Inside Beauty Inspires
Inside Beauty Inspires takes on real life experiences and introduces the Word of God to help believers to navigate peaks and valleys fearlessly. Real, raw, & relevant, Inside Beauty Inspires seeks to unleash a fresh anointing in the atmosphere. Our goal is to connect our listeners to “the plug”, Christ Jesus, a savior who has paid the price for all of our sins and wants nothing more than to see His children win!
Inside Beauty Inspires
Pride: The Silent Destroyer
Have you checked your heart lately? Pride—that silent destroyer—might be blocking your blessings without you even realizing it.
In this profound spiritual exploration, we dive deep into the dangers of hidden pride and why God explicitly states He "resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." The truth is, pride isn't always obvious or loud. It often lurks quietly in our accomplishments, our independence, and even our good intentions, making us resistant to correction, unable to receive help, and blind to divine truth.
Looking at Pharaoh from the book of Exodus, we witness the ultimate case study of how pride hardens hearts against God's miracles and messages. Despite witnessing supernatural signs, Pharaoh's pride prevented him from heeding God's command until devastating personal loss finally broke through his resistance—a sobering reminder of pride's destructive potential in our own lives.
Jesus, by contrast, shows us the perfect model of humility. Though King of Kings, He washed feet and served sacrificially, demonstrating that true greatness comes through surrender, not self-exaltation. This paradoxical spiritual principle—that the way up is down—offers us freedom from pride's suffocating grip.
What might God be trying to show you that pride is blocking? How might your spiritual growth accelerate through genuine humility? It's time for an honest heart check. Remember, pride can't go where God is taking you. Stay low so He can lift you high, and watch as doors open that pride once kept firmly shut.
Take five minutes today in stillness before God, asking Him to examine your heart and uproot any pride He finds there. Your breakthrough might be closer than you think—just on the other side of surrender.
New, new, new, everything new, new, new, new, new, new, everything new. I'm ready to go. Hello, hello, hello. It is Stephanie L Harrison and you're now listening to Inside Beauty Inspires, where we motivate, encourage and inspire through biblical principles. Behold, I am doing a new thing Isaiah 43, 19. I get excited about the song because new, everything new, a fresh perspective on God's word. I also want to shout out Pharrell Josiah Burnside, shout out to PJ you did an amazing, amazing job last week. You know, listening to you speak made my heart smile. I know that you're going to do great things.
Speaker 1:This last week's episode is very special to me because you get to hear from my baby girl, my mini me, my twin in them, and you know she offered a remarkable perspective on comparing spiritual development and relationships, referencing her generation as lost in a maze. When she said lost in a maze y'all, I was like, if she ain't telling the truth, I don't know who is, because sometimes life can be a maze and you can look at it like a maze, trying your hardest to get out of this maze, trying to figure things out. That narrow path isn't easy, but it's the narrow path that God wants us to choose because, at the end of the day, people are living in a world that's loud, wide and doing the most and choosing to walk with God. Well, you know you can feel lonely at times, but listen, that narrow gate leads to freedom, purpose and peace, and that freedom, purpose and peace is something that the world can't give and the world can't take away. Well, they can try to take it away if you allow it, but when you're walking with God, you're not missing out on anything. You're actually being set apart. And so, again, I want to shout out Pharrell and tell her thank you so very much for her knowledge on the word and blessing us with her voice on last week.
Speaker 1:Now I want to ask you a question. Okay, have you checked your heart lately? Have you checked your heart lately? The reason for me asking is because, you know, again, I want to shout out the ladies of ISI. You know we were in the book of Proverbs briefly this morning and something stuck out to me. Well, actually, let me back up. We're actually in the book of Exodus.
Speaker 1:We're going through the book of Exodus because I want the ladies to understand why things are the way they are. You know, beginning with Moses, with God giving Moses instructions on what to do when it comes down to Pharaoh. You guys know the story Pharaoh let my people go, you know, and there were miracle signs and wonders that followed Moses telling Pharaoh to let his people go. But there was something that Pharaoh was full of and it made me want to think, it made me want to talk about it and dig into it this morning. It made me want to dig into this subject matter because I think that a lot of people don't understand that they are dealing with a spirit of pride.
