Science declares that nature abhors a vacuum. It should be happy knowledge to us, then, that the same principle is true in the kingdom of God-when you empty yourself, God Almighty rushes in!
A.W. Tozer Sermon: Pour Yourself Out

Philippians 2:5-7 (NASB)
5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

If I start thinking that I know God because I read scripture and what He has revealed to us, I must remind myself that I am only getting a shadow of Him. If I hunger and thirst for His righteousness and I try to absorb it by myself, it turns into pride and self-righteousness. If I mourn my sin and then try to deal with it myself, I somehow end up clinging to the sin instead. If I want to grow in holiness, I can only do that by emptying myself of myself and let Him in. That’s the only way I can catch a glimpse of the glorious, almighty, loving, and living God.

Heavenly Father, empty me of myself. Give me a glimpse of You by changing me into the likeness of Your Son. Jesus is the only one that can do that. I must step aside and let You in. I pray this all in the perfect name of Jesus. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,

Growing saints think themselves nothing; full-grown saints think themselves less than nothing.
C.H. Spurgeon

Ecclesiastes 3:14 (NASB)
14 I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him.

Philippians 4:4-6 (NASB)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God

As a Christian, one of the most difficult parts of living for Christ is to grow in sanctification, while living in a culture that is counter to it. Our culture values pride of self, pride of accomplishments, and wealth.

Yet scripture is clear. We are not God and only He deserves praise. We have not earned our relationship with God. We can do nothing to gain God’s acceptance. But we can accept His free gift with love in our hearts for Him. Then our thankful response in humble appreciation is to serve His kingdom. Yet, all the time being tempted by the world to take credit for our deeds.

Heavenly Father, I pray that my pride is only in You and not in myself. I pray, with help from the Holy Spirit, that I can put my life in proper perspective with You. I pray that I will be anxious for nothing, but trust in You always. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,

All things else being equal, the destiny of a man or nation may safely be predicted from the idea of God which that man or that nation holds. No nation can rise higher than its conception of God.
A.W. Tozer Sermon:Our Faith Reflects Our Concept of God

Romans 11:33-36 (NASB)
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?
35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?
36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

The scriptures give us a picture of the many attributes of God; those characteristics which give us a view of Him. It is that idea of who He is that determines what we think of God and how we worship Him. Different commentators have their list of attributes that are derived from scripture references. They form two major categories – attributes that only God has (incommunicable), and attributes that God shares with His creation (communicable). Of the incommunicable attributes, the following are often given.

Infinite – cannot be contained within any boundaries
Immutable – unchangeable
Omnipotent – all powerful
Omniscient- knowing all things
Omnipresent – present everywhere without limit

Since God’s character and attributes are unchangeable, it is our concept of God that limits us. Especially if we degrade or dismiss the incommunicable attributes of God. Nations have done that throughout history, only to fall and pass into oblivion. If we can truly grasp even part of the six attributes above, our only reaction would be to reverently worship Him. And then after we understand through scripture the love, mercy, and grace He has given us through the sacrifice of His Son for our sins, that worship grows into love for Him. That love then manifests itself with prayers of praise and thanksgiving.

Father, your character is beyond my full understanding. You are infinite in wisdom, you are just, and you are loving. I pray that as I meditate on Your attributes, your Spirit will bring forth prayers of praise and thanksgiving that honor You. I pray that our nation would turn back to You in a way that glorifies You. Amen.