HOLINESS Day By Day !!! Falling Into The Trap. !!! Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13 NASB) I struggle with legalistic tendencies even though I know better. Several years ago I was scheduled to speak at a large church on the West Coast. Arriving about 15 minutes before the Sunday morning service, I learned that one of the pastoral staff had died suddenly the day before. The staff and congregation were in a state of shock and grief. Sizing up the situation, I realized that the challenge to discipleship message Id just prepared was inappropriate. The congregation that day needed comfort and encouragement, not challenge. Knowing I needed a new message, I silently begin to pray, asking God to bring to my mind something suitable for the occasion. Then I begin to add up my merits and demerits for the day: Had I had a quiet time that morning? Had I entertained any lustful thoughts or told any half-truths ? Id fallen into the performance trap. I quickly recognized what I was doing. Lord, I said, I dont know the answer to these questions, but it doesnt matter. I come to You today in the name of Jesus and, by His Merit alone ask for Your help.A verse of scripture came to my mind and with it a brief outline for an appropriate message. I went to the pulpit and literally prepared the message as I spoke. God did answer prayers. Why did God answer? Was it because I had a quiet time that morning or fulfilled other spiritual disciplines or hadnt entertained any sinful thoughts that day? No, God answered my prayer for only one reason: Jesus Christ had already purchased that answer to prayer 2000 years ago on a Roman cross. God answered on the basis of his grace alone, not because of my merits or demerits. Transforming Grace !!!
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:03:17 +0000
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