Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

These words have been set to music. They have been read for millenia in churchs around the world. I, myself, have read them countless times in the past but lately this God-breathed scripture has spoken to me in way like never before. While it has become my constant prayer, God has revealed 4 important facets of my faith in Jesus Christ.

First, the writer acknowledges God as the supreme judge. Since God created everything & everyone, it makes perfect, logical sense for Him to be in charge. He is the the ultimate ruler of our lives... not as a list checker like a holy Santa Claus, and not as a score-keeper tracking our deeds, but rather as The God who can not be in the presence of sin & has provided a way through the life, death & resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. It's not popular - in fact, it's downright offensive. But the fact of the matter is that it is as HE SAYS. God is not limited to political correctness or politeness. He made everything, including the rules.

Second, recognition of God's deep desire to know us intimately. God wants to know our hearts - our deepest pains & hurts as well as our greatest joy. He already knows everything but His desire is we tell Him. We need to run to His mercy-seat during our times of struggle. We need Him to celebrate victories in our lives with us (especially, seeing that all good things come from Him.) God wants us to know all of us... the good, the bad, the ugly, the darkest, dirtiest, most shameful, most embarrassing, and humbling parts of us. Did I mention ALL of us?!?!

Third, requires action on my part. The words "Test Me" are not put here by accident. This is God-breathed scripture right? Nothing God does is ever an accident. Testing requires work. In order to test anything one must determine the parameters or scale of the test. One knowledge of math is not tested by spelling?!?!? It 2 totally separate tests! Got it now? The parameters are set by God, (see point #1.) When testing occurs... it occurs only for a time and then we must face the outcome. We have to choose either to be obedient or not! It's our choice. God prefers that we be obedient. He wants to bless us and keep us on His path. When we disobey, we are not only being disobedient but we are telling God that He is WRONG and we are smarter than Him. (Doesn't this sound like the same lie Satan told Eve in the garden?) If we choose obedience we are blessed and spared unknown pain. If we choose to disobey, we must also realize that we have chosen our consequences.

Finally, the path that God desires for us to follow, leads to everlasting life. He not only wants us to know Him in our daily lives (even in the to-do lists and chores,) He also desires to spend all of eternity with Him. God made a way for this through His Son Jesus Christ. God cannot be in the presence of sin. Knowing that God made the rules from the very beginning, it stands to reason that His way to eternal life is best. In fact, His Words says the ONLY way. Jesus lived a perfect life so that He could be the final sacrifice for our sin. His victory over death and resurrection to life is through the same power made available to us as believers. How 'bout that HOPE?