Scripture for Today: Psalm 19:12 “But who can discern their own errors. Forgive my hidden faults.”

In making a transatlantic move we have had to start over with different appliances that work with different voltage.  Our friends have been so kind to help us with new and gently used items.  This morning I tried out the vacuum cleaner’s attachments.  Nothing.  There was no suction at all.  I thought it odd as it was a good brand and appeared practically new.  But looking down the tube I saw the problem.  It was blocked, and not just a little.  I kept pulling and pulling the stuff out!  No wonder there was no power!  The vacuum looked wonderful and clean on the outside but inside was a different story.

Our verse for today points out what can be successfully hidden.  Our own errors are often difficult to discern.  We can feel pretty good about what image we project to those around us.  But if we do not take care of what is inside, then we too are without power and not effective.  I imagine that if I had not unblocked that tube, the motor would have eventually burned out.

David asked forgiveness for the hidden faults he could not see.  It was a prayer that showed a lot of humility.  He realized that the heart is deceitful and difficult to understand (Jer. 17:9).  Rather than depending on his own examination, David asked the Lord to search his heart for him (Psalm 139:23).

Do I have the courage to pray this same prayer?  Who knows what gunk He will pull out into view?  But the cleansing forgiveness He offers clears it all out.  His power becomes available and He can work through me anew.

Yes Lord.  I know there is plenty that is hidden.  Thank you for Your full forgiveness.

Scripture for Today:  Matthew 20:15 “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous.”

Whether it is pizza, cake or pie it is important to cut those pieces evenly!  Those who get the larger pieces feel special but the one with that skinny piece may feel a bit slighted.  If my hostess is the one doing the paying, the cutting and the serving I certainly cannot say anything.  But I may fume inside with the thought, “It isn’t fair.”

Our verse for today comes from a parable Jesus told about workers who had come in early in the day.  They had made a contract with their employer to work for a certain sum of money.  Then at the very last hour of the day a second group begins work and they are paid the same amount.  Understandably, the first group was unhappy.  It is not fair.  The employer reminds these disgruntled workers it is his money and he can be generous if he chooses.

It is not uncommon to have the same thoughts about God.  It seems there are times He is generous with someone so much less deserving than ourselves.  Perhaps we have worked harder and longer and feel we should be compensated differently.  Rather than rejoice at the generous blessings given to another, we grumble that we deserve more.  It is not fair.

I am so glad God does not listen to this.  If I got what was fair I would be completely lost.  The wages of my sin is death (Romans 6:23) and I cannot say I deserve anything else.  Eternal life is not fair.

Thank you Lord, that Your grace is better than fair!