Blessing For TodaySample

‘Self’ or ‘Grace’? 

Self-righteousness is denying God’s grace and exalting one’s own strength. It makes a person to justify themselves more than they are really worth. At last, it leads a person to lose all the blessings of the Lord. 

Once, Jesus spoke this parable to some who thought they were righteous and despised others. Two men went up to the temple to pray — one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed saying, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.” And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast saying, “God, be merciful on me a sinner!” Jesus said that the Pharisee’s prayer was never heard but the tax collector went back blessed by God. 

Dearly beloved, have you ever heard people saying, “I read the Bible, I pray every day, I do Sunday school ministry. I sing for the Lord. I preach the gospel. But, why do I feel depressed and lonely? Why am I unable to feel God’s presence? Why are my prayers not answered?” The reason is simple – it is self-righteousness. Your blessings are not a result of your good works; instead, it is because of God’s grace! Stand on grace and rise higher! 

Prayer

“Loving heavenly Father, forgive my words and deeds of self-righteousness. The Bible says that where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. I desire to be free from this bondage of self-righteousness. Set me free. Let me enjoy Your presence and radiate Your glory. This I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.” 

‘Stand on grace and rise higher!’