Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Heaven Rules
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (James 1:17 NLT)
Ancient Babylon was a spectacular kingdom that included one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. One day Babylon’s ruler, King Nebuchadnezzar, was surveying the city from his balcony.
He said, “Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor” (Daniel 4:30 NLT).
The Bible tells us that while those words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from Heaven saying, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. You will be driven from human society. . . . Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses” (verses 31–32 NLT).
Nebuchadnezzar took personal credit for what God gave him the ability to do.
We can work hard, save, and invest wisely. We can have the ability to buy our own food and clothes and make payments on a car or house. Rather than congratulate ourselves on what a good job we are doing, let’s realize that God has given us everything we have.
Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful” (NLT). And James 1:17 reminds us, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens” (NLT).
If God has blessed you in your business or career, if He has blessed your family, if He has blessed you with good health, don’t give the glory to your great dedication, your shrewd investments, or the health-food store. Give the glory to God. It’s a blessing from Him.
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