Monday, March 19, 2012

Pride

[16] But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, [17] And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. Nehemiah 9:16-17

God promised the Israelites a home land (v15). The response is not what one would think. We are told “they dealt proudly and hardened their necks (stubbornness)… and refused to obey.” They obviously forgot all the wonderful things the Lord did for them.

How would you treat someone that treated your kindness that way? We would be angry, and probably very unforgiving. The next words out of our mouth would be, “If that is the way you are going to treat me then you can forget me ever doing anything for you.” Praise God He is not like us. He is longsuffering.

Have you done anything you think got God mad at you? Has pride kept you from coming back to God? He is waiting with outstretched arms.

God is great. He is always ready to pardon (forgive). All we need to do is ask Him to forgive us. It is usually our foolish pride that holds us back. God is gracious and merciful (full of compassion), slow to anger and full of kindness. What is holding you back? The ball is in your court. God is waiting!

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

Have a blessed day,
Donna

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