“Search me, O God, and know my heart . . . And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23a-24).
Dear Praying Friends:
How easy it is for us to burn with “righteous indignation” over the faults of others!
As our pastor reminded us yesterday, however, we should ask God first to examine our hearts and reveal to us anything that offends him.
Jesus, of course, said the same thing: “Judge [condemn] not, lest you be judged. For with what judgment [condemnation] you judge [condemn] you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Or why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? . . . Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1-3-5).
Wise words from the one only one without any sins, who came to take our sins upon himself so that we might be saved from the final judgment of God!
Thank you for praying last week.
God gave me several very fruitful conversations. I finally finished the story on Absalom Sydenstricker, Pearl Buck’s father. It was one of the most difficult I have ever undertaken, but I think it will be useful to readers.
“The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit [lit. are crushed in spirit]” (Psalm 34:18).
Yours in his gentle mercy,
Wright