Pride

As most of you might have seen on the news, South Korea (who is still technically at war) came to another military confrontation with North Korea yesterday where they exchanged weapons fire across the borders. I won't fill you in on all the details but simply put, emotions are high and cannons are loose over this offence. North Korea, who is adamantly communicating to the world their threatening nuclear capabilities is like the big yet small bully of South Korea and the world. Because of this bullying South Korea has been making it just as clear that they're not afraid to defend and/or retaliate if need be.



People
Some people I talk to are really afraid & are expecting the worst case scenario, stocking up on rice ramen noodles & bottled water while others are less fatalistic & believe this is just another empty power-play from the North. The problem now is what response will be carried out to the big, small bully of the North. North Korea has publicly stated that they will not flinch to attach if provocated which makes the wisdom of the South Korean President crucial.



Pride
I'm so convinced that God is still pursuing the broken & confused soul of the NKorean dictator Kim Jong il who is behind all this power seeking & glory. Just as God showed his patience with men like Pharoah of Egypt & King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, I believe God continues to seek his attention & heart. Throughout the bible & in my own heart I've experienced the toxic, destructive power of pride and how it can cause us to move into a false reality where I am superior and the world revolves around me. Because God is a good Dad He can't watch us pollute ourselves in this way but humbles us so we turn our attention off ourselves and on Him. In one way or another God will have the final say.

Please Pray:
1) For Kim Jong il, that he would be humbled & broken. That he would see that he is just a man and not a god.
2) For the wisdom of South Korea President Lee Myung-bak & that he would make the right decisions.
3) That the church would stand in the midst of fear and share the message of a God who is in control. That there is no fear in love.



The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want;
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil;
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the
Lord forever.

Psalm 23