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 1-17-11

Genesis 35:7b, 10 There he built an altar, and he called the place El Bethel, because it was there that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother…God said to him, “Your name is Jacob,^, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel.

The story of Jacob is intriguing. Some of his actions we read about in scripture, like the deceiving his brother Esau, cause us to pause and wonder why God chose him to be the one through which God’s people would be blessed. The one common motive that can be observed about Jacob was his desire for God’s blessing – not for selfish gain – but because he loved God so much. God seemed to love Jacob’s pursuit and continued to bless him. However, God did not change his name to solidify the promise to Abraham through him until Jacob had been reconciled to Esau. Could that be an early scriptural lesson in unity? What blessing does God want to pour out on you or your church, but He waits for reconciliation?

Father, I want your blessing for our church, our community, and me. Guide me and others you love toward the reconciliation You desire. Mend broken relationships and heal wounded hearts. Amen