Sudden Destruction of Pride 9-25-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let Your Word take me deeper, let Your Spirit take me higher. ... "Is this your exultant city whose origin is from days of old, whose feet carried her to settle far away? Who has planned this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose merchants were princes, whose traders were the honored of the earth? The Lord of hosts has planned it -- to defile the pride of all glory, to shame all the honored of the earth" (Isaiah 23:7-7-9). Suddenly, it seems, they say our nation's economic system is on the verge of collapse and catastrophic failure. The President spoke to the nation last night about dire consequences if our national leaders do not act soon. And the first act must be to humble ourselves in our hearts and on our knees before God, renouncing the pride of all self-honor, self-exaltation, and self-glory apart from the acknowledged grace and favor of God for all the blessings we've ever had. We need Your divine wisdom and we are desperately dependent upon You alone as the only Answer to or economic and moral survival as a nation. Yes, we want our national leaders to bow and pray, but we are the ones -- those who are called by Your name -- who have the primarily responsibility to humble ourselves in repentance and prayer on behalf of the nation. "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray, seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). You resist the proud, but give grace to the humble (James 4:6). Your steadfast love and Your mercy endures forever. You turn tragedy into triumph and brokenness into breakthrough when we humble ourselves of all our pride and acknowledge our need of Your wisdom and Your strength in desperate dependence upon You alone. Then even Your judgments become Your mercy, because the severity of Your judgments humble us and lead us to kindness of Your mercy. We behold both "the kindness and the severity of God" (Romans 11:22). And then Your "mercy triumphs over judgment" as we entrust ourselves to You (James 2:13). Symbolically, the city of Tyre seems to speak of the spirit and stronghold of pride. But after a time of judgment, even the prideful city of Tyre is restored to be a blessing to the people and purposes of God. "Her merchandise and her wages will be dedicated to the Lord; her profits will not be stored or hoarded, but her merchandise will supply abundant food and fine clothing for those who live in the presence of the Lord" (Isaiah 23:18). In this hour of the potential of sudden destruction, we pray for Your wisdom to prevail in response to humble prayers. But even through any measure of judgment, cleansing, or correction that may come, we know it is Your heart to work all things together for good for those who love You and call upon Your name (Romans 8:28). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, from America and around the world, please join in prayer for godly wisdom and decisions to be made in these coming days. As believers we are one nation in Christ, gathered from every tribe and tongue and nation (Revelation 7:9; 1 Peter 2:9). Also, please keep us in prayer this weekend for ministry in Georgia. I'll be leading an overnight retreat of prayer and fasting, then speak at workshops on healing and deliverance, and lead the healing praise service at the Annual Rock Eagle Men's Retreat with men from all across the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Please pray that men's lives will be changed and then impact their families, churches, and communities for the Kingdom of God. Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order My Book and Our Ministry Resources at www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Daily Archives: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com