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Building One Another


E. Stanley Ott

MERCY, Vol 8 No 21

May 26, 2009

Dear Friend,

The Psalms teach us that David at one time was proud of his life and other times immensely sad concerning his own behavior. How about you?

David saw his rescue from Saul who sought to kill him as God’s reward for his righteous life. “I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt. Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.” Psalm 18:23-24

Time passed and David discovered in his liaison with Bathsheba and the killing of Uriah, her husband, that there was much in himself that fell short of the purity of God. David’s tune changed dramatically and in utter humility he cried out:

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1

When you are brought face to face with your own failure there is One whose heart is not condemnation but re-creation and whose joy is your restoration.

Pray with David: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:10, 12.

Stand on the promise of the Apostle Paul: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

And be joyful!

With joy - E. Stanley Ott
Copyright 2009 E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the NRSV