I’m reading through Exodus right now, and I’m blown away with how much I’m like the Israelites.  “Please bless us God, but do it our way!”  So often I want results that only come from total surrender and obedience to God without playing by His rules.  I want to think about what I want to think about, focus on my priorities, walk in my own selfishness, straight out just disobey God, and then I wonder why He isn’t blessing me!  I’m afraid we have totally perverted the doctrine of grace.  Grace is about God forgiving me, even though I don’t deserve it, when I repent!  Not when I throw up a half-hearted “sorry Jesus” when I want something.  These three days I have come face to face with my own sin.  I have just started to hear from God in unbelievable ways.  I thought he was going to lay some awesome wisdom and direction on me.  He just keeps saying “be holy, for I AM holy!”  There’s nothing like being alone with Jesus to make you see how unlike Him you really are.  The good news is, I’ve been confessing, and He’s been forgiving J  I don’t think I’ve been this light and free in a very long time.  I know He’s just getting started.  He will provide so only He can get the credit.  First, He’s going to forgive and purify like only He can.