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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 30 May 2023:
Isaiah 23:9 – The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth.
God will humble the nation, organization, family, or person that seeks to honor self over God. We were created to love and serve God, and our lives are meaningless apart from our relationship with Him. God cannot allow sin, which separates people from Him, go unchecked, and He will not allow man-made idols stand for long before they are destroyed. “I will destroy all your idols and sacred pillars, so you will never again worship the work of your own hands.” (Micah 5:13) “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
Isaiah 23:17 – At the end of seventy years, the Lord will visit Tyre, and she will return to her wages and will prostitute herself with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth.
In the of pursuit financial gain, financial security, and financial prosperity, many compromise their fidelity to God in order to maintain cooperative relationships with the ungodly. Jesus said, “You cannot serve both God and money.” Sooner or later you will have to choose one over the other. Many Christians don’t recognize how often they are choosing the world over Jesus every day, exchanging the Gospel for the American dream.
2 Corinthians 3:3 – And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Our transformed hearts and the love that overflows from us bears witness to the power of the Spirit within our lives. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35). 1 John 4 expands upon the fruit of love: “Love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
2 Corinthians 3:12 – Since we have such a hope, we are very bold….
True faith and hope make you bold.
2 Corinthians 3:14-17 – But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
You cannot understand God’s word or will unless you are empowered by the Holy Spirit upon salvation through Jesus Christ and surrender to His leading day by day. Anyone can study the Bible; however only those empowered by the Holy Spirit can truly understand it. The Holy Spirit dwells in true disciples of Christ.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 30 May 2023: Today, be particularly mindful of your pride. Where are your words and deeds still motivated by pride rather than humble, selfless love? Where is pride causing you to look down on others or denying them your very best? Where is pride causing you to isolate yourself from others who would hold you accountable? Where is pride causing you to surround yourself with those who will tell you what you want to hear? Where is pride holding you back from forgiveness? Where is pride keeping you from service? Where is your pride causing you to trust in yourself rather than God? Pray to God that He will help you overcome your strongholds of pride. (Isaiah 23:9. See also, Proverbs 29:23)
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 