Under The Influence

THURSDAY King Nebuchadnezzar had it all. He ruled over the entire world. God had so blessed him that He had given the king complete control. Until...pride came over him. “Twelve months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Bavel [Babylon], the king said, ‘Bavel the great! I built it as a royal residence by my power and force to enhance the glory of my majesty!’” (Daniel 4:26(29)-27(30)) That's where a voice from heaven stopped him, and very harshly. He was immediately driven from society to the wilderness to eat grass and drink dew...for seven seasons, because God knew the length of time it would take, even out in the wilderness, for the king to turn from his selfish pride and declare the Almighty God worthy of praise. When he did, he regained his kingdom with even greater greatness than before. Foolish Pride….Where are you tempted to be proud of what you have done, forgetting who enabled you to do it? We all struggle with it. If we look at pride as the destructive spirit it truly is, it's easier to see how toxic our life will become if we let it run free. It will convince you that you have earned everything you have, that you deserve it all, and so much more. You will believe everything good in your life is a result of your own power. You will need nothing and no one--you’ve got this! Then you must be reminded: “Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father who made the heavenly lights.” (James 1:17) Jesus said, “I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who stay united with me, and I with them, are the ones who bear much fruit; because apart from me you can’t do a thing.” {John 15:5 ) The good news is that after your eyes are open, you are left with a testimony of God's grace and forgiveness. You will be able to praise Him FRIDAY “You are to say everything I order you... But I will make him hard hearted... Pharaoh will not listen to you.” (Exodus 7:2-4) I wonder how many of us, if given a task such as this, would have shaken our heads and asked God, “Why are you asking me to talk to someone whom you have already decided will refuse to listen? There must be a better use of my time.” We tend to be result-oriented people; we want to reap the benefits, see the plan play out--now. We don't like to be rejected or have to wait. Nonetheless, God still sends us in the same way today, but it’s usually more subtle. He’ll put a person in your life that you feel He wants you to approach. You work up your courage, follow His lead, and get rejected. You walk away disheartened but satisfied that you followed through. Then, He sends you to the same person again and again. If you don't get a positive reaction, you may think it's all for nothing and be tempted to tell God, “No, not this time, send someone else.” Imagine how you would feel if that person’s heart melted with the next mention of Christ, and you had rejected the invitation because you thought God was wasting your time; after all, everyone around you could see this person was a lost cause…. But have you ever considered why you were sent in the first place? Perhaps it is for strengthening patience and endurance, a test to see how persistent you will be when things don’t look good and others tell you to walk away. Be careful not to let your own heart become hardened as you attempt to soften others. The results are not always ours to see, but the Word must continue to fill the air so that at just the right time, the words you spoke so long ago, take on a life of their own and begin to pour forth. “So let us not grow weary of doing what is good; for if we don’t give up, we will in due time reap the harvest.” (Galatians 6:9) SATURDAY Put down everything else, Beloved. There is nothing so pressing that it cannot wait a few minutes. You must train your mind to overcome these interruptions, no matter how small they may seem. You can’t truly say you are spending time with Me, quality time, if you can’t give Me your undivided attention for a few minutes. I will bless you more in return. Come, sit, grow with Me. Breathe in and relax. I’ve got all the details of this day already worked out. There is a plan. In order for you to work the plan, you must be still until I send you out. Every detail that concerns you also concerns Me. This day is full of little treasures for you to discover if only you will walk with Me. You may follow close behind or walk beside Me, holding My hand, but to run ahead means that you will miss much. I suggest you hold My hand because you don’t know at what speed I will go, and you won’t be prepared when I shift into overdrive. If you get tired, I will pick you up and carry you while you rest. There is nothing to fear and nothing you must do on your own except to choose to stay in My presence. I love you. Come.