God doesn't ask me to be perfect; He asks me to praise Him

Our sermon today was from Matt 18 - the section on confronting a brother about sin.  As I heard the Teacher-Pastor introduce the section, I found myself thinking....again..."I always feel guilty....there's always something that I've done to offend....what will I squirm about this time around?  I'm in a new church...long enough now for others to begin to see my faults.  I always have faults."


As the sermon unfolded, I understood .... again.... that it's not about me.  It's about Him.

I'm so grateful.

I have said the following words to others so often....but, I fail to believe them for myself:

God doesn't ask me to be perfect; 

He asks me to praise Him.

That's why I've embarked on the One Thousand Gifts journey.  It gives me joy to think - each day - of His goodness, His mercies, His compassion - and to praise Him - for everything.  Every thing.

#337. My heart was tearful this last week - His provision through hands-on encouragement....even though I didn't even ask...He answered.


#338. My mother's secret prayer - I am hopeful and know I am loved by Him who knows....


#339. Deep loneliness often drowns me to the core - He knows my every need.

Psalm 16

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.^b

4 The sorrows of those who run after^c another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.

5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.^d
8 I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being^e rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.^f

11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.