“Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 NKJV
Heavenly Father,
Sometimes I think life is very good. I count my blessings and I give thanks that I live a good life and try not to hurt anyone and be encouraging and generous and kind . . . and I forget that all I have is on loan from You and all I am is because of Jesus. The good in me is because of Your Spirit working in me. And yes, sometimes I stand in the shoes of the Pharisee. Ticking of the bad that I have not done!
Other times I let myself down and beat myself up about how useless I am. Maybe in our mind we hear what someone else once said about us, a teacher, an angry parent a jealous friend or a thoughtless person . . . You’ll never be any good . . . clumsy . . . stupid . . . Lord help us not to judge ourselves but come to You as we are and receive Your love.
This parable is great because it is black and white. Just two options. The choice never changes regardless of mood or experience. We either know we are like everyone and sin (Romans 3:23) or are deluded and self reliant, thinking we are OK.
Justified. (Just as if I had never sinned). What a wonderful word. We all need the Saviour.. And nowhere in the bible does it talk about major sinners or minor sinners. Keep us at the cross asking and receiving Your peace and forgiveness.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Loving Lord,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For any relationships we need to ask You to help us with.
For our church fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Parliament resitting in September.
For Ukraine. Please end war, soon.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Solutions for a reconciliation and lasting peace. Keep them talking.
For tolerance and patience. Pervade the minds of extremists to see others points of view.
For those who are seeking to find peace to find their way to You.
For those who need Your forgiveness to be able to forgive themselves.
For those dependent on drugs to find freedom in You, those with anxiety and fear, peace.
For those who have been lied to and have low self worth..
For us renewed joy that we are beloved, worth in Christ and able to love ourselves and others.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Wednesday 28th August 2024
Traditional rendition.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
’tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease:
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.
When I’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
I’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
Lyrics: John Newton