Stepping Stones: Do You Really Think You Can Hide?

Transformational Tip
The fact that God knows your every thought and action can certainly be intimidating, shaming, and embarrassing. But clearly there are many of us that simply don't make that connection. Do you think He really isn't watching? Do you really think you can hide from Him? Sometimes we act like He isn't looking....or that He doesn't care that our wrong actions actually hurt us. Yes, doing the wrong thing does hurt us. Wrong decisions injure our brain chemistry....adversely impact us psychologically in many ways...and most importantly, wrong decisions hurt our relationship with God, knocking the Holy Spirit off the throne of our heart...command central for decision-making. (See "Spiritual Basics" link and click Confession) Then we have the flesh in command, that's when I go from the frying pan into the fire and mess up the most! God really wants us to avoid the pain, turmoil, frustration, angst we experience when we deviate from His plan and His instruction book. Read today's scripture and then meditate on the fact that God knows every move. Now this can paralyze us with fear until we remember that God sees you through eyes of the perfect parent full of grace and forgiveness....but also wanting to push you to develop the mind of Christ for Hiss glory and your fulfillment.
Be mindful today of God's ever-present awareness of your life. How does this affect your responses today?

Prayer
Dear Father - teach us how to pray:
I come to You for understanding. You know me so much better than I know myself. No part of my life is hidden from you. I no longer fear Your intimate awareness of my life, for I know through Your word that You see me through eyes of grace and forgiveness. I welcome the light of Your healing presence to shine deeply into my very being; cleansing, healing, refreshing and renewing me. Send Your healing light into the minds and hearts of the entire Stepping Stones community.
I trust You my Lord, I trust You enough to fully accept the total forgiveness You offer me continually. I know that this great gift, the gift that cost You Your life, is mine for all eternity. Thank You Jesus. I know that forgiveness is at the core of Your presence. I know You will never leave or forsake me.
I feel such joy when I think about how You understand me completely and love me perfectly. Fill me today with Your love. Let Your love overflow in me so that it flows into the lives of other people.
I Jesus' redeeming name I pray - AMEN

The Truth
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Psalm 139: 1-4
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:13-16