Speaker 1:Now, pride let's look up the definition of pride. What exactly does pride mean? What exactly does pride mean? Now, according to Google, ultimately pride is extreme love and focuses on self. That kind of pride that stems from self-righteousness or conceit is sin, however, and God hates it because it is a hindrance to seeking him. It is a hindrance to seeking him. It is a hindrance to seeking him. So I want to take some time out today to ask a question When's the last time you checked your heart? Pride is one of those sneaky things that can sit quietly in the background of our lives until suddenly it's front and center, blocking our blessings and distorting our view of others and even God. A lot of people don't understand that they struggle with this, but it's a real thing.
Speaker 1:We're going to go to the book of Proverbs 16 today and I want to read it in its entirety, but I want to focus on 16, 18. Okay, now I've spoken about Proverbs 16, you know over the years that I've been, you know doing this podcast, but it's definitely important in today's society, in 2025, because I don't want us to miss out on what God has for us. Now I want to read it in its entirety, the whole chapter, but I do want to focus on pride, but I want you to understand that Proverbs, the book of Proverbs, is a book about wisdom. You know, I often tell people like my children, which I've mentioned before in this place, that I, you know, I talk to my kids about the Bible. I might have Bible studies with them and when it comes down to wisdom, I tell my children you know, if you don't get anything else, I need you to know wisdom, I need you to get wisdom. Okay, proverbs is a book about wisdom for godly living.
Speaker 1:The book of Proverbs invites readers to make life-changing decisions between wisdom and foolishness. Yes, you have a choice in the matter. The readers hear from both lady wisdom and lady foolishness. Yeah, there are two, and their invitations become alternatives between a path of wisdom that leads to life and a path of foolishness that leads to death. Now we actually have an opportunity to choose wisdom, but if we don't know the word of God, we're going to lack in that. You know my sheep, know my voice. How are you going to know his voice if you're not in your word? So I'm going to say it like I say just about every episode. You know get into the word is such an important piece of the puzzle. It's such a important piece of the puzzle it really is.
Speaker 1:Now we're talking about Proverbs, and these are the Proverbs of Solomon. We've talked about Solomon before. This is David's son. Ok, now, one thing that we know about wisdom is that Jesus embodies wisdom. Jesus embodies with God, not wisdom, but God's wisdom. In him are hitting all the treasuries of wisdom and knowledge. In him are hitting all the treasures, treasuries of wisdom and knowledge. That's Colossians two, verse three.
Speaker 1:Now, one of my favorite scriptures in the book of Proverbs is Proverbs 3, 5, 6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding In all your ways. Submit to him and he will make your path straight. How many of you believe that I'm here to tell you? I believe it. I believe it. I know that it's true. I know that God is who he says he is and I know that God will do exactly what he said he would do. So let's talk about it. Let's just dissect the scripture for a moment here, all right.
Speaker 1:16.1. We can make our own plans, but God, the Lord, gives the right answer. We make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answers. You know, humans are responsible for reflections and plans of their hearts, but they do nothing that falls outside of God. He is in control. His purposes will be accomplished, his kingdom will come. So it's important that we align our agenda with his agenda, our agenda, his agenda. You know there's so many people that lean to their own understanding in this hour and in this hour. Let me, might I add, we don't need to be walking around here leaning to our own understanding. Okay, you know, there's all kinds of things going on out here, outside I say outside, you know, in the world, okay, and you need the word of God to understand the times that we're living in. Let's keep going. People may be pruring their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Guess where the motives lie. Guess where the motives lie In your heart.
Speaker 1:Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed. Now, I know this one all too well because my son shout out to Tylan he wanted to get this tattoo. Okay, and I did. I know, don't condemn me, don't condemn me, please don't condemn me, but I did. I let him get it because I want him to understand. You know, of course, I wouldn't make his own decisions, but I want him to understand what he's saying.
Speaker 1:Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed. Now, if you truly commit your activities to the Lord, it means your will is in his, in submission to his. That means that your will is in submission to his. When that happens, your plans will be achieved, because you're inviting his will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven, as it is in heaven. But wait, there's more. The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked, for a day of disaster.
Speaker 1:Now, when I thought about this, I got to thinking about the book that we're in. Ok, we're in the book of Exodus, right? And for those that don't know. Of course, this is Moses and Pharaoh, and there's so many nuggets in this book. But there's a passage in the book of Exodus that says that Pharaoh was raised up for this very moment, like both of them. Come to that very moment for a time such as this. And I'm here to tell you you're not. You're not alone. There's nothing new under the sun. We were made for a time such as this as well. Now it says here the Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked, for a day of disaster. This is a wonderful declaration of God's sovereign serenity. The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose, even the wicked, for a day of disaster.
