And there came a man of God to Eli and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, Did I indeed reveal myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt subject to the house of Pharaoh? Did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? I gave to the house of your father all my offerings by fire from the people of Israel. Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?’
1 Samuel 2:27-29
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your favor in my life. I am where I am today because You have been gracious to me, giving me what I did not deserve and withholding from me my just deserts. When I look at my life, what I have focused my time, talent and treasure on, I must confess that many times I have done so with the mindset of, “What’s in it for me?” Yet, this day I recognize that Your Word is true when it declares that You will not be mocked; one will reap what they sow. I come before You apologetic for the many ways in which I have fallen short. I am sorry for my wayward thoughts and sinful actions. I lay before You all the ways in which I have not been the person You have called me to be. I ask Your forgiveness. I cry out to You this morning, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Though I recognize that the consequences of my sinfulness will be felt in my life experiences, I am thankful this morning, first, for the promise of Your pardon for the repentant. You are indeed faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Equally, I am grateful that the consequences of my sins are but the discipline of the Father of His child, demonstrating the loving care that You have for me, not willing that I should continue in sinfulness but come into full restoration in You. Help me today to deny myself and take up Your cross. Show me the error of my ways, and point out to me the path I should take. Where You lead me I shall follow to Your glory. I put You first today. Thank You for loving me. I pray this in Your Name. Amen.