Like every other day in the past 49+ years, I sinned yesterday.  This time, though, it was a bit louder and longer and angrier than in quite some time.  The details, at least in this venue, are not important.  I spent most of the afternoon angry and disappointed with myself, welcoming the condemnation of the enemy rather than bringing my broken, rebel heart to the cross.

One of the nice things about camp ministry, though, is that we have services every evening.  After an excellent sermon from Pastor Fred, I knew it was time to face Jesus.   In my prayer time, I told Him was truly regretted my actions, and moreso, the condition of my heart, but, I said, I'll probably do the exact same thing tomorrow.  The Holy Spirit interrupted me right then, and, as if whispering into my contrite spirit, 'said' "Yes, and my grace will still cover you tomorrow, too.  Do you really think you have more sin in you than I have grace in me?"

All too often I think of myself first, even when it seems spiritual.  "I need to grow", "I'm so sinful", "I should do better."  In reality, that's still pride, although it's not arrogance.  Arrogance is thinking I'm better than others.  Pride is simply thinking of myself instead of others, or, like yesterday, instead of thinking accurately about God. 

I've prayed a lot today, at least for me, and I've read about grace in my devotional time, but I haven't really entered into the time of day I'm most prone to this particular type of temptation.  In truth, I have no idea how I'll do when temptation's all in my face again.  But I do know God will be there extending a grace that is far strong and longer lasting than anything, good or bad, that I do today.  That's amazing.