12-18-20   THOUGHTS

Being in God’s presence is our desire, at least I hope it is.  David asks that question in the first verse of Psalms 15.  In simple terms, the answer is given.  What does it say?

Ps 15:1-5   O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? 2  He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart. 3  He does not slander with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4  In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt and does not change; 5  He does not put out his money at interest, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
The Message Bible gives us these simple principles from the above.  They are repeated over and over in different ways throughout God’s Word.  
   2  "Walk straight, act right, tell the truth.
   3  "Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor;
   4  despise the despicable. [Ps 139:19-24]  "Keep your word even when it costs you,
   5  make an honest living, never take a bribe.
Jas 2:8   If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF," you are doing well.
Mark 12:29-31    Jesus answered, "The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD;  30  AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ 31  "The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these."      Jesus said this!
1Thes 4:9    Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for [anyone] to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;
John 15:9-12   "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10  "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11  "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12  "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
      “O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?”

My Prayer:
Oh God, we wish to dwell in your presence at all times.  Help us to think and behave in accordance with your design.  May we be like Jesus.  Thank you, Oh Lord, for salvation in Him.   May our hearts live in thoughts of your grace and mercy and love.  We are, because you make us. Impute to us from your loving-kindness.     

In Jesus name                 Amen