Closing out the year

Today was actually a pretty good day. I began my day by listening to the 1 Year Daily Audio Bible podcast (www.dailyaudiobible.com), as I do on most weekdays while commuting to work. I was a few days behind due to the bustle of Christmas, but I was listening. I've found that I really need to listen to the word each day, even if I'm not immediately absorbing all of what I hear. I can't explain it, but once you get used to hearing the spoken word of God each day, you feel strange if you go without it for a few days. We're wrapping up the Bible this week, but we'll begin in Genesis on January 1st, 2010, for those whom want to begin the journey. (Do something with that iPod you received for Christmas!)

What did I get out of my trip through the Bible this year? Well, the sky didn't part, nor was I given a vision, but I'm beginning to see that God truly loves us. Over and over again we push away from Him to chase after our own stupid distractions, only to find ourselves in trouble. Once there, God often uses the situations we've found ourselves in, to try and bring us back into his will, to repent and turn away from our sins. He's right there, ready to forgive and restore, if only we'd turn back to him.

All through the Bible, God's chosen people cling to Him for a time, then gradually begin to wander into the darkness, only to find themselves completely lost at some point. God warns them throughout the process to turn around, patiently waiting for repentance. When it didn't come, corrective punishment often ensued. Even through these times of pain, God was always right there, stating clearly that healing and restoration were on the way. It really took me a while to get my head around all of this. God is the perfect parent to imperfect children. And it's not just in the history books; it's just as applicable to our lives today as it was 2000 years ago. Think about the things you do or say each day that you'd change if you knew God was watching or listening. I know that in my own walk, I'm convicted almost daily by the Holy Spirit.