Journal for July 7th…The Good Judge

Psalms 7

I thank You, Lord, for Your righteousness v17. I am so grateful that the mighty God, the One that will judge us all, is righteous, good, and just. Of course that means I would stand condemned before You without a chance for redemption. But the Judge Himself has provided the remedy -- His Son, Jesus Christ. I confess, Father, that Jesus stood condemned for me, in my place. I confess that I should have been made to pay for my sins but that Jesus paid for them instead. It's amazing…You can remain the righteous God of justice, sin can be atoned for, and I can be granted a pardon and eternal life.

Lord Jesus, I have had failures and successes; victories and defeats; proud moments and embarrassing moments. Only You know the balance of my life and which way the scales tip. But one thing is sure. I have eternal life because of You. You have come into this cursed world and redeemed "a wretch like me." You have provided the eternal promises of Heaven and a New Earth -- no longer any curse of sin.

How can someone hate sin so much and yet love it, too? The world, my world, struggles with the desire to please You and the desire to please "self". It's a battle for sure. I'm grateful that You remember that I am only dust and that my heart is Yours.

The world is a madhouse…in chaos! Without You there is no hope. You are not a religion. You are God. You are the One and Only Savior. Help me and all believers to grasp the importance of living for You, praying in faith, and abiding in Your Word. Please increase our conviction for our own sins and then the world around us, too. I know millions will not believe -- not even with concrete evidence of Your salvation. Their hearts are hard or carried away by the world. But I pray for believers today. Help us get our act together so that our influence at home, at church, at work, at school, and in the community may turn many of the unbelieving world to You.

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer; and just the time I need Him, He's always near! He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today; He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives…He lives within my heart.

I am second.