OUR DAILY BREAD : THE CHECKUP

[cimi]

MONDAY JULY 27


THE CHECKUP

READ:
PSALM 139:23-24
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Search me, O God,
...and see if there
is any wicked way
in me.
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It's that time of year when I go to the doctor for my annual physical. Even though I feel well and I'm not experiencing any health problems, I know that routine checkups are important because they can uncover hidden problems that if left undiscovered can grow to be serious health issues. I know that giving permission to my doctor to find and remedy the hidden problems can lead to long-term health.

Clearly the psalmist felt that way spiritually. Pleading for God to search for hidden sin, he prayed, "Search me, O God, ...and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (PS 139:23-24). Pausing to give God the opportunity for a full and unconditional inspection, he then surrendered to the righteous ways of God that would keep him spiritually healthy.

So, even if you are feeling good about yourself, it is time for a checkup! Only God knows the true condition of our heart, and only He can forgive, heal, and lead us to a cleansed life and productive future. __Joe Stowell

**Lord, You know me better than I know myself.
search the deepest parts of my heart for anything that is
displeasing to You. Cleanse me of my wandering ways and
lead me in Your good and righteous way.
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God's work in us isn't over when we receive salvation__it has just begun.

************************Today's Bible Reading __ Psalm 139:17-24***************************
17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them,
they would be more in number than the sand; When I
awake, I am still with You.

19 Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God! Depart from
me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men. 20 For they speak against
You wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain. 21 Do I not
hate them, O LORD, who hate You? And do I not loathe those
who rise up against You? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I
count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know
my anxieties; 24 and see if there is any wicked way in me, and
lead me in the way everlasting.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Often when discussing the greatness of God,
Bible scholars speak in terms of His "omni" attributes. These
reveal God to be all__knowing (omniscient), everywhere_present
(omnipresent), and all__powerful (omnipotent). In Psalm 139 David
gives us descriptions of all three. God's perfect knowledge and
understanding are pictured in verses 1-6, His continual presence
is praised in verses 7_12, and His mighty power is in view in verses
13-18. We serve a God who is both great and good__a God who is
big enough for all we will ever face.