“You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean” (Matthew 23:26).
Inside out, not outside in. So many focus upon doing things right rather than focusing upon being made righteous through the grace of our Savior. It is really a matter of giving up control. You and I are not and never will be in control of our own circumstances, let alone those around us. The Lord is Lord of all. Come into the salvation of Christ and be saved from the inside out.
Lord, it is simple and I see the truth of it. There is so much pretentiousness in this world. Everyone is posturing as if what we see is what matters. Yet, I see quiet desperation as the way of the world presses in. Lead me out of the insanity of this sinful world and into the quiet place of true salvation. Guide me to understand and know Your goodness and mercy. Keep me in all truth.
Lord Jesus, I know that I am a work in progress, but sometimes it seems as though I am not progressing well at all. Let me be stripped even of this so that I look to You in, for, and through all things. Guide me to understand that by Your grace and mercy alone do I have hope. Lead me in that hope so that I live into the life to which You have called me. Guide me in Your grace to be made whole from the inside out. Amen.
