Turning Pride into Roadkill

          

  "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."

Proverbs 8:13

Pride is a troublemaker.

It silently slithers into our minds and blinds us to truth. Pride can weave lies in our minds before we're aware if we're not paying attention to our thoughts. And we can't hide pride because it bears fruit. Rotten fruit. Smelly fruit. Yep. 

Pride is the enemy. It can lay eggs of anxiety, fear, jealousy, comparison, lies, unbelief, and fear of man, in our minds! But those rotten eggs can't hatch if we do what God tells us to do: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:5).

We've got to crush it. Kill it.

Pride is not from God. He warns us about it. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' (1 Peter 5:5). 

That is the exact verse God instantly brought to my mind several years ago while I was prayer walking in our neighborhood! The Holy Spirit  had been convicting me that I was carrying around a very critical spirit and I knew that as a child of God I was so blessed in countless ways. I was puzzled why I was so negative and critical in my thoughts. So during my walking I was praying and asking God, frankly, "Father, what is it in me that is keeping me from having grace? Why am I so critical in my thinking instead of having gracious thoughts?"

And within seconds a verse popped in my head, "God gives grace to the humble." I laughed out loud on the sidewalk that day and stopped walking for a moment. "Wow, Lord. My problem is pride! I don't show grace to anyone because of pride!" At the time I didn't know where in the Bible the verse was, but when I got back home, I found it and also read the following:

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up

 in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion

looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith..."

1 Peter 5:5-9

And yes, I repented on the spot. God is amazing! He is awesome! I'm so grateful God has taught me this secret: always stop and ask Him to reveal the root of a persistent problem that is troubling me. God will tell me the truth about it, and I can be set free! 

I encourage all who are reading this, if your heart is troubled, be brave and ask God to show you the root of the unrest. He is faithful and tenderhearted toward His children. He will give you a soft answer that can turn away the wrath that torments your heart.

So, the next time pride slithers up like a serpent, turn him into roadkill by turning to Jesus. "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."  (Romans 16:20)

Polly💖

Matthew 5:16

When She Heard About Jesus

"...she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak..."

Mark 5:27

Have you heard about Jesus? The woman with the debilitating issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) surely did. 

This woman suffered with massive "bleeding for 12 years" (v .25). She "spent all of her money on doctors and they couldn't help her...instead of getting better, she grew worse" (v.26). 

"When she heard about Jesus" (v. 26) she had a choice. In her frail, sickly condition she could push through the crowds and not let anything, or anyone get between her and Jesus. She knew she would have to go into a crowd where people could judge her, or she could fall into that comparison trap or hear the destructive gossip of her neighbors. Maybe she would be held back by the lies of the enemy telling her not to go to Jesus for help. She might be intimidated by the fear of opinions of others, or by any of the other worldly influences of the noisy crowd.

God gave her a gift of faith; she made a compelling decision by humbling herself and wanting to be healed by Jesus. What people thought of her didn't matter. She had her eyes fixed on Jesus and wanted to get close enough to Him to touch His garment. She would push through crowds to get close enough to Jesus to touch Him so she could be healed. She believed He was telling the truth to the multitudes during His three- year ministry on earth!

"When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized the power had gone out from Him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who touched My clothes?' Then the woman, knowing what happened to her, came and fell at His feet and, trembling with fear told the whole truth. He said, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering" (vv. 27-30, 31-34). 

Yes! Instantly, He redeemed her and a supernatural transformation took place. Oh, the life-giving, restoring, healing, saving, refreshing, redeeming power of the blood of Jesus is infinite. When He calls us He transforms us from spiritual death to spiritual life; our old self dies and we're a new creation! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here" (2 Corinthians 5:17)! 

You know, just like that woman we have a choice, too, when we hear about Jesus. But what do we do? Turn our backs on Him because we don't see our need of a Savior? We don't want to change. We're too busy? Or in unbelief say, "He can't help me!"

Or do we want our lives transformed and revived? Do we want to overcome our personal issues or live with lies? Do we want to believe He is who He says He is?

You know, we too, can push through the crowd made up of the devil's lies, the comparison trap and addiction of social media, seeking celebrity status, idolatry, gossip, envy, jealousy, selfish, worldliness, fear of man, pride, unforgiveness, and unbelief! All of these things keep us from getting close to Jesus. Right?

So as the body of Christ, what if we humble ourselves and ask God to help us push through the worldly crowd of distractions that is keeping us from being close to Jesus? What if we begin to intentionally study Scripture, learn to pray faithfully and fervently, instead of coming up with excuses why we don't spend devotional time with Him? Do you believe there will be a transformation in each of us? Maybe our priorities and desires will change to glorify God? Maybe a Holy Spirit-driven passionate, close relationship will develop with Jesus and we will refuse to let anything or anyone crowd out our time, talents, and treasures of our hearts given only to Jesus!  

That dear woman "heard about Jesus" believing the truth: His blood was her cure. She was lavished with God's grace (Ephesians 1:7) because she pushed through the crowds of people-pleasing distractions to get close to Jesus.

