Doses of Faith

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18 Pride isn't always bad. We should take pride in our accomplishments and be proud of others for their accomplishments. This pride is to be satisfied and pleased with our situation or accomplishments. This isn't bad when we feel good about ourselves, because it motivates us to continue to be our best. However, pride can be pushed where we have so much pride that we become self absorbed and egotistical. Now, this type of pride motivates one to arrogance, vanity, and egotism. This pride turns one into an overbearing and self centered person who thinks they are above everyone on the planet. As I've heard over the years, 'When you are at the top, there is only one way to go.' There was once a leader who found himself thinking he was the best, and his way down ended his dynasty. This was King Saul. King Saul was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel. ...

     After reading Ezra 8:21 and 22 a few months ago, I've had many thoughts about motivation.  Ezra was motivated to not ask King Artaxerxes for protection in their travels from Babylon to Jerusalem, because he "was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way."  I had many thoughts about what has been motivating me.  I took a close critical look at myself and saw many flaws due to what was motivating a few of my decisions.  Since I can be too analytical at times, I've even found myself wondering what is motivating those around me.  Shame on me!  But, on this day, I wonder what turns a good person down a path of evil and destruction.      In the last two days, two families are suffering grief due to one action, murder.  One family has lost a daughter who had a bright future and the other family grieves with much pain the son who once had a bright future.  Wha...