LEAN INTO LENT DAY 28
(Galatians 5: 25) If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Ah, this corollary to the Fruit of the Spirit passage can happen if we’re not careful. Let’s not “pat ourselves on the back” when we discover we’re not losing our temper quite so fast, or when we tell ourselves that we’re achieving gentleness or we practiced kindness today! Changing our attitudes and “self-improvement” can lead to conceit and even pride when we call attention to our progress. Let us confess our self-centeredness, ask for God’s help to eradicate it.
Help us to use soft answers to turn away wrath, and to practice humility in our speech, actions, and thoughts. Banish conceit and self-centeredness where they live in our character.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, do a work in me as I strive to follow Jesus’ example. Let me get out of my own way and learn to grow the good fruit that thinks of others first, that encourages others rather than thinking about my motives and guide me to a place where You replace my self-centeredness with the good fruit which comes from Your guiding my every word and action. Indeed, as the song says, “They’ll know we are Christians by our Love.” ©Peter Scholtes, 1960 Amen.
From my book Restore My Soul Psalms: A Lenten Journey, My Psalm 342 Cleansing
MY PSALM 342 CLEANSING
Dear Lord, Just God, Holy God,
We come to You this day
Asking that You cleanse us,
Make us whiter than snow,
Clear our consciences once again
As we recognize Your power
Though the mercy of Your Son’s atonement
To do exactly that.
Just as He cleansed the temple
Of unrighteous practices,
Cleanse our hearts.
Clean house, O God,
And turn the tables on our idolatry,
Throw out the besetting sins which afflict us,
And purify us as vessels fit for Your use.
Remind us daily through Your Word
Of Your abounding mercy and grace.
Tell us once again that You
Remove our iniquities as far as
The East is from the West.
That these sins are forgiven
And even more, forgotten
Because of the blood of Jesus Christ.
When we commit sins of omission or commission,
Show us our failures so we can confess them immediately.
Especially keep our tongues from speaking evil,
From use that is less than loving and merciful
Toward others. Use our songs to praise Your Name.
Use our words to comfort and bring peace.
Use our languages to communicate
With all tribes and nations.
Use our prayers to praise Your Name.
Bring us with grace to Your throne
In intercession for others who come to mind:
Those in prison,
Those whose minds are imprisoned by drugs or alcohol,
Those whose bodies are failing.
Those who are without hope
Because they do not know You.
Those who languish in poverty and want.
Those who in ignorance hold on to the past
And ignore the future which could be bright with joy.
Those who are depressed, bipolar, or mentally ill.
Those who are lonely even in a crowd.
Commission us, Lord, to serve You with vigor and strength,
Because You have cleansed us and redeemed us
For use in Your Kingdom and for Your Glory.
In grateful thanksgiving, we praise You this day. Amen.
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