Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Does faith in God make any difference?

 Read Psalm 16. 

King David provided an analysis of the difference his trust in the LORD made both in the present and in his future. 

1. "...in you I take refuge." (v.1)

When life became tough, God was there as a place of safety and comfort. 

2. "I have no good apart from you." (v.2)

When everything around him looked bad and even his own sin bothered him, he turned to the LORD for His forgiveness and goodness. 

3. "As for the saints...in whom is all my delight." (vv.3-4)

He loved to be with others who also trusted in God.  The mutual fellowship encouraged him.  While those who chose to place their trust in falsehoods only multiplied their sorrows in life. 

4. "The LORD...you hold my lot." (v.5)

He recognized that the sovereign hand of God ultimately controlled what he received in this life. 

5. "I have a beautiful inheritance." (v.6)

With God in control, his future provisions were secure. 

6. "I bless the LORD who gives me counsel." (v.7)

As he meditated on upcoming decisions, he listened for God to guide his thoughts. 

7. "I have set the LORD always before me."

He did not keep God compartmentalized at his place of worship.  God's presence was always in the forefront of his thinking. 

8. "My heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure." (vv.9-10)

Inside and out- heart, soul and body-was upbeat because his eternity was secured by his faith in the promises of God. 

9. "...life...fullness of joy...pleasures forevermore." (v.11)

All this was his as a result of his personal relationship with the LORD. 

Who would not want such a life as this?

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Who wants to spend time with God?

 Read Psalm 15. 

Imagine being invited to a place where the LORD lives simply to enjoy time with Him.  Some would not respond to the invitation.  Some would go but feel a bit awkward.  Others would drop what they were doing to spend time with their best friend...and not want to leave. 

David queried as to who could live in the presence of God. 

Then, he made a check list for self-evaluation.

1. What I do.

Do I behave in a way that pleases Him throughout the day? 

2. What I say.

Do I always tell the truth?  Does my vocabulary and content please Him? 

3. How I treat people.

Do I help other people and do what is right by them? 

4. How I fulfill my promises.

Do I fulfill my commitments no matter what? 

5. How I respond to those in need.

Do I try to take advantage of others? 

6. How I handle my business.

Do I deal with others in honesty?  Is my character for sale? 

The invitation to spend time with God is available to all.  His door is always open.

"The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry." (Psalm 34:15) 

Sin causes us to feel distant from God.  Coming into His presence requires confession of what is wrong and receiving His gracious forgiveness.