Transformed One Step at a Time

The first three verses of Psalm 26 read like a beautiful prayer; a prayer a new believer might say to make sure he/she doesn't fall back into old habits. A recent convert to Christianity might worry about the reputation they have brought into this new relationship. They don't yet realize that once Jesus got hold of their heart, their name had been cleaned up.

Clear my name, God;
I’ve kept an honest shop.
I’ve thrown in my lot with you, God, and
I’m not budging.

I remember wondering how I could change into someone worthy of Jesus' forgiveness and love. It took years of studying the Bible and participating in small group Bible study, to understand that I am not ever worthy. The only worthwhile part of me is because of Jesus and what He has done. It is never because of me.

Examine me, God, from head to foot,
order your battery of tests. Make sure I’m fit

inside and out

If you have ever been part of a 12-step recovery program you are familiar with taking a daily inventory. Before falling to sleep at night, we examine our day, determine where we fell short, and ask God to forgive our mistakes. By doing this daily, we avoid having our sins pile up and we recognize any dangerous ways we are embarking on, before we have a huge mess on our hands.

So I never lose
sight of your love,
But keep in step with you, never missing a beat. (Psalm 26:1-3)

Dear Jesus, 

Keeping in step with You keeps me inline. By following You every second, I am assured of a safe journey. Life is sometimes dangerous, other times puzzling; but mostly it is a learning curve. I don't want to miss a beat today. I don't want to lose out on something fabulous that You have planned for me. Amen.
Psalm 26:1-7