January 1         Arrows of the Almighty

Hidden Thoughts  

"O LORD, You have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar.  You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.  Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, You know it altogether." (Ps. 139:1-4)  My prayer for you is to have a blessed and Christ-filled New Year!  As near as I can tell, this year is going to get interesting not because of prophetic insight on my part as much as it comes from the news that is telling us that with further development it will be possible to know your thoughts.  It appears a Japanese laboratory has developed a method of making a picture of a person's thoughts.

  I am sure that you are very much like me.  I am not interested in others knowing what I am thinking at any point in my life.  Although sometimes it would be interesting!  Not too long ago I was introduced to a brother in the Lord who could "read your mail" as the introduction went.  I thought for a moment about that and said with some real interest in his response, "Good, what's in there is some good stuff!"  I confess I really wanted to throw this "prophet" off but he was nice and did not say a thing, only looked at me with a smile.   In all honesty, the Japanese invention is not that advanced.  Still, it is a breakthrough, a frightening breakthrough.  Frightening, because I really don't want anyone knowing what I'm thinking or dreaming.

Seriously, inside you and me there are things -- sinful things -- things that were never meant to be scrutinized or put on public display.

  Still, according to Psalm 139, there is one person who does know us, both inside and out.  Those verses say the Lord has searched us and known us.  He knows what we're doing and what we're thinking.  He knows all of our ways and words, even before we do.

  Consider that.  In spite of being fully aware of our twisted thinking and our sinful longings, the heavenly Father so loves us that He send His Son into the world to win our salvation.  Amazing!  And even more astonishingly, He still loves us after all these years of falling short of fulfilling our call to the full.  God's knowledge of me is not frightening.  On the contrary, His knowledge and love assures me I will be safe and secure no matter what 2010 may bring.

  "Dear Lord Jesus, You have searched me and known me.  In spite of that, You continue to love, guide and strengthen me by your very Presence.  Because of Christ I can know this to be true.  Amen."