The Word for wisdom:
Proverbs 17:27-28 (NLT)
27 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. 28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
The Word for inspiration:
Psalm 145:14 (AMP)
The Lord upholds all those [of His own] who are falling and raises up all those who are bowed down.
The Word for encouragement:
Luke 18:10 (HCSB)
"Two men went up to the temple complex to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
My observation:
We have spent the past three days looking at the previous verse in which Jesus gave the purpose of telling the parable.
Luke 18:9 (HCSB)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else:
Jesus states the purpose of the parable upfront. First, righteousness is not found in self, but in God alone. And, that you should not view others with contempt.
In today's focal verse Jesus begins the parable by telling of two men who went up to the temple to pray. These two men were vastly different. The Pharisee was an elite of the religious class. He was the ultimate insider. Conversely, the Publican was a Tax Collector. He was viewed a sinner by the religious elite, and he was the ultimate outsider.
Both men went to the most prominent place to pray. They went to the temple, which is the house of prayer.
Isaiah 56:7 (HCSB)
I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Both men went to the right person. They went to seek God. The focus of prayer and the object of prayer should always be God. He is the standard for righteousness, and he is the provider of the righteousness wherein we stand.
Deuteronomy 4:29 (HCSB)
But from there, you will search for the Lord your God, and you will find ⌊Him⌋ when you seek Him with all your heart and all your soul.
My prayer:
Father God, I thank you for the privilege that I obtained through the provisions of Jesus that allows me to come directly to you in prayer. Father, I pray that the attitude of my heart will be acceptable to you when I approach you in the holiness of your exalted throne room in heaven.
Father, I pray that when you look into my heart you will find a heart that is humble, and that desires above all else to be pleasing in your eyes. Father, please hear and answer your servant's prayer. In Jesus name, Amen.
Psalm 5:3 (HCSB)
At daybreak, Lord, You hear my voice; at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly.
My song:
Hear Our Prayer, O Lord (Click on link below to listen to this meditative plea in song):
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=DPWLNNNX
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http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.
Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.
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