Nothing's new under the sun . . .

See you tomorrow turned into two days. . . but I'm back.

It is my daily habit to get up early, get a cup of coffee and head to my quite place. That "place" changes regularly but since my laptop crashed, it has moved me back into my office to write. I often let the world of emails, (typically advertisements)  draw me away from my intended purpose, at least until the coffee wakes up  my brain. Today that advertisement took me to a book about managing creative time. The brief section I read energized my weakened resolve and fanned a smoldering spark. From the world's perspective creativity   all begins with self. This book is no different. From God's perspective creativity  begins with Him.

Psalm 51:6-12

Some of the topics in this book deal with personal demons - the belief system that hinders forward movement.  Verse 6 says You desire truth in the inward being.  Translated, stop lying to yourself and letting those lies drive your life. God wants me to live in truth.

Where are those places where you are believing the lie about yourself?

There is hope for change and it requires a process of change, according to the author of my new book.
Verse 6 continues (because lying to myself is counter to what God desires), teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

The new book's next step, in this early reading, is change my daily habits and order time according to creative priorities, be intentional and disciplined.

Verses 7-8 Speak of the pain associate with becoming and the joy that will replace the pain. Joy that involves forgiveness of old ways and the hope that only God can sustain movement toward Him and his purpose for us.

Is there pain in your process right now? Where is God placing pressure on you and what is that exposing?

The book's title leads the reader toward a hope, a rejuvenation of dreams and plans that benefit self and others.

Likewise, the Psalmist in verses 10 -13 Speaks of hope for a heart in sync with God's plan, clean from Satan's lies, a spirit renewed. He prays in confirmation, that God's presence will not leave and he is forgiven and restored by faith; joyfully experiencing God presence.

Where is your faith? Do you believe as the Psalmist that God has not abandoned you or given up on his purpose for you?

Finally in verse 13 what changes inside results in a life that affects others and benefits the Kingdom. First comes a place of joy and praise, change through discipline then and only then will God's plan be realized.

Lord, help me today to surrender to your discipline, be thankful for your presence and move towards truth so that the Kingdom will expand and grow for your glory. Let me see you in the processes of today that are uncomfortable and stretch my faith.