Sept 13

[Sylvia]

VERSE:
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a
doctor, but the sick."
-- Matthew 9:12

THOUGHT:
Why did Jesus associate with sinners? Because we need him to
associate with us! What's the most crucial part of that truth:
Jesus' desire to save or our recognition of our sinfulness? Of
course the most crucial part is Jesus' desire to save because
without him, recognizing our sinfulness would only lead to despair.
But without recognizing our need for his grace, his sacrifice for
us is lost. So let's praise Jesus as our loving and sacrificial
Savior, but let's also acknowledge our need for his merciful and
mighty grace!

PRAYER:
Gracious Father, I praise you from the bottom of my heart for
providing Jesus as my Savior. At the same time, dear Father, I
confess to you I struggle with sin. I want it completely out of my
life, but I find that I cannot rid myself of its constant shadow
and its penetrating stain. Without your grace and the sacrifice of
Jesus, I know I could not stand before you as your pure child.
Please forgive me for the following sins ... and please receive my
praise for your gracious forgiveness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.