Lent,, Day 17 - March 13

Today's scripture readings speak powerfully: Psalm 69; 73; Jere 5:1-9; Romans 2:25-3:18 and John 5:30-47

As I read through the various passages I was struck by the way in which God confronts deception in the various people these were directed towards. There is a straight forward approach...no dancing around the issues...no attempts to ameliorate the various conditions with smooth words.

It hit me, am I as straight forward in dealing with my sin, the deceptions of Satan, that are in my own life?
Am I willing to be so blunt, so purposeful, so willing to strive for truth in the inner being of my soul as the various speakers in these passages were?

Lent gives me/us an opportunity to come back to God with hearts that "know" that Jesus' death on the cross was for my/our sin. There is no need to come polished, to come pretending, to come religiously pious. I need to be brutally honest and receive the gift of mercy and grace to those who come repentantly before Him - our Savior and Our God.

A Prayer:
"O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit would in all things direct and rule my heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen."

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