Isaiah 43:16-19, NIV

This is what the LORD says—

He who made a way through the sea,

a path through the mighty waters,

Who drew out the chariots and horses,

the army and reinforcements together,

and they lay there, never to rise again,

extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

"Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland."

This was comforting to me today. Bring on the new things of the Lord in my life in 2009!

Matthew 3:7-10

When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: "Brood of snakes! What do you think you're doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? It's your life that must change, not your skin! And don't think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire.

I read this passage in the NLT, NASB, and NIV translations this morning but I still return to the Message translation for my clearest understanding. These verses are a clear warning from John regarding Jesus' arrival and purpose on earth. Isn't it daunting that still today God can see through any unfeeling motions or meaningless routines? Gulp - guilty! God sent Jesus to clean out those people, He wants followers who are following Him and not the law. He's still sorting through all of us today with his "winnowing fork."

This is the side of God that I don't often dwell on. I tend to look at God as my Father and Provider more than anything else. This fierce-King-jealous-Lover-great-Warrior God gives me chills (in a good way) but I don't fully understand Him, I don't think my mind ever will. But, to gain as much knowledge of this Omnipotent Lord as I can in my little head is my lifelong desire, and challenge.

Romans 6:13 NLT

Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.

Along with my hope to be more disciplined with reading the Bible, I am starting a diet today. I realize that it's only December 29 and most people being their New Year resolutions on January 1, but I hesitate to use the familiar term which is often associated with failed attempts to better oneself. Let's consider it more of a "personal resolve" instead of a New Year resolution.

I will be following this verse as I diet. I don't want to let my body become a slave to sin. I want to glorify God with the instrument He has given me by taking care of it by what I eat, how active I am, and my reasons for taking those steps to improve bad habits. I'd hate to get caught up in the quest for beauty (which we all know is vain) and lose sight of the bigger picture -- God has given me a new life, I need to honor Him with it!

Final thought - I like how Paul says "whole body." This doesn't just include the outer parts. I need to work on them for sure. But this means my speech, my inner thoughts, the longings of my heart, my knowledge and understanding. This "personal resolve" might be a greater task than I first thought; however, I love a challenge and if I'm spending time in the Word each day, and truly following what I know is right, God will help me make it there.

Psalm 73:21-28

When I was beleaguered and bitter,
totally consumed by envy,
I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox
in your very presence.
I'm still in your presence,
but you've taken my hand.
You wisely and tenderly lead me,
and then you bless me.

You're all I want in heaven!
You're all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
God is rock-firm and faithful.
Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
Deserters, they'll never be heard from again.
But I'm in the very presence of God—
oh, how refreshing it is!
I've made Lord God my home.
God, I'm telling the world what you do!

I'm beginning my new year resolution early; I'm creating a blog to share my thoughts on Scripture and authentic living. I don't understand blogging but I'm willing to try it as a method of accountability to myself in the hope that my relationship with the Lord will mature.

These verses from Psalm stood out to me this morning. I feel like I have been the "dumb ox" for a long time. A follower of Christ my whole life -- you'd think I'd be better at listening to God and obeying His Word! 2008 seemed like a desert even though I was pursuing God's presence; I'm so thankful that God still loves me and leads me. Hindsight has proven that I was never alone or far from God. His love is overwhelming! I don't deserve his blessings, I'm a sorry excuse for a "follower" most days.

Regardless, God is all I want in heaven and on earth. God is faithful when I fail, He is firm when I am weak. Being in the presence of God and making Him my home is more refreshing than anything life can offer. I want the world to know that when we sacrifice our selfish selves, we can find fulfillment and satisfaction and rest (true rest) in His love.