Daily Dose 1-30-11

Psalm 25:14-15 The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. 
My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.

Oh to be so close to hear the secrets and musings of the heart of God! This Psalm of David paints a beautiful picture of the intimacy God desires with us. Think of the relationships where you trust enough to confide. You are vulnerable, open and willing to share all of yourself. You turn to them first in crisis and in joy, as well as the day-today happenings. Those relationships aren’t formed overnight. They are often tested and change when true intimacy is not found. Through David’s Psalm, God is telling us He wants to be so much closer to us. He wants to reveal His heart to us. What is the snare we must be released from? Maybe it is putting people and earthly relationships before Him. Maybe, it is the pride we have in assuming we know what is best. Instead of the healthy fear of the LORD and taking situations to Him, we spin in circles trying to fix them on our own. All the while, the Holy God of the Universe is waiting to whisper in our ears!

Holy God, May you always be my most intimate friend. I want to be close enough to You to hear the musings of Your heart. Rescue me from the snare of self! I adore You! Amen

Daily Dose 1-12-11

Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

In tough economic times, it is easy to slack off on our offerings to the lord. Some may read this scripture and see giving from wealth and interpret that to mean, “If I were wealthy, I would give more.” However, the next part of the scripture shows that we give from firstfruits…straight from the top. When we learn to put God and His work first in our lives – and in our budgets – everything else will fall into place. Resolve in this new year to develop a new budget. Make the first line item GOD.

God, You are my Provider. Please help me to stay focused on You first and remain faithful that You will provide all that I need – just as you always have. Help me adjust my desires to the desires that bring You honor. Amen

Daily Dose 1-4-11

Genesis 3:13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The heart of God must have broken that day in the Garden of Eden. Those He created, loved, cherished, and enjoyed a sweet relationship with had lost their innocence. They chose rebellion over relationship. Their actions not only affected their relationship with God, generations through the course of time would never experience that same level of intimacy with Him. Through God’s grace and the willingness of Jesus to make the sacrifice, we can choose relationship over rebellion. That choice daily restores our innocence before the Father so we may once again walk in the garden with Him.

All Loving Father, I am so humbled that what You desire most is an honest relationship with me. May I allow Your Spirit to guide my heart to choose relationship with You over rebellion in all my actions. Amen