Welcome Heart, Sue Donaldson, Speaker

God doesn't see me as great to begin with - "she just needs a little work..." He has night vision - looking in the deepest recesses of my heart - and, loves me anyway.

David cried out to God for forgivenss in Psalm 51 after he blew it big time with Bathsheba. . . and was caught. I wonder if he was secretly thankful he got caught? I think so. I hate getting caught. But, the relief of repentance and forgiveness outweighs the short-lived satisfaction of sin.

Daily I need to pray with David: "Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (vs. 10)

Tim Arlen told us yesterday that "to create" means to make "out of nothing" - just like when God created the world out of darkness.

When I finally acknowledge how badly I've behaved - and, get to the end of all my self-justification and defenses (that can take awhile,) I am so glad God has been waiting nearby for me to take His hand and start again. It's a miracle. He takes what I give Him - my sin - and makes purity and righteousness. That's something out of nothing. That's quite the creative act. "God created the heavens and the earth and a new heart in Sue on Monday."