The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector teaches us not to rely on our own goodness, but on the mercy of God. Without conviction, confession, and faith there can be no justification.

There is one God in three co-equal parts- Father, Son, - Holy Spirit. We can never fully understand the concept of the Trinity, but should seek after it nonetheless.

Are you willing to obey the Master and go out into the deep like Simon, Andrew, James - John- Are you willing to leave all behind and follow Christ- Are you playing in the shallows or have you been affected by Jesus- The church desperately needs individuals who are acquainted with and affected by Christ.

Do we understand what it means to sacrifice something- It must be -1- our best, -2- cost us something, and -3- with no expectation of a reward. We are called to daily sacrifice our time, prayers, praise, will, body, talents, money, and more for Christ.

What about the Lawyer who Christ told the parable of the Good Samaritan to- We need to know what is correct -Orthodoxy- and must do what is correct -Orthopraxy- or we are missing the point of loving our neighbor -anyone we encounter-.

Jesus Christ is the perfect fulfillment of all three roles- Prophet, Priest, - King. As such, we owe him our allegiance, obedience, and praise.

As we come to an end to our Ascent of the Psalms let us ponder how Good and Pleasant it is to dwell together in unity.

As we continue in the Ascent we cry out to the Lord, 'Remember-' As we journey though life left us not seek a place for the Lord more than his presence among us. For His rightful dwelling place is within us as he cloths us with His righteousness and we can rest forever.

Why- One of the most difficult questions we can ask. The typical answer should be, 'I don't know but the Lord does' So then, the question often should transition to- 'what.' What should I learn- What should I do now-

The Lord will bring us out of the depths when we cry out to the Lord with our voice. When we wait and hope for him. He is the only one who can redeem us. We must be careful not to be proud but to calm and quite our souls before him.