"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
- Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV)
These verses, studied in my morning devotional "Every Day with Jesus" (Rev Dr Selwyn Hughes), seem apt upon my return, as such, to blogland with the theme being self-examination. The reminder that self-examination must be carried out in the presence of the Spirit. It's no good judging oneself with our limited thinking. It's not the correct way.
We must review our relationship with God on a regular basis through Spiritual reflection. Where am I falling down? What/who is in my life that shouldn't be?
We must remember to never engage in self-pity as it is, as Hughes writes, the enemy of repentance. Self-pity "...is an attempt to remove the souls pain by humanistic means rather than entrusting oneself to God His Holy Spirit."
In Matthew 5:21-24, 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 and 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 we are told to ask God to reveal any "offensive way" in us and to postpone worship to set things right with others and God.
It is important to examine ourselves prior to partaking of the Lord's Supper to make sure our heart is right, we worship the right way (not "unworthingly") and that we are in the right head, and most importantly, heart space.
Thank You Heavenly Father for revealing these messages to me at the right time. I pray that I will look to You first for fruitful and correct Spiritual self-examination instead of thinking that I, in my frail humanistic form, am able to do it alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
- Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV)
These verses, studied in my morning devotional "Every Day with Jesus" (Rev Dr Selwyn Hughes), seem apt upon my return, as such, to blogland with the theme being self-examination. The reminder that self-examination must be carried out in the presence of the Spirit. It's no good judging oneself with our limited thinking. It's not the correct way.
We must review our relationship with God on a regular basis through Spiritual reflection. Where am I falling down? What/who is in my life that shouldn't be?
We must remember to never engage in self-pity as it is, as Hughes writes, the enemy of repentance. Self-pity "...is an attempt to remove the souls pain by humanistic means rather than entrusting oneself to God His Holy Spirit."
In Matthew 5:21-24, 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 and 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 we are told to ask God to reveal any "offensive way" in us and to postpone worship to set things right with others and God.
It is important to examine ourselves prior to partaking of the Lord's Supper to make sure our heart is right, we worship the right way (not "unworthingly") and that we are in the right head, and most importantly, heart space.
Thank You Heavenly Father for revealing these messages to me at the right time. I pray that I will look to You first for fruitful and correct Spiritual self-examination instead of thinking that I, in my frail humanistic form, am able to do it alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Yes, Lord God. I'm in agreement with Paula's post and prayer. I seek You Father for correction. In Jesus' name amen.
ReplyDeleteI love that verse in Psalm 139. I had memorized it a few months back and realize I need to perfect it in my memory again.
ReplyDeleteMiss hearing from you.
Love,
Paula