Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.
Here, David describes the wicked as having no fear of God. This is constantly contrasted throughout the Psalms with the righteous, who fear God and recognize their sin.
We are partakers of God's grace and mercy. We recognize our sinfulness. We fear God. We worship and praise him. He takes care of and provides for us. We still sin, but we are not like the "wicked" who are always planning and scheming for their next victims.
A lengthy reading, but full of words of truth. The "wicked" mentioned in the above section would have none of this "brokenness." They see it as weakness. Well, so do I. The difference is, I recognize that, yes, I AM weak. I certainly am. And in my weakness, God is made strong and is glorified. And that is what my life is all about (well, that is the ultimate goal, anyway...).
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Seriously?? My hairs are numbered? The beauty of this passage is how much God cares for us, according to the words of Jesus. Even the hairs on our head are numbered. Such a seemingly insignificant thing as hair (insignificant to me, at least...judging from the number of commercials I hear on the radio, it is apparently extremely significant to a lot of people...) is seen as important to God. Jesus is assuring his disciples (and, I believe, all believers throughout the ages) that we are of value to our Father. He will not allow any permanent harm to come to us. (Yes, we die...but that is not "permanent," remember?)
He tells us that we are more valuable than "many sparrows." "Knowing that God values us in such a practical and loving manner, there is no way you or I should ever be afraid or anxious." (Quote from Daily Readings From the Life of Christ by John MacArthur)
This speaks volumes to my opening prayer. I was seriously worried last night. In fact, one might even use the word "terrified." I just KNEW things were going to go wrong. But nothing did. God took care of me. And made me feel very foolish and ashamed for worrying. As well I should.
Let us never be afraid to be broken and contrite. It is necessary when we have sinned. But once that is taken care of, we can be joyful and exuberant in our praise and worship of you.
I pray, Father, that this Sunday, when we meet with other believers to worship you, that our worship will be just that: joyful and exuberant. Let us worship you with abandon. Let us trust you with abandon. Let us do everything to glorify you and honor you, our heavenly Father!
The Senate sent an $18 billion job creation bill to the President Wednesday, providing, among other things, a new tax break for small businesses that hire new workers, paid for by enforcing foreign account taxes.
Legal action is already being prepared to oppose any passage of the health care reform legislation by the �deem and pass� means where voting on the actual Senate bill by the House of Representatives is avoided.
Pray that the intent of the legislation being worked on would actually benefit America�s citizens.