls unto deep (Psalm 42.7).

If the Lord has been good for you, do not take credit for it; his kindness reveals that he has special plans for you to fulfill. If you believe that a virtue you have is a natural gift of yours, not only will you be displeasing the Lord, but also giving a chance for the enemy to enter your heart. Because he loves us, the Almighty God prepares us to serve him. He separates his gifts to a specific work, according to his will.

Never start a sentence with “Modesty aside…”, nor boast that you are the best. When you accept pride, you also accept deceit. Next thing you know you are making all wrong decisions, doing things that go against the biblical principles, thus bringing suffering on yourself and people around you. Pride corrupts our hearts, making you believe that you are different from others, justifying your belief that you are special or charismatic. The devil is the master of deceit; he knows your weak spots and that is where he will strike. Those who listen to Satan end up losing their glory and will suffer in the hands of the devil.

He who dwells in the clefts of the rock has a false sense of security. But there is no higher place in the world, no privileged position able to keep man from suffering attacks from the devil. Only faith in the name of Jesus can deliver you. When there is pride in your heart, faith stops operating. Those who do not turn to the left or to the right are the ones truly serving the Creator (Isaiah 30.21). The key is to always dwell in the secret place of the Most High (Psalm 91.1).

So be humble and seek the Lord, who, despite being all-powerful, the only true God, is gentle and lowly in heart (Matthew 11.29). He told us to look at Him as such and to learn from him. Get rid of any traces of pride that may be dwelling in your heart. Do not put on any garments except those given to you by the Lord.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares