Scripture Nugget2.8.2017
Scripture Read Psalms 15-17
Nugget Psalm 15:1-5
“O LORD, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors; in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the LORD; who stand by their oath even to their hurt; who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be moved.”
Devotional thought: Am I, are you one of those who walk blamelessly ……..? I begin pre-marriage counseling by asking the couple to read and discuss Luke 1:6 before they come for the first session. Luke 1:6 says this about John the Baptist parents, “Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.” What a way for a married couple to live! I ask them if that sounds like a pretty good way to live with each other – righteous and blameless before the Lord?! I know for certain, that as good as Cindy and my life has been together (36 years this June) it would have been even better, if I had been righteous and blameless before God much more often than I have. The great thing about God’s grace is that righteousness and blameless living are not just something to hope for, but by God’s sanctifying grace are achievable. It is possible, in this life-time, to be perfected in the faith. But perfected today, one must grow into tomorrow, for yesterday’s perfection is not enough for today. A mature 9 month-old baby must continue to grow to be a mature 16 year old, who must continue to grow in love with God to become mature (complete) 25 year old. In this life with God, we are welcome to come as we are, but are not welcome to stay that way. When the preacher pronounced Cindy and I married, husband and wife, we were as legally married as we were ever going to be. But, now years later, I am much more a husband and she more a wife than that June day in 1981 at Oak Grove UMC. By God’s grace we will continue to grow by faith as individuals and as a couple, and will walk blamelessly with God, abide in His tent and dwell on His holy hill – together, forever.