INSIDE AND OUT
Today's reading: Psalm 24-26

"Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections." Psalm 26:2 NLT

Inside and out, Lord, prove me. Investigate who I am more deeply than the ones I hope to impress can see. Look farther into my soul than I care to look myself. Root around in the corners and closets of my heart. Move the boxes of good gestures and Christian deeds I pile up to hide stinky attitudes and rotting pride.

Sit me down in the witness stand and ask the hard questions. Bring to my attention the evidence you have collected against the nice-looking facade I've worked so hard to build. Hound me to answer honestly, completely and openly.

Try me. Look for guilt. Look for heart matters that hurt my case. Point out damaging records in my file that I have refused to turn over to you.

Throw out the plea of humanity I too often use. Along with the excuse that I'm not perfect. And the lie that You created me this way.

Place the blame squarely on my shoulders for wanting to do things my way and in my time frame. The guilt ends at my feet. I've been caught red-handed.

And once you've allowed me to step down from the witness stand in the sorry state I'm in, wrap your arms around me and remind me that You've forgiven all!

The pleasures of being forgiven are as superior to the pleasures of an unforgiven man as heaven is higher than hell.       -Robert Murray M'Cheyne