What Are You PROUD of This Month?

Right now, there is a lot of talk about PRIDE.  I can’t help but be reminded of Solomon’s word of warning in Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  Solomon’s message isn’t popular in today’s culture, but it is needed.  The Lord detests a prideful, boastful spirit (Proverbs 16:5). Pride caused Satan to be cast down from heaven and out of the Lord’s presence (Ezekiel 28:17).  The apostle John parallels the “pride of life” as one of the original sins in the garden of Eden that brought the fall (1 John 2:16).  My friend, I don’t know how much more clear it can be. A nation or people that walk in PRIDE and refuse to humble themselves before the Lord, will eventually find humiliation.  The enemy loves to see our PRIDE, the Lord longs to see our HUMILITY.   

Lord, let us walk in humility before You and others!

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:18, “Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast.”  Though, he didn’t boast in his flesh.  He chose to boast in a different way,  “it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).

So in the manner of Paul, let me take this occasion to boast in a few things I am PROUD of. 

I am PROUD of THE WORD OF THE LORD.  Every word of Holy Scripture is God breathed.  It is TRUTH.  I celebrate truth because the truth sets captives free.  Lord, let Your church proudly proclaim Your truth!

I am PROUD of THE GOODNESS OF MY GOD.  We live in a world that calls “good” “evil” and “evil” “good”.  Good cannot be redefined.  Seven times in Genesis 1 God declares what is good.  His goodness was established from the beginning and those who hold to what is truly good finds His favor and blessings.  Lord, let Your church proudly proclaim Your goodness!

I am PROUD of THE GOSPEL.  As Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16). The gospel is good news.  It is news of freedom from sin and eternal life in Jesus Christ.  It may be foolishness to the world, but it was true freedom for me.  Lord, let Your church proudly proclaim Your gospel!  

I am PROUD of THE CHURCH.  I remain convinced that the local church is the hope of the world.  It is through the church that Jesus makes Himself known.  Our world needs to see Jesus today and they will know Him through us.  Lord, let Your church proudly be the church!

I am PROUD of THE GRACE OF GOD.  There is no other way to be saved.  Nothing else I can do. I am saved by, healed by, empowered by, and sustained by His grace.  His grace is good because He is good.  There are two types of people; those who have discovered the grace of God and those who have yet to discover His grace.  There is no place like His grace.  Lord, let Your church proudly proclaim Your grace!

I’m getting a little excited boasting about my God!  What would you add?  

This Sunday, we launch a brand new series entitled, “And It Was Good!”  We are going back to the beginning and rediscovering God’s original design for goodness.  We are going to be unrelenting in our love, yet unwavering in His truth. See you this weekend!

Pastor Daniel Norris