Scripture: A psalm of David.
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart
And has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
Who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15 NIV
Observation: David tells us through song of God’s desire for what essential thoughts and actions we must try to live by to honor him with our life. Beth Moore wrote a book called “A Heart Like David.” In it we discover that sin starts in our mind as a thought. Once spoken, it is bound for action.
Application: My mind is a sinful place. I spend a lot of time fighting within myself trying not to let sin affect my actions or what comes out of my mouth. Jealousy, resentfulness, unforgiveness, spitefulness, and bitterness, saying those words turns my stomach. Yet they are within me, driving me to not think like my loving, compassionate Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 it says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” I make every effort to stop those thoughts by giving them to the Lord but it takes great energy and a lot of prayer. Ahh…but the reward is so great , PEACE in my heart and there is nothing better.
Prayer: Lord daily, minute by minute, I need your help to control my thoughts. My mind is a vast waste land of hurt which causes me to have thoughts that don’t honor you. I surrender my mind and my life to you for I recognize that life without your direction has no lasting peace. For today take captive the wasted energy and thoughts that prevent me from serving you with all my heart. Amen
Laurie
Instructions For Life According to Jesus Christ 