Speaker 1:God exercises his prerogative to do whatever he pleases with his creation, because the earth and everything in it, the world and all its inhabitants belong to who. The world and all its inhabitants belong to who? You guessed it the Lord. Absolute Psalms 24, verse 1. Suppose you came into my home and told me you didn't like how I arranged and decorated everything. I will have one response for you. When you start buying the furniture and paying the bills, we can entertain your viewpoint, but as long as I'm spending money spending the money your viewpoint carries no clouds in my house. When we start celebrating, when we start creating planets and giving life, perhaps then we can start dictating how God ought to run the universe. But unless we get that divine cloud, we cannot exercise that divine prerogative. It always belongs to God and he does whatever he chooses.
Speaker 1:This teaching does not just appear as a fleeting thought in the Bible, but as an overwhelming doctrine. It's everywhere, and not even evil and unrighteousness can escape the all controlling hands of God, who has even made wicked people for his own purpose. You can't escape. You can't escape. You can't escape. It's his will, his way. Jeremiah 32, verse 27 says the Lord, all of the people that are in the world, the Lord made their all his children, not to go to go to a verbatim, but there's nothing too hard for God, ok, so we already know. And then it gives us Psalm 24. So let's keep going. Verse five the Lord detests the proud. They will surely be punished. He detests. We know what the word detest means. Right, strongly hates, strongly hates. He can't stand the proud, and he got to have his way with them too. Let's keep going. Verse six unfailing love and faithfulness makes atonement for sin, but fear in the Lord, people avoid evil.
Speaker 1:I want to talk about this for just a moment here. You know I'm not deviating off of what we're going to be talking about, but I really want to talk about this because, you know, I don't think too many people fear God. I don't think too many people fear God. I don't think too many people fear my dad. Okay, yeah, I call him my daddy. Sorry if that offends you, but Abba, my daddy, my father, our heavenly father. You know, nobody fears him, and I do.
Speaker 1:It says one turns from evil by ceasing to take God casually. You know that is taking God seriously. You know that is taking God seriously. You know electricity is good, it's a good thing, but it's not something to take lightly, it's not something to play around with. And God is your creator, your sustainer, the redeemer. It's time that you start to take him seriously. Now. I don't know who you are. I appreciate you listening to the words that are coming out of my mouth right now, but at some point you have got to start taking your father serious. Look at the world, look at what's going on. I don't think a lot of people think that it's just a joke, but it's not a joke, okay, the son of man is coming back. Jesus is coming back. We don't know the day nor the hour, but we want to be ready. In order for us to be ready, really, it's time out for playing games and it's time to take God serious and get into your word All right.
Speaker 1:Verse seven says when people's lives, please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. When you align yourself under God's program, it leads to blessings. Most of those blessings are reserved for eternity, but God can cause the most extraordinary things to happen in history when our ways pleases him. Now PJ spoke about you know some things in our lives. You know what God has done, and we're not speaking from a place that we don't understand we're. We're speaking from a place of truthness. You know when it comes down to the word of God, it will not return. Void, he said, I will never put those to shame who trust in me. Let's keep going. Verse seven when people's lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. Better to have little with godliness than to be rich and dishonest. We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Speaker 1:The king speaks with divine wisdom. He must never judge unfairly. The Lord demands accurate scales and balances. He sets the standards for fairness. A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice. The king is pleased with words from righteous lips. He loves those who speak honestly. The anger of the king is a deadly threat. The wise will try to appease it, and when the king smiles, there is life. His favor refreshes like a spring rain. Speaking of rain, we've been having some storms here lately. Thank you, heavenly Father, for watering the world. Amen, god is the creator and therefore he's king over everything.
Speaker 1:Okay, he removes kings and he establishes kings. He has absolutely no problem doing that. Rightly administered governors or government is God's servant for your good. So followers of God ought to submit to the governing authorities as servants of the true king. Human Kings surrender righteousness. Righteousness why? Because it says here when human government is unrighteous, it is. It is the responsibility of God's people to interpose themselves to defend innocent victims and to stand up in obedience to God. It is, it's your. This is how. This is how the things are supposed to to run when it comes down to righteousness and unrighteousness. It is the responsibility of God's people to interpose themselves to defend innocent victims and to stand up in obedience to God. Now, of course I have. I do have um references that I can reference to that. Exodus 1, verses 16-20. Esther 4. Daniel 3. Acts 4, verses 18-20.
