Luke 18:11–13 (ESV) — 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
NOTE: I am thankful that I am changed, but I did not do it, God has done it. I know what I would be without his transformation (it is not a pleasant picture). And I am still a sinner who falls repeatedly to the temptations of the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Humanly, I wonder if I will ever be free. I am tempted at times to ignore the last strongholds. But, by you grace, I confess, repent, get up and seek to live in your power again. I will do this as often as it needed until I receive a new glorified body. I don't want to ever give up fighting sin. And I know I need mercy over and over. I am glad -- actually overjoyed -- that your mercy has no bounds, and that like you it is infinite.
"Oh, Give thanks to the Lord! … For He is good … For His mercy endureth forever and forever." (Song His Mercy Endureth Forever)
Lamentations 3:22 (ESV) — 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
Thank you Lord. I thank you that I am a broken man without any claim to your kingdom except Jesus. You loved me even though I was your enemy. I thank you, I am not like myself, but I wish I was so much more than I still am. Be merciful me, still a sinner, still struggling, still longing for the day when I will not struggle with sin anymore.
PONDER:
- Do I think more highly of myself than I should?
- Do I look down on others for their failures?
PRAYER: Father, continue your mercy. I pray today to use it wisely. Lead and guide me. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment