July 19, 2023
Topic: Blessing of God’s Presence 1
Text: Reading: Psalm 24: 3-6
Memory Verse: “Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god” – Ps. 24: 3-4 NIV.
The only way we can be in God’s presence is with clean hands and a pure heart. Obviously, that is not possible in and of ourselves. We need Jesus Christ to clean our hands and to purify our hearts. Once we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we begin to walk in holiness, we walk with clean hands. Whenever we get our hands dirty from sin in all kinds of different ways, then we come before God and ask Him for His forgiveness, we confess those sins, we ask Him to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, something we need to do every day.
The Scripture before us today also declares that God rules the earth on moral foundation, and He is concerned with the state of our moral behaviour. Therefore, the one accepted by God must also reject idolatry in his actions as well as his soul. The words we speak are a good indication of the state of our heart (Matt. 12:34). One who makes deceptive promises finds no welcome from God. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight (Prov. 12:22).
It is time for us to examine our hearts, confess our sin(s) and receive the cleansing grace from God if we are involved in any form of sin (white lies, little lies here and there, etc.) so that we can receive a time of refreshing from the Lord.
Prayer: O Lord my Father I come to you today to forgive me as I confess my sins and cleanse me with the precious blood of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.