Tag Archive for: The Message

Guilty or not guilty?

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“Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; see for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong – then guide me on the road to eternal life” – Psalm 139:23, 24/The Message.    Bouquet of Daffodils (Copy)

Investigate, search, test me — those are mighty probing terms. Do I really want the God of the universe cross-examining me? One thing for sure – nothing will slip past him. There’s no way I can bluff the One who sees all and knows all.

Thank you, God, that you are a personal God. You are involved by knowing & caring for each of us. Gently lead me away from wrongful behavior and thinking. Guide me in the path of integrity & virtue. 

  • Are you willing to have every thought and action cross-examined before the Judge?
  • If so, can you take steps to right the wrongs?
  • Or, are there some pieces of your life you’d rather not have exposed?

 

Maintain a steady course

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Winter Wonderland Creekside (photo by Steve Lasher)

Winter Wonderland Creekside (photo by Steve Lasher)

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me” — Psalm 13:5–6 (NIV).

Feeling a bit in the dumps today? Unloved? Unrecognized? Unmotivated? One five letter word may be what you need to hear and focus on. T-R-U-S-T. Trust in God, his unfailing love, and the gift of free salvation.

In the Old Testament, God brought Moses and the Israelites through the wilderness, out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. The journey involved bumps, doubts, and inevitable pain. This may be what you’ve experienced with your writing career journey. Both acceptances and rejections are part of an overall plan.

Rather than remain bogged down in the negatives, why not choose to celebrate mini-victories along the way.

  • Maybe you received a thank you for a heartfelt note you wrote to a friend in need. Success!
  • What about an article you researched and later published in a church newsletter? Victory!
  • You volunteered to facilitate the discussion in your small group meeting — another success!

    Winter berries (photo by Steve Lasher)

    Winter berries (photo by Steve Lasher)

God is there congratulating and encouraging you to keep on writing and telling your unique story. Don’t give up; rather continue to keep trusting God through the slow and tough times. You’ll be glad you did!

“I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms — I’m celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers” — Psalm 13:5–6 (The Message).