True Jim! That was the time when merit was equated with the perceived observance to laws. And when one feels he/she has satisfied the rules, one feels good and sees violators with contempt. The Triune GOD is the sole source of grace and we rely/trust solely on Him and not trusting on our own, for this Truth, we are grateful. Blessings to you and your family!
Hi, Kent and Jimmy! God forgive me when I have the same attitude as the Pharisee (or prodigal’s older brother). I definitely in my flesh have attitudes where I think “thank God I am not a homeless man” or “thank God I haven’t done xyz” and it is only by God’s grace and mercy that I am not a homeless man or done xyz. This parable no matter how many times I read it convicts me. Because it is only after I realize my pride, arrogance, selfish ambition that I respond like the tax collector. More on that tomorrow. Love and blessings y’all.
Likewise, Mandy, more on that tomorrow leaving this note for tonight.
1) Although GOD is Just and hates sins, He is also merciful and forgiving;
2) We cannot compare with any sinner nor have our crosshairs to other sinners as we all have a huge bag full of sins and we all need GOD’mercy and forgiveness; and
3) Is for tomorrow midday cause I’m very sleepy and I have to be early for a task. Blessings to you and your family!
I’m convicted too Mandy! I think we all have within us those whom we compare and say we are better; ironically even those who love to rag on Pharisees sometimes I see and hear can sound just as Pharisical as what they are condemning! That would be too a temptation and shortfall and weakness! I’m bringing that up as something I struggle with. How we need grace!!!
Thanks, Kent. The parable of Luke 18 is precious to me. The self-righteous attitude of the Pharisee is exaggerated so that it is unmistakable, but when I was a Roman Catholic we all held the belief that we were doing a pretty good job of obeying the Ten Commandments and meriting our salvation.
Thanks too, Tom. Probably what the Pharisees were doing, as JESUS CHRIST has described, was common news/relatable to the audience/followers of JESUS that were listening to His Parable. The Bible shows us that the Pharisees had a way to look down on perceived violators of the law. The problem when we are reduced to steps and rules to follow, that in our perception that we have fulfilled them, we have the tendency to be secured on our own. We are to pray that GOD the FATHER calls people to fully rely and trust His SON, JESUS CHRIST. The Triune GOD not only works in our Salvation but also teaches us through His Word to follow Him by faith alone and be secured solely in Him. Blessings to you and your family!
This reminds me of Proverbs 6:17, “haughty eyes” being first on the list that begins “here are six things that the LORD hates,
seven that are an abomination to him.”
pax,
dora
You are right about the reference Dora! True, JESUS CHRIST hates those. We also believe that the Triune GOD is forgiving and merciful. Do you agree my fellow worker in CHRIST? Blessings to you and your family!
Gersom Clark 
Man the amount of self-righteousness with that Pharisee!
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True Jim! That was the time when merit was equated with the perceived observance to laws. And when one feels he/she has satisfied the rules, one feels good and sees violators with contempt. The Triune GOD is the sole source of grace and we rely/trust solely on Him and not trusting on our own, for this Truth, we are grateful. Blessings to you and your family!
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Amen the Triune God is the sole source of grace, even of our act of being gracious!
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Hi, Kent and Jimmy! God forgive me when I have the same attitude as the Pharisee (or prodigal’s older brother). I definitely in my flesh have attitudes where I think “thank God I am not a homeless man” or “thank God I haven’t done xyz” and it is only by God’s grace and mercy that I am not a homeless man or done xyz. This parable no matter how many times I read it convicts me. Because it is only after I realize my pride, arrogance, selfish ambition that I respond like the tax collector. More on that tomorrow. Love and blessings y’all.
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Likewise, Mandy, more on that tomorrow leaving this note for tonight.
1) Although GOD is Just and hates sins, He is also merciful and forgiving;
2) We cannot compare with any sinner nor have our crosshairs to other sinners as we all have a huge bag full of sins and we all need GOD’mercy and forgiveness; and
3) Is for tomorrow midday cause I’m very sleepy and I have to be early for a task. Blessings to you and your family!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m convicted too Mandy! I think we all have within us those whom we compare and say we are better; ironically even those who love to rag on Pharisees sometimes I see and hear can sound just as Pharisical as what they are condemning! That would be too a temptation and shortfall and weakness! I’m bringing that up as something I struggle with. How we need grace!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Kent. The parable of Luke 18 is precious to me. The self-righteous attitude of the Pharisee is exaggerated so that it is unmistakable, but when I was a Roman Catholic we all held the belief that we were doing a pretty good job of obeying the Ten Commandments and meriting our salvation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks too, Tom. Probably what the Pharisees were doing, as JESUS CHRIST has described, was common news/relatable to the audience/followers of JESUS that were listening to His Parable. The Bible shows us that the Pharisees had a way to look down on perceived violators of the law. The problem when we are reduced to steps and rules to follow, that in our perception that we have fulfilled them, we have the tendency to be secured on our own. We are to pray that GOD the FATHER calls people to fully rely and trust His SON, JESUS CHRIST. The Triune GOD not only works in our Salvation but also teaches us through His Word to follow Him by faith alone and be secured solely in Him. Blessings to you and your family!
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This reminds me of Proverbs 6:17, “haughty eyes” being first on the list that begins “here are six things that the LORD hates,
seven that are an abomination to him.”
pax,
dora
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You are right about the reference Dora! True, JESUS CHRIST hates those. We also believe that the Triune GOD is forgiving and merciful. Do you agree my fellow worker in CHRIST? Blessings to you and your family!
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Thanks and Amen brother! 🙏Have a restful night. 🌙💤
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