Speaker 1:Let's continue to keep going here. How much better to get wisdom than gold and good judgment than silver. The path of the virtuous leads away from evil. Whoever follows that path is saved. Pride goes before destruction. I'm going to come back to it because that's the one I want us to key in on that one. But let's keep going. Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. Those who listen to instruction will prosper. Those who trust the Lord will be joyful.
Speaker 1:The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools. From a wise mind comes wise speech. The words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. I love honey. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. That's another one I want to highlight too, because for real you can think you're going the right way, babe. But again, it ain't nothing like the real thing. Let's keep going.
Speaker 1:It is always good for workers to have an appetite, and empty stomachs drives them on. Scoundrelers create trouble. Their words are destructive blades. A troublemaker plants seeds of strife. Gossip separates the best of friends. Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a. And one of my favorite ones, self-control than to conquer the city. And one of my favorite ones we may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall. But the Lord will determine how they fall.
Speaker 1:So let's go back over here to Proverbs 16, 18. Now we know that God hates all sin, but Solomon says there are seven things that are especially detestable to him. Interestingly, all of them have to do with how we relate, how we relate to others. Pride, or arrogant eyes, is first on God's list. It's the sin that led Satan to rebel against God and to set up a rival kingdom. And if that's not reason enough to avoid it, know that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Speaker 1:Pride is typically the headquarters of other sins. Pride is typically the headquarters of other sins. When we think too highly of ourselves, we are tempted to commit the other six things that are detestable to God, stirring up trouble among brothers. This is no minor matter, because God responds to the unity of his people. That's why the devil loves to split believers apart, knowing that the power of God among them will be hindered. Okay, divide and conquer is what the Lord. Divide and conquer is something that the enemy loves to do. He's been, he's the author, he is the author of confusion and the father of lies.
Speaker 1:But let's take it a little further. Okay, because we are talking about pride. Today. We're talking about the importance of doing heart checks. Now, pride goes before destruction and a hearty spirit before fall. Pride makes us resistant to correction, unable to receive help and blind to the truth. And let me just say this A lot of people are walking around with prideful hearts. Yes, you can't tell them anything. They end up having to find out the hard way. And pride makes us resistant to correction, can't correct them, unable to receive help, can't help them, and blind to the truth. They can't see.
Speaker 1:Now, when we go to the book of Exodus and we talk about Pharaoh, was it not God who hardened Pharaoh's heart? But Pharaoh was already in this condition. Okay, he was raised up. For a time such as this, god is calling us higher, and that requires humility Such as this. God is calling us higher and that requires humility. Jesus, our perfect example, humbled himself and served, even though he was a king. He was the king of all kings and, might I add, they told him to his face that he was not who he said he was. Oh yes, they did so. They've been doing these things since the beginning of time.
Speaker 1:Let's do a heart check this week, okay. The reason why I say let's do a heart check this week, okay, the reason why I say let's do a heart check this week, is because I want you to really pay attention, pay attention, pay attention, pay attention. What am I telling you? Pay attention to your heart, to your feelings, to your thoughts, to what you're doing. Because, again, if you ask God to search your heart and if there's any pride there, he'll show you and you'll be able to surrender it, because pride can't go where God is taking you. Pride can't go where God is taking you. Now, if we understand the dangers of hidden pride, then we'll understand what I'm saying. Pride is not always loud, sometimes it's silent, tucked inside our accomplishments, our independence or even our good intentions. But whether loud or quiet, pride is a hard posture that resists God's leading Divine instructions. Right, divine came straight from heaven. It blocks correction, comparison creeps in and slowly but surely, we start relying on self more than the Savior. It is true, see. The truth about this word is that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Oh, yes, it's in James 4, which we will go there today because I really want to make it plain and simple. As a matter of fact, let's go to James 4 real quick. Let's go there, james 4. As a matter of fact, let's go to James 4 real quick. Let's go there, james 4.
Speaker 1:Now what is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can't get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong. You want only what will give you pleasure. You're adulterers, don't you realize? Okay, listen, this ain't me. This is James, chapter 4. You're adulterers, don't you realize that friendship with the world Makes you an enemy of God? I say it again If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.
Speaker 1:Do you think the scriptures have no meaning?
