Date: 1/9/2008
<br>Author: Devin Pickard
<br>Title: January 9, 2008
<br><br><br>“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)  David had it all, and yet that still wasn’t enough.  Having the world as his oyster didn’t keep him from stealing another man’s wife, having that same man killed, and trying to go on with his life as if nothing had happened.  Does any of this sound familiar to you?  Sure, maybe you haven’t had someone murdered, but the sin in your life was, or is, still just as real and in many ways just as devastating.  It may be adultery....it may be lying....it may be gossip....it may be laziness....it may be the unforgiveness of another....it could be any number of things that serves as a barrier between you and God.  Nobody else may know of your error(s) or everybody may know.  In the end, it really doesn’t matter either way, because the one thing we know is this....God knows.<br><br>In David’s life, Nathan the prophet served as God’s little reminder to David that nothing could be hid from the creator of the world.  After Nathan had confronted the King of Israel with his wrong-doings, David was convinced, convicted and broken.  David fell on his knees and responded with great sorrow and repentance.  He pleaded with God for forgiveness and restoration.  He also begged to God in the verse above, Psalm 51:10, to “RENEW a steadfast spirit” within him, a plea in which no doubt God obliged.<br><br>In this new year of 2008, I believe God will still honor such a request.  There should not be a day of this year that we don’t whisper the same petition.  Let us determine that this will be the most productive year of our Christian service yet.  In order for that to take place, we have to all have a daily renewal of our commitment and dedication to God.  Having a “steadfast spirit” means having a spirit that is immovable, loyal, faithful and firmly fixed in place.  With such a spirit, nothing in the service of our Maker is impossible.          <br><br>This year be willing to take risks....be willing to get involved....be willing to make a difference....be willing to reach out.  I guess what I’m trying to say is, “Be willing to be willing.”<br><br><br>Go the extra mile - Devin<br>