Monthly Archives: November 2016

Lovely You

Scripture

Psalm 84:1 (NLT)

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

Consider

When the psalmist wrote this song, he was far away from the temple in Jerusalem. Although he wrote with longing for the courts of the Lord, it was not the temple building that drew him but rather the Lord who dwelt there. How lovely, the poet sang, to be in the presence of God, who loves his people so much that he makes his home in their midst.

Because of Jesus, God’s temple has moved from a building in Jerusalem into the hearts and lives of the people who call themselves the church.

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Kingdom Righteousness

Scripture

Matthew 5:20 (NLT)

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”

Consider

Followers of God long for righteousness. We try to live moral and upright lives. We give our tithes, volunteer our time, and perform useful services in the pursuit of God’s favor. Despite what we know about sin, we cling to a secret hope that if we try hard enough, we can achieve a level of goodness that will meet God’s standards and justify our lives.

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Rest Like a Child

Scripture

Psalm 131 (NLT)

LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp.

Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD—now and always.

Consider

This psalm is a song for pilgrims on their way to worship the Lord in Jerusalem. There is speculation that the author was a woman, particularly a mother who has nursed a child at her breast.

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One Nation Under God

Scripture

Daniel 9:18-19 (NLT)

“O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.

“O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.”

Consider

This passage is part of a prayer that the Old Testament prophet Daniel prayed on behalf of the ruined city of Jerusalem.

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