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Filthy Rags

  • But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; Isaiah 64:6 KJV

    As the preacher looked over the congregation, pondering his next victim, I sank lower and lower in my chair. He always chose someone at random from the congregation to pray, so everyone tried to avoid making eye contact with him during this time. You would suddenly find everyone reading their Bible or the church bulletin.

    When I was called on to pray, I just felt so unworthy, especially when asked to pray for others. I would look down on myself and I just felt that my prayers were a waste, others could do better, and I could not properly get the words out because of over thinking it. Finally in frustration I just confessed to the Lord one day that I am not worthy to do this so stop asking me. To my amazement I heard: "That's right. You're not.", and then this verse came to my remembrance in a very clear way. He made it real to me.

    We all know this in our head, but I finally understood in my heart that it is not our performance or acts of righteousness that makes us worthy to come to the Lord in prayer at all. It is the sacrifice of His Son Jesus that makes us worthy to pray. We stand before Him washed as white as snow by the blood of the Lord Jesus. Our own righteousness is as a menstrual cloth, at least that is what the filthy rags refer to in this verse.

    When you are called on to pray, step out boldly knowing that God has made you righteous through His Son Jesus, and not by your own actions. You are worthy, because He has made you worthy and you were brought here for such a time as this. Pray like you mean it.


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26 comments
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Joan Joseph
Joan Joseph "What can wash my sins away? nothing but the blood of Jesus" I love this song. Thank you Pastor Todd for this mornings message.
March 20, 2015
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Don Jensen
Don Jensen Thank you for this inspiring message!!  This is so me!!  I love to pray silently, but to pray verbally has been tough got me.  This changes everything!
March 20, 2015
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Chinye Kwentua
Chinye Kwentua Very true. Lots of time when my calls me to lead the opening prayer, am always helpless. But thank God for Jesus Christ. 
March 20, 2015
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Cathy Card
Cathy Card Thanks so much for this message today i feel like it was written for me i was just thinking to myself am i really praying the right way i am sure someone can pray and talk about the lord so much better than i can.
March 20, 2015
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Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome This is me I feel like I can not do or say the right words but I know it is Jesus in me that strengthens me I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength Hallelujah amen
March 20, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Thanks so much--I really needed to hear this today. It seems Satan has been trying VERY hard to beat me down lately, and every so often, I NEED your reminders! God bless you!
March 20, 2015
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J D  Williams
J D Williams YOU KNOW THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME AT OUR CHURCH I FELT SO UNWORTHY ALSO BUT THANKS FOR REMINDING ME OF GOD'S WORD......
March 20, 2015
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Valerie Fields
Valerie Fields When I opened up this email and read the intro I had to laugh because this is me!!!
March 20, 2015
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Anthony Kulbicki
Anthony Kulbicki Amen...Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Thank God for this privilege and honor today. If God is for us who can be against us! 
March 20, 2015
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Rosemary  Sambrano
Rosemary Sambrano Amen! I needed to hear this because I feel like this when asked to pray! I need to remember this! Thank you!
March 20, 2015
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Cynthia Nortey
Cynthia Nortey Amen.
March 20, 2015
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! I have found that when I pray with others,  He enables me and provides the words. I  may feel unqualified but He qualifies me!
March 20, 2015
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Nell Neathery
Nell Neathery I have started praying like I mean it in my own words, and I enjoy doing that when I read a prayer request or a Bible verse.  When I was a young adult, I learned how to pray through A.C.T.S.: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. The best help I have received has been by being able to read and write prayers in my journal.  For instance, my favorite one so far today:  Dear Lord, Thank You for today.  May You go before me and lead me.  I pray that I would allow Your Holy Spirit to guide me today and that I would be a light to others.  May Your light shine through me and may Your love bless those around me.  I pray that I would be patient, kind, and considerate.  I pray that Your character would flow from me as I put others first.  Use me as a vessel for Your glory, especially in my relationships.  In Jesus' name, Amen
March 20, 2015
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Joy Sue Callahan
Joy Sue Callahan i too needed to hear this. It seems as though everytime i turn around someone is waiting to knock me down. I am worthy of, and have, God's never ending love. Those that want to hurt me are only hurting themselves which is why they are so bitter and hateful to others. I continue to pray for them in spite of them...that is all i can do.
March 20, 2015
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Joe Lawler
Joe Lawler For all fall short of the Glory of God, None are worthy but for the His Grace and the Blood Of Jesus. We did nothing to warrant his love, he just loves us because he loves us. I forget this all the time. Thanks Pastor Todd I needed reminding. its all about Jesus and Nothing but Jesus.
March 20, 2015
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Tina G
Tina G Yessss! We are worthy! Thank you, Rev. For reminding me :-)
March 20, 2015
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Yvette Cantrell
Yvette Cantrell Amen!!! I Receive This!!! As You see fit,  here I am, Lord!!!!! 
March 20, 2015
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Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Thank you again pastor Todd !! It means so much to know that Im not alone in this thing called life Ive felt the same as u did, so thank you again for ur comeplete openess an honesty it means sooooo much only God can show u how much!
March 20, 2015
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Mike Stephenson
Mike Stephenson Just when you think its only you that feels a certain way!! Another good word....thank you so much and God bless you Pastor Todd.
March 20, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you for the message!
March 20, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
March 21, 2015
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Yvette Cantrell
Yvette Cantrell HALLELUJAH!!!!! I DEFINITELY RECEIVE GOD'S CALLING... even when I don't fully understand or and rebel. BECAUSE at the end of the day.... wait... at the beginning, middle, and end of the day I KNOW GOD MAKES NO MISTAKES!!! HERE I AM, LORD; MODE ME FOR YOUR PURPOSE!!!! HAVE A 'FANTABULOUS' DAY, EVERYONE   (:-)
March 21, 2015
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Susana Jennings
Susana Jennings Thank you so very much, I felt like that so many times. I felt unworthy of Jesus love and I begged   so much for his forgiveness that tears fell down from my eyes. Finally I felt the warmth of his love. Thank you Lord 
March 21, 2015
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Irene Burgon
Irene Burgon I too feel unworthy at times, but then I pick myself up and say God, I am your child and through you I can accomplish anything.
March 21, 2015
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Rachel Bueno
Rachel Bueno I am late reading my posts. This is amazing because Pastor asked for someone to pray and I waited for some else to volunteer,  no one had so before I realized it my hand was up. I am thinking what are you do and so many thoughts are rushing in my mind and I before I knew it I was praying to our congregation. I don't really remember what I said but I know it was for the glory of God.  God is Good.
March 23, 2015
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Jack Murphy
Jack Murphy This is a great  devotional, and I want to share this...However, I am certain  that the menstrual cloth comment is going to be questioned.  I have never heard that the filthy rags in the verse refered to menstrual cloth. Where can I verify this, so that when questioned I can confidently answer?  Thank you.
March 23, 2015