I don't often highlight in books, but as I had already highlighted some passages before, I continued the practice as I read. On Day 11, I appreciated the expression of gratitude for past trials that became raw material for God's blessing in my life and the lives of others. I found these words so helpful: "Thank you for the things in my past that appear to be limitations, hindrances, bad breaks... the wounds of old hurts, the unmet emotional needs, the mistakes or neglect of other people--even their cruelty to me, their abuse." I have suffered abuse at the hands of family members (abuse that, when confronted, yielded only justifications and rebuttals), yet I must thank God for even those trials that "were permitted by [God] to make me see my need of [God] and prepare my heart for [His] Word." I must pray for him to help me wipe clean any slate of grievances.
In Day 12, I needed this humble reminder, "You ask me to do absolutely nothing to earn Your forgiveness--no striving to measure up, no self-punishment, no prolonged remorse, no self-blame, no deeds of penance.... You don't hold a pair of scales and ask me to pile up enough good works to outweigh my sins, my failures, my unworthiness... it's all by grace through faith."
This book provides a humbling reminder of God's grace, His power to redeem, and His desire to reign victorious in our lives. It is a useful tool for promoting praise in our private worship times. I recommend the book as a small supplement to daily meditation. May I praise God daily (even in the hard)!
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