Boy, I really blew it this time...

How many times have you said that in your lifetime? I can honestly admit that I say that way too often...and then it's usually followed by, "If only I would THINK before I SPEAK..." All too often...way to often...

I'm going to tell you - I'm truly a messed up stack of bones a lot of the time! And as ashamed as I am to admit it, the closer I get to the Lord the more I am aware of my failures each day! Just let me tell you - there have been many moments that I've have wondered how on earth God could ever accept me...

...but He does! And in such a HUGE way! This morning I was reading Genesis 43. I've been interested in the life and story of this man we call Joseph here lately, and so I was reading another "episode" in the life and times of this man when I ran across a verse that jumped out at me. "...may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man...(Gen. 43:14a) May God grant you compassion...

Compassion...I don't know if you've ever stopped to think about it, but that's a very big word...and I'm talking about more than just how many letters it has in it. God tells us to be a people of compassion as His children, but sometimes I think that we view that as a "benevolent responsibility." Somehow we think that we are in such an amazing position that we have to "stoop down" and offer someone compassion when they are in need, whatever that need may be...but is this really the case?

From my understanding, the only one that "stoops down" is God...to us! When it's all said and done, regardless of what a person's need may be, we aren't sitting on some lofty throne of righteousness offering them an amazing gift of our time and talents...we're really in the same boat they are. And my point? We're all in this together - every last one of us.

We all need grace. All of us. From the richest executive to the poorest man on the street. From the pastor in the pulpit to the prostitute on Central Ave. To quote a well known Jackson - "From the out house, to the poor house, to the White House"...we all need grace.

So next time you're tempted to "look down" or "snub your nose" at someone else, regardless of the reason, just remember: without Christ you're just a dirty and needy. The only difference is Him, which gives you nothing to boast of in yourself - only Christ.

That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Until next time...live blessed!
blake

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