And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (Luke 18:9-14).
Today's Morsel: Jesus said that two men went up to pray; one a Pharisee, the other a sinner. Are you a Pharisee or sinner when you go to pray? If you say neither, you may want to stop and look again. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection and angels. Where as sinners say that they believe, but don't confess it with their lifestyle or conversation (manner of life). Jesus said that both of these men went to pray. But the Pharisee allowed pride to control him in his prayer time. Even though he believed an important part of the gospel, the resurrection, he saw himself as being better than others, and his focus was more on who he was during his pray time, than repentance and seeking for change. In a way, this reflect many Christians. They put themselves on a pedestal, and their prayers are about them, their needs, who they are, and what they have done. But the sinner, on the other hand, knows that he is not right when he comes before God, and therefore, he sees his need and wants to change. When we come before God, we must always come with a broken spirit and a contrite heart, as these things God will not despise. God knows who we are and where we are. If we say that we are His, then neither of these descriptions, Pharisee nor sinner, should identify us. But woe to him to whom it does. Remember, those who are born again, understand that we are just sinners saved by grace and not prideful Pharisee's.
Sing: Saved! Saved! Saved! I'm happy on my way. Saved! Saved! Saved! I love Him more each day. Saved! Saved! Saved! I know He's mine each hour. For He saves and keeps and He satisfies me, by His Power!
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