Answers For Each Day With Bayless Conley
Isaiah 14:12-15 records the fall of Satan. Created as God's archangel, we read about the dissatisfaction that got him in trouble, "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit." Isaiah 14:12-15
Clearly his problem was pride. "I will, I will, I will...I am going to be like God." He wasn't satisfied with being the archangel that God had created him to be. He wanted to take God's place.
The root of Satan's pride was his discontent with the post and station that the supreme Monarch of the universe had assigned and allotted him. He thought he deserved better.
We all have our sphere of influence, and we all have our gifting from God. Your sphere of influence and gifting are different than mine, and mine are different than yours. It is unwise to desire something that someone else has rather than exploring what God has given you and developing that to its highest potential.
When you look over the fence, it looks like the grass is greener on the other side, but when you hop over, you find out it is spray-painted!
You will only be satisfied if you will develop what God has put inside of you and take that to its highest level possible. That is what you will be rewarded for.
Today's Bible Verse...
May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. —2 Timothy 1:16
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
A friend in Christ that will faithfully serve others is a wonderful gift of refreshment. Yet as humans, we are tempted to be fickle friends — there for a bit of time while they need us, but often tiring over the long haul of extended recovery from illness, grief, or the consequences of previous sin or addiction. Is there someone you know who is still chained in some way to the past? Is the Lord calling upon you to bless this person today? What about blessing them as Onesiphorus blessed Paul — often and without being ashamed!
My Prayer...
Almighty and tender Shepherd, please give me eyes to see your precious ones around me who need the encouragement of your grace that can only be experienced through the touch of a caring brother or sister in Christ. Please help me through the power of your Holy Spirit to be a more steadfast and faithful source of refreshment to these people. In Jesus' name. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated...
Starting a Men's Ministry by Erik Johnson
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