Good morning and happy Friday. The first full week of a new year has passed. How do you feel? How was yesterday ? Do you think you could take the days report card to God and have Him sign it for ya? Yeah me either. I've been in a few conversations here lately about how hard it is to do good. How hard it is to follow Jesus. How I know I need God in my life but I don't think I can do it. What's the common denominator in all that? "I". We forget so easily, and I admire those who don't, that God is here with us in the moment all the time. I know we forget because of the report card we don't want Him to sign. If we lived in His presence, we wouldn't have a thing to worry about. But here's the good news; you ready for this ? He forgives you. That simple. He wants you doing everything for Him. But when you stumble and fall, and the world is laughing at you, He's picking you up and helping you get back on track. He loves you that much. So no, the report card isn't too good today. But a loving Father is there to sign it anyway because His son's blood made it clean again for Him to see. Let Jesus be the one who stands in your place. He's died for the right to do so. And He has a perfect report card. Stay in the shadow of His wings and live everyday for Him the best you can. Give Him all the glory and all the praise and it will much easier to stay focused on your "school" work. Let God have your card today and sign His name to it as your Father. In love always. <><