Psalm 27

Dwelling and Gazing

/ The Pastor

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This here is the Easter hope:

Dwelling in the house of the Lord
Gazing upon the beauty of Lord
Inquiring in his temple

I mean, really, this is the Good News and our hope. Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave that we might dwell with him. He didn’t die and rise that we might have a good life now. It really bugs me and worries me when preachers try to sell this message of hope in this life. Scripture says that if in this life we have hope in Christ only then we are most to be pitied. Jesus didn’t die that we may have a temporary hope; a limited hope; a shortsighted hope. Jesus died that we may have eternal life; dwelling in his temple and worshiping him forever.

But something else to think about. Not only will you, through faith in Jesus, dwell in his temple, but you will gaze upon a beauty that is absolutely mind blowing. There is nothing in this universe that can compare. If someone tries to sell you a worldly hope you need to respond:

That’s not good enough. I want more.

And Jesus gives you more.

Praise be to God that our hope is more and better and wonderful and beautiful.

Holy Father, I praise you that death has been defeated and that I can live this life with hope of something more. And I look forward to that day when I am dwelling and gazing on your beauty and inquiring in your temple. All praise and worship be to you, oh God. In Jesus name, Amen.

The Pastor -|—

Morning devotions ~ Seeking

/ The Pastor

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. [Psalm 27:4]

The day after Christmas is the second busiest shopping day of the year. People rushing around to return or exchange gifts and/or to use their new gift cards at all those post-Christmas sales. A flurry of activity in order to find that perfect gift one did not receive.

But to seek to dwell with God; to seek his face; to long to gaze at his beauty; to desire these things, is something that will be added unto you without fail when/if you ask God.

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. [Matthew 6:33]

And God’s Kingdom is the best deal out there; available all year long, 24/7. It’s available through faith in Jesus. And the price is indeed right: $0 ~ Free ~ Zilch ~ Nothing. The only cost being the life of Jesus.

Someone once told me that a review of your checkbook will reveal your treasure. Convicting and true.

What do you truly seek? What’s your desire? What do you ultimately want to enjoy? Do you daily seek and ask God to dwell in His courts? Do you long to gaze at his face? Do you look forward to the day when you can inquire of the Lord’s wisdom face to face?

Keep your wish list short ~ God’s Kingdom ~ and you will never be disappointed.

Praise be to God, always and forever. Amen.

The Pastor -|—

Psalm 27 prayer

/ The Pastor

Oh Lord, my God, you are my light and my salvation;
of whom shall I fear.
Oh Lord, my God, you are the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid.
When the evil of this world advances against me,
When Satan fires his flaming arrows at me,
When Satan prowls around like a roaring lion,
When people spread falsehoods about me,
I will be confident; for you are with me.

Loving and holy God;
I want to dwell in your house,
I want to gaze upon your beauty,
I want to worship you forever.
Please keep me safe from the evil one.
Please protect my faith from Satan’s onslaughts.
Please watch over my life.

And…
Teach me to follow you better.
Teach me to know your laws better.
Teach me to be more obedient.
Teach me to be more faithful.

I want to give your name glory and honor in my life.

Thank you, loving God, for being my fortress and stronghold.

Amen!

The Pastor -|—