Whew. Lavished. Redeemed. Saved. Healed. Peace. Love. Freedom. Jesus.

---Copyright 2022 by Polly Balint, NURTURE, pg. 67.

💖Polly

This devotional message is found in my 4th book, NURTURE. The link to Amazon for all of my books is in the sidebar on the right of this page. 

You Hungry, Sista?

 

What is your hunger pang? Are you hungry...for truth?

"...you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

John 8:32

 

Hey Sistas, does any of the following sound familiar?

She has a major case of battle fatigue from believing lies from her dark enemy. She’s been absorbing these lifelong lies about herself: that she’s worthless, good-for-nothing, and unforgiveable. She is truth hungry! Sometimes it’s so hard for her to feed herself the truth of God’s word because she’s exhausted from trying to resist the deceitful voices screaming in her head. Sometimes she gives into the lies and then clothes herself in guilt, shame, fear and anxiety. Her weariness wakes up her old belief system and it creates sleepless nights. Even her daylight hours seem to drag on and on.

However, since she’s a Christ-follower, this doesn’t happen to her every day, it’s just when she doesn’t put on the spiritual armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).  “If you hold onto my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
The blood of her Savior Jesus Christ has washed her clean and He delivered her from a deep dark abyss. Her relentless enemy –the enemy of all of God’s people – lies to her so she’ll fall back into her dark pit of despair. He thinks he can rob Jesus of this adorable trophy of His grace. But that’s not going to happen.  She is a follower of the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ and He says of His sheep, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28). She is no longer a pit dweller; she lives in “green pastures” and Jesus “restores her soul” (Psalm 23:2-3).                

She has the Holy Spirit living inside of her and He reminds her to put her eyes back on Jesus, the source of all truth. “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

She cries out to God in prayer and He always hears her. She begins to feed herself on the truth of Scripture. “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).

He reminds her of His love and faithfulness. “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

He is her sovereign protector. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). 

He is compassionate. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). 

He removes her fears. “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1) 

He is good to her. “Taste and see that the LORD is good and blessed is the [sista] man who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8). He promises to “surround [her] me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). And He does. He turns her “mourning into gladness” (Jeremiah 31:13).

She sings. “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and game me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD” (Psalm 40:1-3). The Sista has been fed the truth of God’s word and she daily devours it. Yes, it is the LORD who “fills the hungry with good things” (Psalm 107:9).

💖--Polly Balint Copyright 2012 Totally Devoted 3, pg. 74

This is my third book. 

[Amazon link to all my books is on sidebar on right.]

Breakfast is Ready!

 God is serving up the Scriptures and has invited the whole world to come to His table and fill up our parched, famished souls.  He serves only the finest of life-giving food.

The Bible may look like any other book but don't be deceived by outward appearances. The Bible is Holy Spirit Power-Packed with truth, life, and promises to forever love, provide, and protect those who sit with Him at His table. There is also rock-solid forgiveness of sins for those who believe in Jesus. Yep. Forgiveness. That's true freedom that is only served by Jesus!  Look, "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

But many will not come. They'd rather feast on the junk food of this world. Just think of the marketing in our culture. Brightly colored packaging, popular music in the commercials, it's all eye candy to sell a product. But that's the world. It's the stuff that never satisfies because it's not real food. It's GMO. You know, genetically modified organism in a laboratory using genetic engineering. Man has cooked this one up. But it looks wildly inviting and colorful!

Think about this: "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). 

God provides all-powerful food for our souls with His living word. It is "life to those who find it and health to one's whole body" (Proverbs 4:22); "For the word of God is alive and active" (Hebrews 4:12); "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16).

When we feed on the word of God we become overcomers.
"You dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the One who is in you is greater that the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

Look what happens to the one who constantly feeds on the Scriptures: "Blessed is the one...whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither--whatever they do prospers...for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction: (Psalm 1:1-3,6). 

All that looks like power, provision, protection, satisfied palate, and most of all love, doesn't it?

"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35).

Remember, His invitation is to the whole world. Did you RSVP?

💖Polly

A Shoutout to the Sisterhood

Copyright 2024 Polly Balint

We've all seen this. Little plants growing out of concrete sidewalks and driveways, right? 

Sisters, this is an awesome visual of God's promises to His children. We are the flourishing, fully alive plants rooted and abiding in Jesus, and this world is the concrete. 

I don't know how many of us stop and stare and wonder how this tiny, fully alive plant broke through the concrete? And the beautiful living plant...is growing!!! What? How is this possible?

But hey, many of us are probably too busy with being busy to stop, breathe, and praise the wonder of God all around us. Ain't nobody got time for dat, right? Well, actually we do have time. We seem to find time for what we want to do.

God shows us who He is through His Word, through music, conversations, and our circumstances. Yep. God also speaks to us through His creation.

"...He is to be feared above all gods...strength and glory are in His sanctuary...Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy...".  (Psalm 96:4, 11, 12)

God shows us who He is in all things ...and again, through seeing tiny plants burst forth through concrete! That beautiful fragile-looking plant has to be deeply rooted to burst through and thrive through concrete.  

