Genesis 17

Proverbs 16:18: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 1 John 2:16-17: 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Men are mortal and prone to weakness and error. If we rely on self, without the underlying foundation of faith in God, we will at some point in our life face a situation where self reliance fails us. We must all realize if we have any abilities, and are able to accomplish anything in this world, it is because God has gifted us with those abilities and gave us the health, strength and desire to be able to achieve those things. Many self-made men and women will testify to the fact that they reached a point in their lives where they were no longer able to keep on going. They faced problems they were not able to solve on their own. They were forced by their halting circumstances to call on God. Confidence in our own abilities, without God, is a false foundation and will crumble under the attack of the devil and his evil powers. Only God's power can defeat the evil attacks of Satan. Verse 28 tells us that a person who cannot rule over his own spirit is as vulnerable to attacks as a city that is broken down and has no wall around it for defense. In Bible days, most cities had high walls around them for protection against enemies. They had gates that were open during the day for the commerce trade to come and go, but they would shut them at night so that no intruders would gain an advantage of them. As individuals we become vulnerable to the devil's attacks if we do not have a wall around our own spirits. Our "wall" and "high tower" that gives us protection is found in our faith in Jesus. He is the one who keeps our hearts and minds steady so that we are able to resist the attacks of the enemy. He is our solid rock and we can remain steady and solid because of Him. David speaks of this in the book of Samuel. 2 Samuel 22:1-4: 1 And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: 2 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. 4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. If we do not rely on Jesus to keep us, the enemy of our souls, the devil, could come in and drive us crazy. However, all Christians have the promise of God to be able to keep our minds and souls against the onslaughts of the wicked one. We are required to reinforce our cities (lives) by keeping our walls built up. We do this spiritually by reading the Word of God, praying and fellowshipping with others of like faith. Isaiah 26:1-4: 1 In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. 2 Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. 3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.