It is interesting that today’s sermon hit on something that I was guilty of just this morning. I opened my Bible looking for help with how to deal with a particular person. After reading several passages, it became very clear to me that THEY needed to read these Scriptures. I found all kinds of Scripture that pertained to what I viewed as their sin. Then the Lord revealed my sin to me and frankly it frightened me. I was somehow, as Mark said today, filtering the Word of God so that in my mind my sin was justified. Actually, I didn’t view my sin at all. I went to the Bible to see what the Lord would have me do in this situation and ended up applying the word to someone else’s life.

I journaled my prayer this morning and, as I was doing so, it hit me. Am I really doing this? Am I so great that I don’t need the Word of God to change me? Am I the exception to change? Do I filter the Word to fit my life and the way I view it or the way I want to see it? Do I attempt to get God to change His ways instead of me changing mine? I know that can’t be done but I really think I try it anyway.  I repented of this sin before I came to church this morning. Then God just brought it OUT LOUD today during Mark’s sermon (just in case I didn’t hear Him the first time).

Thank you, Mark, for being transparent with us today, for being real. I will be honest in the fact that I didn’t like all of your sermon cause you said some things that were hard to hear. But I’m so glad you say them anyway because I do want to grow. I do want to change.

Sometimes it is so easy for US to become number one and there is only one NUMBER ONE and that is JESUS! I pray that we can keep our eyes on HIM. I fail so many times but I thank HIM for HIS WORD. It says in Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Deuteronomy 31:6 He will never leave us or forsake us. Scripture also says in 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Thank you Jesus. I confess my sin of filtering your word and using it as a weapon against others. I confess that I don’t always approach your word with the attitude of wanting to change. His purpose through His Word is to change you. Like Mark asked today, why else would we read the Scriptures if we don’t want to be changed? Good question.