‘“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’’ Isaiah 14:12-14(NLT)
‘Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. ‘ Colossians 3:2(NLT)
‘“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. ‘ Matthew 6:25-32(NLT)
‘Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.’ Matthew 6:33(NLT)
Scripture: Isaiah 14:12-14
Thoughts
Are you trying to ascend to God’s position? Think about it. Lucifer (Satan) tried to ascend to a place where he was like God. He wanted to share God’s glory. He wanted to be equal with God. This is what Satan tries to do to this day because he is in rebellion against God. We know from the Bible, however, that God will not allow anyone to take his place.
One way that we pretend to be God is when we condemn another person in our hearts. When we do that, we are raising ourselves up and putting the other person down. Instead, let’s come close to God where we will be influenced by his character. Paul encourages us: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2).
Jesus says it this way: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Look at Matthew 6:25-32 to we get a glimpse of the rewards that come (“all these things”) when we give God’s kingdom the highest priority in our lives.
Application
In your relationship with God, are you trying to tell God how to do things? Or are you looking to him for what he wants you to do? Continually setting your mind on Jesus will give you his wise and loving perspective. So “seek his Kingdom” first. Acknowledge the ways you have been “rising up” and not allowing him to be ruler and judge; God will help you to change.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I try to take your rightful place as my king and ruler. I bow before you. I need you to lead and direct me. I also confess that in pride I am judgmental toward others. Thank you for forgiving me. Give me hope, Lord, for you are the God of hope…. Continue praying.
from Return To Me by P. Brian Noble