I'll prove it.

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (I John 4:4)

"If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples." (John 15:7-8)

"The thief comes only to steal kill and destroy; I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) 

[Jesus said,] "...I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:18.)

"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  (Romans 4:20-21)

[The disciples asked Jesus why they couldn't cast out a demon. Jesus replied,] "Because you have such little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:22) 

Sisters, this SHOUT OUT is for all of us! With faith in Jesus and embracing His powerful, loving promises instead of embracing the world, let us continue to believe so we can flourish in the abundant life He came to give us. Let's celebrate!

💖Polly

We Were Made for This

"Women who follow Jesus don't just rock cradles.  We are meant to rock the world with all the love and hope and Holy Spirit power inside each one of us. We are global from every tribe, tongue, generation, and nation. We were born to nurture, born to be wild with the power of His love, all for the glory of God." --page 75, NURTURE, by Polly Balint.

I've never met or heard of Natalie Runion until last night. I was listening to Christian Radio WWEV 91.5 FM while I was preparing dinner. As I was clanging pots and pans, I couldn't hear every word Radio Host Corrie (Haynes) King was saying but I heard enough to know I was hearing words from a kindred spirit!

Pan drop (well, I wasn't holding a mic!) and I stopped to listen. What Corrie was saying was exhilarating music to my ears. I had to call the station to ask, "Was that something Corrie wrote or was she reading someone else's story? I would love a copy of whatever she was reading. I would love to post it in my blog, if that's ok."

It was Corrie's mother, Kelly, at the station, who quickly texted me back, sending me the entire message written by a woman named Natalie Runion, an author and speaker. Kelly let me know it was fine to share right here!

So here it is! 

"This Pentecostal girl often wants to pack up my car and drive towards revival fire, but the Lord reminded me I carry my own flame.

And If I'll stir it up, He will light it up and I don't have to drive thousands of miles to find revival.

What if we didn't load up buses to drive to another city and instead filled up our own churches and college campuses with worship and prayer in our town?

What if we opened our homes and schools and cafes to the people we walk among and introduced them to a move of God?

I was convicted how quickly I wanted to go towards the power of God when that same power moves and lives in me.

Why are we so drawn to movements and expressions that can be captured rather than our own mission in front of us?

Maybe it's because we're desperate for a move of God in our own lives but we've grown dry and weary where we are.

But cities aren't magic, and movements aren't forever so we have to learn to fan the flame within us and be the light to the darkness around us.

So be it, do it, start it...don't chase revival, pursue the power and presence of God.

And whatever He is doing in other cities and countries He will do for us all over the world because He loves to meet with His people. Their obedience is already lighting up hearts around the U.S. and I am so grateful.

Holy Spirit, come. Move among us. Break out in cities all over the world and remind us we carry the very power and presence of God to speak dead things back to life. Breathe on us." --Natalie Runion

Amen, Sisters! Let's do this! 

💖Polly

An Overcoming Life

The LORD is the strength (and the joy) of His people.

Psalm 28:8

"God does not give us an overcoming life--He gives us life as we overcome." wrote Oswald Chambers in his world-renowned devotional, My Utmost for His Highest.  And yes, he italicized the phrase, "as we overcome." 

God calls His people overcomers.  In the Biblical sense, to overcome is explained in Ephesians 6:10: "Be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power." We are to obey what He commands, resist temptations, and keep standing in faith. No matter how brutal, how devastating the storms that come, or how long they last, God is greater.  To be an overcomer, there is always something we have to do to overcome whatever has come against us.  

Oswald Chambers puts it like this: "We cannot do the things we long to do so our tendency is to think of our dreams and aspirations as dead. But God comes to us and says, 'Arise from the dead.' When God sends His inspiration, it comes to us with such miraculous power that we are able to 'arise from the dead' and do the impossible. The remarkable thing about spiritual initiative is that the life and power comes after we 'get up and get going.'"

Here are a few Biblical examples:

In John 4:8, we're told of the story of the invalid who had been lying at the pool for 38 years waiting to be healed!  Jesus came upon Him and told him to, '"Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.' At once the man was healed; he picked up his mat and walked."

In Exodus 14:16 God told Moses to raise his staff and stretch out his hands over the Red Sea to divide the water for the Israelites to safely pass on dry ground. When they were safely on the other bank of the sea, God closed up the waters and drowned the enemies of His people.

In Mark 5:25-34, the woman with the issue of blood heard about Jesus and with great faith, was willing rise up and push her way through noisy crowds to get close enough to Jesus to touch His garment. She believed if she got that close to Him, she would be healed. And she was completely healed.

Oswald Chambers writes, "Our Lord said to the man with the withered hand, 'Stretch out your hand' (Matthew 12:13). As soon as the man did so, his hand was healed. But he had to take the initiative. If we will take the initiative to overcome, we will find that we have the inspiration of God, because He immediately gives us the power of life."

This is love for God: to obey His commands...for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Who is it who overcomes the world? Only He who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:3-5

Polly💖