The Word for wisdom:
Proverbs 18:10 (NLT)
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
The Word for inspiration:
Psalm 145:17 (NLT)
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
The Word for encouragement:
Luke 18:11-12 (NLT)
11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.'
My observation:
Today our focal passage brings us to the prayer of the Pharisee. Some texts say that he prayed with himself. In either case, the Pharisee reveals the contents of his heart. The five "I's" in his prayer reveals his self-absorption.
The Pharisee fits the description that Jesus pointed out before he began teaching this parable. Jesus had already looked into his heart, and found him to be lacking.
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:
The prayer of the Pharisee will not find a sympathetic ear in the throne room of heaven. The arrogance of the Pharisee revel the uncleanness of his heart. It would have been more profitable for him to look within his own heart rather than looking with contempt at others.
A humble heart will help you to see yourself as Jesus sees you. Notice what Jesus saw when he looked into the hearts of the church at Laodicea.
Revelation 3:17 (HCSB)
Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
My prayer:
Father God, how precious is the privilege of being able to come into the presence of a God who is holy and righteous in all his ways.
Father, I come in the most humble way that I know how, and I come to you seeking grace, mercy, and your unfailing love. Father, I come as one who knows that my right standing before you is a gift, and is not something that I earned. Father, I thank you for loving me enough to blot out all of my transgressions.
Isaiah 43:25 (HCSB)
"It is I who sweep away your transgressions for My own sake and remember your sins no more.
My song:
Jesus Paid It All (Click on link below to listen to Crystal Lewis singing this song):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBsgWKMxdmE&feature=related
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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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