But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word....The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Isaiah 66:2, Psalm 51:17
This morning, I pause on both my study of Isaiah and my study of Proverbs, to listen to John Piper's daily devotion on DesiringGod.com. The focus of the devotion is a question which should interest all believers - "[w]hat kind of prayer pleases God?" Piper first answers in the negative by looking at God's word in Isaiah 66:3-4 - the prayers of those who go through the motions of worship (i.e. ritual, heartless sacrifice and worship) but do not seek God's word. I was once in this latter category and I am grateful that God grew my love of Him. Piper then moves on to the affirmative where he emphasizes how humility and a contrite heart - our recognition of our brokenness and a God that loves us and seeks to redeem us. We must DAILY seek Him and hunger and thirst for righteousness as we ALL sin and need a Savior - that Savior is Jesus Christ and our need of a Savior should drive us into the arms of Jesus, manifesting itself in a daily, lifelong personal relationship with Him.
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who saved me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving - not by a long shot. My sin is great and it continues. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