Speaker 1:They say that God is passionate, that the scripture, that the spirit he has placed within us Should be faithful to him and he gives grace generously. As the scriptures say, god opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Okay, so humble yourselves. Okay, so humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee. Come close to God and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners. Purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Spirit of the Lord is here. Let there be tears for what you have done, let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up in honor. You do know that he requires a contrite heart and a broken spirit. Yes, those are the qualifications. I believe it's in Psalms 19. But he requires that. That's how he's able.
Speaker 1:And it's the saddest thing, if I can be honest with you. It's really sad, but it's true, even with Pharaoh. Pharaoh did not come to his senses until God touched his son. It was sad, but true. No matter how many miracles, no matter the water the red sea turned into blood. No matter the animals, no matter, none of that mattered. Okay it, no matter the animals, none of that mattered. It was when he lost his son that he woke up and let the children go. But even in that aspect, god turned his heart hard. After he had let Pharaoh, after he had let Moses and the Israelites go, he had a change of heart. He chased after them. Guess what? That was all a part of God's plan to begin.
Speaker 1:If you don't believe me, get into the book of Exodus so that you can read the story for yourself. See my children perish for lack of knowledge. The truth of the matter is we're not reading our word, we're going off of secondhand information. And then we have the audacity to try to tell somebody how to live their lives based off of what somebody else said. Do you know whether that person that said that was called or not? Better yet said do you know whether that person that said that was called or not? Better yet, do you know whether that person had the anointing.
Speaker 1:Now, pj touched on it a little bit last week. I was like yo, oh my god, oh my, yeah, it was like a bomb went off in here. Because she said well, are you even qualified to give that word? Why does she say that? Because guess, who gives the anointing? God does, okay, the anointing. Some people are born with it. How do I know they're born with it?
Speaker 1:Well, we know Moses was a special and unusual child that was put in the water, who was taken out the water by Pharaoh's sister giving back to Miriam, moses's sister, to give to Moses's mother to birth them, and then sent back to Pharaoh's house to be raised as an Egyptian. Like God is so strategic in all of his dealing, in all of his ways. Nothing catches him off guard. Now, we may be thrown off. I mean, that's reality, we are always thrown off, baby. But I say it and I say it and I say it. Get into your word Because, again, these are the anointing that I'm speaking about. Moses had an unusual anointing. Who else? Jesus, okay, speaking about, moses had an unusual anointing. Who else Jesus? Okay, who else? John the Baptist. John the Baptist was born with the Holy Spirit on the inside of him.
Speaker 1:If you don't believe me, go to the book of Luke, chapter one. He was told, his father was told his mother was told Mary's babies leap when Elizabeth's baby leap. Okay, god is not. He's not sitting there twirling his thumbs, honey. He knows what tomorrow holds, even when we don't. We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow.
Speaker 1:If we start to take God serious, get in the word. He said that he'll never put those to shame who truly trust in him. To do you trust in him? And now? I'm not meaning to go off on a limb, but I'm going off on a limb. But I'm saying these things because I want you to understand what thus says the Lord Jesus is coming back. We don't know today, nor the hour of his return. We don't. But we want to be right. We don't want to have divided loyalty with the world and with our Father or his word, loyalty with the world and with our father or his word. But people go back and forth over words in 2 Timothy, chapter 2. He says don't quarrel over words, don't go back and forth over words. People do it every single day.
Speaker 1:At some point somebody got to know the word of God and know how to be quiet and be still and let God do what God can do. Because, again, we put a 10 on a 2, we put our hands in it, make a mess of it and then looking at God like where you, at God, been there the whole time but you took the wheel instead of giving the wheel to God. Spirit of the Lord is here. Clop that T and I understand that you might not get everything there is, but that's just it. The Bible tells us to lean, not to our own understanding. So if you don't lean to your own understanding and you say you know what God, I really do want you to show me, show me, show me which way to go, show me which direction to take.
Speaker 1:Why wouldn't your father do that? If you're coming to him with a prayer heart, he sees and he listen. He knows your motives as well. So if you're trying to do something underhanded, your daddy already knows about it. And guess what? To do something underhanded, your daddy already knows about it. And guess what? The spirit of the lord is here. That's something I say on the prayer call every single morning. Why? Because the spirit of the lord is here. And what is that spirit of truth of all, knowing god is very strategic in, in, in, in what he and when he moves and who he moves through.
