SWHW Bible Reading Plan: August 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Alonda Tanner:

A curious thing happens when we exalt ourselves above God and claim His glory as our own – we fall. It happened to the Pharaoh of Egypt when he refused to release the Israelites from slavery (see Exodus Chapters 14–15). 

It happens time and time again during the years God appointed judges to rule Israel. This was the case with King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (see Daniel Chapter 4) and the King of Tyre in Ezekiel 28. Unfortunately for the Pharaoh of Egypt in Ezekiel's time, it's the case for him too. 

Pride cripples. 

The Bible tells us that every good and perfect thing comes from God and that God blesses the believer and the unbeliever alike (see Matthew 5:45). The prosperity that Pharaoh was experiencing was nothing short of a gift from God. Interestingly enough, it was this same prosperity that caused Pharaoh to become puffed up. 

“...The Nile is mine, and I have made it...” Ezekiel 29:9

The Nile River played a key role in the wealth of the Egyptians. It provided the water necessary for irrigating the land and producing bountiful harvests. It stimulated the economy through trades and the import and export of goods. Without it, life in Egypt would be hard. 

The Nile was God's provision for the Egyptian people. By arrogantly proclaiming that the Nile was his creation, Pharaoh esteemed himself as though he was God. Pride kept him from acknowledging the true Gift-giver and revealed the dark condition of his heart. That is an issue in and of itself, but the issue of pride goes deeper than that. 

God isn't moved to jealousy solely because of His sovereignty. Yes; He wants our devotion and adoration. He is certainly worthy of it. Equally as important, God wants people to know and abide in the truth. Pride in essence distorts the truth. It encourages us to conform to the ideals that challenge the existence of God and encourage contentment outside of Him. 

Pride says, “I can create myself and become anyone I want to be.” 

God says, “You are My creation.”

Pride says, “All that I have is mine.” 

God says, “All that you have is from Me and for Me.” 

Pride thinks in terms of personal gains and pleasures. 

God leads us in stewardship and community. 

Pride demands much from others. 

God leads us to give much of ourselves. 

Do you see why God encourages humility in people and warns so sternly against pride? It opposes everything He stands for. 

Pride isn't an ancient temptation. It's a spirit that is very much alive in present-day society and even in the church. Pride keeps the people of God from accomplishing the very tasks we were created and commissioned for: 

Love God. 

Love people.

Make disciples. 

Reach the lost. 

The things that keep us from tending to these priorities can often be tied to pride in various areas of our lives. 

As believers, our response to this temptation is simple. Turn our attention back to God. If our eyes stray elsewhere, we'll wander. When our gaze is on Him, we'll learn to live and love in a way that brings Him honor. 

Heavenly Father, Thank You for making this wisdom available to us through the Bible. This reminder is for me just as much as it is for others. I need less of me in my life and a whole lot more of You. I want all that I do to magnify Your name. No matter how big or small the task or blessing, prepare my heart to remain faithful to You. Expose any roots of pride that may be in my heart and replace those roots with an increased desire for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.