my overall goal for 2009 was to become more disciplined. as i defined this [in order to measure my progress], i was to complete a number of things – including the reading of the Bible, start to finish.

as i strive to improve my knowledge of God and His word through this endeavor, i continue to ask myself two questions throughout my study: (1.) what does this tell me about God and (2.) how does it apply to me?

i appreciate one of my best friends, dave clayton, mentoring and encouraging this thought process.

this morning, as i read Exodus 33, verse 11 jumped off the page. God spoke with moses “as a man speaks with his friend.”

moses doubted his abilities [even in the presence of God] to lead His people out of slavery – even asking if there was someone else the Lord could use. he doubted his ability to communicate. he got angry enough to destroy two items made by hand of God. he neglected to delegate and [like all of us] needed coaching (Ex. 18).

you could add to the list, just like you could created/add to a list of our own shortcomings.

yet, the Lord spoke to him as a man speaks with is friend.

what does this tell me about God?

He desires a close relationship with all of us.

through our relationship with Him, we can approach him with our concerns / desires and He listens, and even changes His actions based on our requests (Ex 32: 7 – 14).

i desire that closeness.

read more here: youversion.com/users/daveculbreath/contributions