Speaker 1:Let's keep going, it says wash your hands, purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided Between God and the world. Let there be tears For what you have done. He wants you know Repent, repent, repent. In other words, he wants you to repent, ask him for forgiveness. No-transcript. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? Spirit of the Lord? Because, listen, at some point we got to understand that the word of God says there is no condemnation in those who believe. Okay, the same amount of grace that you need. I don't know how much grace I need, I don't know how much grace you need. But guess what? If you believe in Jesus Christ, you're going to have grace for whatever God is calling you to do, and it's not up to me to say that you don't have that. It's not up to me to judge you. I can't do that. At the end of the day, we all will stand before the throne of God, all of us. God says love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Speaker 1:It is written Look you who say today or tomorrow, we were going to a certain town and we'll stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit. How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is nothing. Your life is like the morning fog it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is if the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that. Otherwise you're boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. I bet you didn't know that. I didn't know that either. Okay, I did not. But again it is written. It says remember it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. You know you need to get into your word while you're sitting there talking about your neighbor. You know you need to get into your word while you're sitting there putting somebody in hell before you even know why, where. What you don't know, you don't know. Go to 2 Timothy. Go to 2 Timothy. Real quick for me, chapter 2.
Speaker 1:Now this is my message here for you, ladies and gentlemen out here. I want you guys to understand, because when you're a soldier of the Lord, hey, things get a little different. So I'm going to say, ladies and gentlemen, be strong through the grace that God gives you through Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them to others. Endure suffering alone with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
Speaker 1:Always remember that Jesus Christ, the descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the good news I preach, and because I preach this good news, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained, so I'm willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory to Christ Jesus, to those who God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. Remind everyone about these things and command them, in God's presence, to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless and they can ruin those who hear them. Work hard so you can present yourselves to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
Speaker 1:Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hynemus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred. In this way, they have turned some people away from the faith, but God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription the Lord knows those who are his and all who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil Now.
Speaker 1:In a wealthy home, some utensils are made of gold and silver, some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you'll be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean and you'll be ready for the master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithful love and peace. Enjoy the companionships of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
Speaker 1:Again I say don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments. That only starts fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap, for they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
Speaker 1:The spirit of the Lord is here. Okay, the spirit of the Lord is here. Okay, the spirit of the Lord is here. I want you to understand some things. Okay, god resists the proud, but gives grace to them, and that's what we need Grace, not just to walk through debt today, but to grow into everything he's called us to be. We need grace. It's only by his grace that I'm able to sit before you and give you this word. It's only by his grace that I'm able to sit before you and give you this word. It's only by his grace.
Speaker 1:Jesus was the ultimate example of humility. He had every right to boast, yet he washed feet and served. He surrendered. Yes, it is in your surrender. So today, let's pause and pray. Lord, search my heart. If there's any pride in me, reveal it, uproot it. Replace it with humility so I can walk in your will. So I can walk in your will.
Speaker 1:Now I want you to reflect on some things. Okay, can pride be hiding in your good intentions? Are you able to receive correction easily, or does it make you defensive? What does humility look like in your conversations and actions? These are just some things that will, you know, sharpen you. It will give you a new set of lenses to see. Okay, and it's okay. And here I want to challenge you, ladies and gentlemen, you know, on today, to spend five minutes in stillness before God and ask him to examine your heart and remember pride can't go where God is taking you. Pride can't go where God is taking you. So let's stay low so he can lift us high. Let's continue to sharpen each other and let's continue to grow. These are my words of encouragement today.
Speaker 1:Now, I did pull a card and this is the card of the day In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them 10 times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. This is Daniel, chapter one, verse 20. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them 10 times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. The affirmations that go along with that are I only see pictures of excellence, expansion, success, progress, victory and abundance. I only see pictures of excellent expansions, success, progress, victory and abundance. No unwholesome communication is allowed to proceed from my mouth. No unwholesome communication is allowed to proceed from my mouth.
Speaker 1:I have multiple abilities. I have multiple abilities. Wherever I am being checked or tested, the least they will ever find is that I am 10 times better. Wherever I am being checked or tested, the least they will ever find Is that I am ten times better. I am powered by the Spirit of God and filled with the wisdom from above To bless others. Listen, you have an amazing day on purpose and listen. Get to know your Father, get into the Word he's telling me to tell you this I'm asking God to bless you with all the good things he has in his heart for you. Second Corinthians, chapter five, verse seven, says for we walk by faith and not by sight. I love you, ladies and gentlemen, so very much. I have an amazing day on purpose Peace.