They Got What They Asked For - October 30, 2010

Daily Reading

Luke 17:11-18:14

Daily Verse

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,

and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Luke 18:14

Daily Thought

The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: "God, I thank you that I am not like other men - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector."
~Luke 18:11

The question is not, "Am I as good as my neighbor?"

He is. He's better.

"I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get."
~Luke 18:12

So he asked for nothing. And that's what he got.

But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
~Luke 18:13

The question is, "Am I as good as God?"

He's not. Not even close.

So he asked for mercy. And that's what he got.

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father, I live in a world that competes and compares, instead of loves and lifts up. Protect me from the pride of this world. Keep me humble like Your Son. He is God, and yet He thought others better than Himself, and put His life on the line for them. May I learn to love others from Him, rather than learning to serve self from the world.

Thank You, God, for Your mercy, Your love, Your salvation. Your Son.

Amen.

You're Welcome - October 27, 2010

Daily Reading

Luke 14-15

Daily Verse

I tell you that in the same way

there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents

than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Luke 15:7

Daily Thought

She put her hands on her hips, glared at me, and demanded, "What are you going to say to these girls with tattoos coming to our church?"

"Welcome to Rolling Hills."

Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
~Luke 15:1-2

Jesus welcomes and eats.
The "sinners" gather and listen.
The religious mutter.

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, thank You for salvation. For seeking me out, a sinner who wanted to go my own way. For loving me and drawing me to You. For opening my eyes and my heart, that I might realize that Your grace is irresistible.

Thank You for welcoming me. More than that, for celebrating my salvation. I didn't expect that or deserve that, but I enjoy it. What a wonderful salvation. What a wonderful Savior.

Amen.