Examination Time

December 17

(Psalm 139:23-24 NIV) “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. {24} See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

(2 Corinthians 13:5-6 NIV)  "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test? {6} And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test."

As this year winds down, it’s always good to take inventory in our lives. David sets the tone in Psalm 139 by asking God to do five things for him: search me, know me, test me, examine me, and lead me. Start by opening every room and closet in your life to the Lord. Let Him do a thorough search. Give Him access to all your files -- hide nothing. Let God know you. Be intimate with Him on a spiritual level. After all, you will be spending eternity together. Invite the Lord to test your heart and correct you where needed. Request a head to toe examination. The searchlight of Christ can expose any offensive ways that may be lurking in your life. Humbly ask God to lead you -- and then, actually follow Him. Jesus came to model godly behavior. When we follow His leadership, we can become godly people. And who of us could not use more of that quality in the year to come? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day