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Volume 79 • March 1, 2011 |
Pride + Time = JudgmentDr. James MacDonaldThen Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies! Pride plus time equals judgment. Always. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). You cannot change that law. Pride is the attitude of heart which exalts itself above others and above God. That’s the application of .Daniel’s words to King Nebuchadnezzar, “The tree you saw... it is you, O king.” You’re the tree about to get chopped down. Daniel goes on to basically tell him, “You’re gonna go insane. You’re gonna lose your mind and act like an animal, sir.” Those who study these things believe that Nebuchadnezzar actually developed a form of mental illness where he believed himself to be an ox. And it was a judgment from God. Daniel 4:27 records Daniel’s counsel. He says, “Dude, if I was you, I’d humble myself before God right now! Maybe God will give you a little bit more time before you lose your mind and start living like an animal.” The next verse tells us a year later the dream came due. Nebuchadnezzar didn’t do anything with the warning! And twelve months later he’s walking in the palace, talking pride-fully to himself (see v.30–31). “While the word was in the king’s mouth” (v.31). How sudden is that? One moment boasting; the next, out of his mind. A voice breaks into the palace declaring all the details of the dream are now a done deal. Fast-forward seven years. We can laugh about this crazy picture of the king turned ox, but this guy is one of the greatest leaders known in human history. He eventually gets his kingdom back. Verses 34–37 record the king’s personal, humbled testimony. The climax comes in v.37: “And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” God is able to (and will) humble those who walk in pride. Every person needs to hear this, “God is able to humble those who walk in pride” It’s not a problem for Him. He’s not stretched in any way. Why is this crucial? Because as long as we walk in pride, we can’t walk with God. We are never commanded to be humble. We’re commanded to humble ourselves—the lesson all of us, even a king, need to learn. And we will; one way or another. —James MacDonald For more from James MacDonald and the "Walk in the Word" Bible teaching ministry, visit WalkInTheWord.com |
Mitch's JournalMonday 3/1/2004Today was an amazing snow boarding day we found all the sweet runs, great last day to be out here. I'm on the plane now it's a 747 I'm in seat 53D. God taught me today about the supreme climb. God's command is take now, not later, it is incredible how we debate. We know something is right but we try to find excuses for not doing it immediately. If we are able to climb to the height God reveals it can never be done later it must be done now and the sacrifice must be worked through our will before we actually perform it. |
News Highlights |
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MSC Goes NASCARFebruary 28, 2011 On February 26th at the Phoenix International Raceway Mitchell Swaback Charities along with a generous supporter gave us the opportunity to once again partner with Race Day Sponsor www.racedaysponsor.com and the Jeremy Clements Racing Team www.jeremyclementsracing.com in the Bashas Supermarkets 200 NASCAR race. Jeremy Clements, an up and coming driver, in… |
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Partner Spotlight: DuPage PADSFebruary 28, 2011 DuPage P.A.D.S. is recognized in DuPage County for providing temporary shelter, transitional and permanent housing for people without homes. We design, implement and manage programs and services for men, women and children who are homeless. - We encourage responsibility and offer opportunities for self sufficiency. - We advocate against barriers that … |
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Breaking News! New Project for MSC: "MSC to partner with HBC North Phoenix to open local Food & Clothing Bank"February 28, 2011 All of us at MSC are excited to announce our next project that is already underway, opening a local food and clothing bank to serve those in need throughout the Phoenix area. MSC has partnered with Harvest Bible Chapel North Phoenix to make this vision a reality. MSC is currently working … |
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