I Love God's House

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

I Love God's House

Date: Oct. 8, 2015

Passage

Psalm 26:1-12 (ESV)

Of David.

1   Vindicate me, O LORD,
    for I have walked in my integrity,
    and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2   Prove me, O LORD, and try me;
    test my heart and my mind.
3   For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
    and I walk in your faithfulness.
4   I do not sit with men of falsehood,
    nor do I consort with hypocrites.
5   I hate the assembly of evildoers,
    and I will not sit with the wicked.
6   I wash my hands in innocence
    and go around your altar, O LORD,
7   proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
    and telling all your wondrous deeds.
8   O LORD, I love the habitation of your house
    and the place where your glory dwells.
9   Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
    nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10   in whose hands are evil devices,
    and whose right hands are full of bribes.
11   But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
    redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12   My foot stands on level ground;
    in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 26:8

O LORD, I love the habitation of your house
and the place where your glory dwells.

First, I have trusted in the Lord (1-7). The psalmist sought to live a blameless life. He abhorred the company of evildoers. Though he was surrounded by hypocrites and deceitful men, he kept himself from blame. He trusted in the Lord and loved to tell of God's wonderful deeds. Can I pray boldly with David, "Test me, Lord, and try me"? If not, I can pray, "Help me, Lord, to live a blameless life. Refine me according to the measure of faith that I have and help me grow in the image of Jesus."

Second, Lord, I love the house where you live (8-12). David built himself a palace but he loved to be in God's house. He loved to see God's glory and to be near God more than anything else. He prayed, "Don't take away my life along with sinners." He did not associate with the bloodthirsty or those who take bribes. He did his best to live a blameless life but he knew that this was still not enough. Salvation depends on God's mercy. So he prayed, "deliver me and be merciful to me" (11). His heart's desire was to be near God and declare God's praise along with God's people (12). Our favorite place should be God's house and to be with God's people, the church.

Prayer: Lord, I love your house. Let me be near you all day long and declare your wonderful deeds to others.

One Word: My favorite place

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references