Luk 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Two things I see right off; we are not to glory in our works. I do enjoy getting things done around the property. Some things need cleaning and dusting and redoing. In the spiritual we are also to be good stewards of what has been given to us. Even our ability to read and to study are a gift and they become better, they increase with use. We meet once a week at our place for a Bible study. One of the women said that she just isn't gifted like others. She is not as smart etc. However when reading a verse illustrating a topic, she was knowledgeable about the context of the verse. She knew the setting. I commended her for that. Often verses are picked from out of their context and used to illustrate a message. She knew the meaning and context. This comes because she purposely takes time each day to read her Bible and to have a time of devotion. After our Bible study I got out the vacuum cleaner to clean up. She wanted to do that for me. She said that she loves to vacuum. She has the gift of service and God has given her understanding of the Bible. She is a humble person, not aware of any special gifts, but she is faithful and a blessing.
The second thing I saw was that God hears the humble prayers of the sinner. In works, the Pharisee did more, but in attitude, the publican was more accepted. If we are to be servants we are to do good works and have faith in the LORD with humble and thankful hearts, NOT comparing ourselves one with another. Someone may have strength where we are weak, so we need each other and God works through us. Be kind, be thankful, for the one you might think is least among you may be the most favored by our LORD.
Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mat 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Mat 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
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