Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written:
‘The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone’?
18 “Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”—Luke 20:17
But to this one I will look [graciously],
To him who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who [reverently] trembles at My word and honors My commands.—Isaiah 66:2b
for we [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, set apart for His purpose and] are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory and take pride and exult in Christ Jesus and place no confidence [in what we have or who we are] in the flesh—Philippians 3:3
Father
May the trials of this life leave me continually broken, weak, humbled and contrite before You. The verses above strung together paint such a clear picture to me that says none of my life here on earth is about me...it is all about You, the One who came to earth to die and save me from an eternity in hell. It is not about confidence in my flesh...what I have or who I am...it is about who You are and what You have done. Oh Lord, give me eyes to see who I REALLY am and in seeing may I fall flat on my face and say along with Job:
5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear,
But now my eye sees You.
6 Therefore I abhor myself,
And repent in dust and ashes.”
Or along with Isaiah:
“Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The LORD of hosts.”
You preserve the simple; I was brought low, and You saved me! You are good and do good! You are near to those who have a broken heart and save such as have a contrite spirit. Thank you for the trials You send that humble me and draw me away from the world and into a deeper relationship with You. Thank you for the trials You allow in my life that reveal to my heart what I really love. Thank You for the trials that show me, as You showed Paul, that Your grace IS sufficient for me...that out of weakness I am made strong. Truly, Father, I don’t know how to come in or go out...I need You desperately!
I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word, to me, Your servant. Fill me today with Your Spirit of Wisdom....give me understanding so I may keep Your law. Keep my eyes off others and on You. Teach me to look to You and You alone for direction. I have put my trust in You...I will never be put to shame.
