Journal for June 6th…Grace

6:58 AM

Psalm 6

Lord, I realize that I'm no more righteous than anyone else. Some sins may seem graver, or have harsher consequences (murder or rape vs. stealing a candy bar, for example), but dirty is dirty. It doesn't matter if a shirt is stained with mud or blood, it's still unusable. When set against the backdrop of Your law, I am as guilty as anyone else. So, please, do not rebuke me in Your anger v1, or discipline me in Your wrath. It's your grace, O Lord, that I appeal to. Be gracious to me v2, for I am weak. With all my heart I believe that Jesus died in my place and out of mercy, plain and simple mercy, extended salvation to me. For the plan of salvation -- for the gospel -- I give You praise and thanksgiving today. What an awesome God You are. How big and glorious and bright and wondrous You must be.

It is Your faithful love that I appeal to, Lord v4, for my rescue. I know there are things about my life that detract from Your purpose and glory, but as long as I'm alive there's always a chance that I can live for You, bring You glory and give You thanks v5.

The Lord has heard my plea for help and accepts my prayer v9… thank You, over and over again I say thank You.

Psalm 36

We think we are so self-sufficient and important. Our lives are just a vapor in the procession of history. But with You, Lord God, is life's fountain v9; in Your light, and only in Your light, will we see light. Spread Your faithful love, Lord, over those who know You… I am one of those. Only because of Your grace am I able to know the God that made me and then showed grace to me in the life, death, and resurrection of His great Son.

Be merciful and gracious today, Lord Jesus, to my family, my church flock, and my friends. As a matter of fact, be merciful to this nation (as You already have by letting us exist this long); help us be a beacon once again that sends the gospel out around the world. Somehow get a hold of our leaders and turn their heads away from their political egos and toward just doing the right things.

Be gracious today. Be gloried today. I really want to be second.