Wednesday, February 13, 2008

July 10


Being Undone


"The Pharisee stood and prayed with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust adulterers, or even as this tax collector.' ...

“And the tax collector standing afar off could not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat 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 everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18:11, 13-14 (NKJV)


I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up.

Psalm 30:1 (NKJV)


I couldn’t sleep last night. I knew Kris was upset with me, and it slowly dawned on me why. So, for a good part of my night, I laid in bed and defended myself by running hastily-crafted rationalizations through my brain. It produced some pretty good points, a few less-than-perfect arguments, and a couple of nuclear-tipped zingers—but not much sleep.

Then this morning in my quiet time, the Lord spoke rather directly to my heart. The points were well made: give it up; confess; move on!

So, I woke Kris at 7:15 and apologized. She listened. We talked. She forgave.

And me? Praise the Lord! I am lifted up!

And tonight? I’ll sleep like a baby!


Father, thank You for healing my sightless thinking, for giving me this so-good forgiveness, and for lifting me up out of my pit!