https://esv.literalword.com/?q=psalm+15
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Sunday, 14 April 2024:
Psalm 15 points out today that the true believer is revealed by how they treat others — truthfully, fairly, compassionately, graciously, generously, etc; the true believer never takes advantage of those less fortunate (such as by lending money with interest – profiting from God’s blessings), and the true believer obeys God regardless the personal cost. (Psalm 15:4)
Whenever we sin, we are essentially, at least for a brief moment, saying that God is not Lord. What a terrible thing. We must never take sin lightly as it is an affront to God. It is a constant daily endeavor to ensure that your Savior remains the Lord and Savior of your heart.
Psalm 15: 1, 4 – O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change.
Presence with God is an issue of the heart and requires obedience that is motivated by love. God does not expect you to overlook the sins of the unrepentant.
Psalm 15:1, 5 – Who shall dwell on your holy hill?…. who does not put out his money at interest.
God does not intend for His people to lend money with interest. Money was originally intended to replace objects in trade. For example, rather than transferring a sheep, a person could transfer the worth of a sheep without the burden of logistics. However, interest adds no tangible (object) value but only transfers wealth from one person to another. Interest takes advantage of another person’s need. In most cases, one person needs or wants something they can’t afford, so they essentially give someone else who can afford it more than it is really worth. Interest creates a debt that makes a richer person richer and a poorer person poorer. The original word for debt is a word derived from another word meaning “snakebite: — it takes life from you slowly. The only time Jesus displayed violence directed at others was when He attacked the moneychangers in the temple, calling them thieves. There are many ways to gain wealth, and many ways merely transfer wealth rather than adding real value (production). God wants His people to add value to the lives of others.
Psalm 15:5 – He who does these things shall never be moved.
One last time – this is a spiritual statement meaning never moved from the presence of God. You can be “with” God anywhere and under any circumstances, all depending on your faith, trust, love, and obedience. God’s intent for you is that you “abide” in Him and His word, that you would live a fruitful life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 14 April 2024: Today, practice the presence of God. Think and act as if God is within you, using you to reveal Himself to the world around you, because He is. Radiate and communicate the truth of God today through your attitude, words, and deeds. Be holy because He is holy. Exude the love, joy, peace, and contentment which should be expected from someone who is perfectly loved and protected by the Creator of All Things.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 