Plea for Grace September 7, 2022

1 Corinthians 10:11-13 ESV – 11 Now these things [basically the content of the books of Exodus and Numbers] happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

When it’s a “do you believe God and obey his word, or not?” day . . .

The Israelites “sins in the desert” were chiefly idolatry (giving something more worth than God), grumbling (not content with what God has given), and unbelief. This morning, after a 5-minute shower, the spasms started in and I had to take nitroglycerin. Now, that isn’t unusual, but it has been infrequent (until this year).

1. Do I value (assign worth) to good health more than my faith and devotion to God? Do I make God my refuge and salvation, or a disease-free body?
2. An Elisabeth Eliot paraphrase — will I be thankful for what God has given or resentful for what God has withheld?
3. Do I believe God’s Word, that He is good and does good; that His purpose for me is for His glory; that He is my salvation?

God is faithful! He has provided a “way of escape” in His Word. I do not believe that it was just coincidence that as I was starting to cry and become upset that my plans were being so disrupted that Psalm 118 came into my mind. . .

Psalm 118:4-6, 8-9, 13-14, 18-19, 21, 24, 28-29 ESV - 4 Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures forever." 
5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. 
6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? ... 
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. ... 
13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. 
14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. ... 
18 The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. ... 
21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. ... 
24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. ... 
28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. 
29 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

God’s invitation to come is not just when I am cleaned up and at my best. Senseless and embittered (Psalm 73), weary and burdened (Matthew 11), in distress (Psalm 118). There is no time that God is too busy or that I am unwanted.

God is on my side . . . let that sink in . . . God uses modern medicine and Mayo clinic doctors and technology but they in themselves are not the salvation. God uses them. God is the Sovereign. He is the One using the tools He has created.

Today is an opportunity to exercise my “faith muscles.” Discipline is not punishment. God is faithful. I know that His word is true and that He is true to His Word because I know . . .

I can enter the gates of righteousness. Because of Jesus, I do not have to sink into sin. I have the Holy Spirit to help me choose right. Psalm 119:30-32 ESV – 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. 31 I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame! 32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!

Today is a day that God has made. He has chosen to let me live in this day. I will rejoice and be thankful to Him for this day. I am not a “poor me victim” but a beloved child of Almighty God.

Thank You, Lord. You are good. Your steadfast love endures forever.

Pray for the Persecuted Church–OpenDoorsUSA

Day 3: Pray for the Tunisian government and society
as political turmoil continues. Ask God to prick the
hearts of those in authority.

Daily Wisdom
Psalm 31-35
Proverbs 7