GOD BLESSES HIS PEOPLE

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psalm 24:3-5

When the Israelites sang this psalm, possibly every Sabbath in the worship services at the temple, they were acknowledging God’s holiness and their need to be pure before him.

In our own strength, none of us can be totally clean, perfect and acceptable to God. If that were true, Christ would not have had to die. We must pray that those we love will accept the sacrifice of Christ and so receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit works in them, they will be able to turn from idolatry, stay pure and have truthful speech. The glorious promise is that they will “receive blessing from the lord and vindication from God their Savior.” They are welcomed into God’s presence. What more could we ask for? 

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME:

• I will bless and give right standing to those who accept my sacrifice and seek to follow my Spirit’s leading.

• The one who trusts in me will be welcome in my presence.

MY PRAYER TO GOD:

Oh Lord, I desire to be in your presence. May the Holy Spirit work in my heart so that my actions will always be pure before you. I pray that my desires will always be pure and that I will continue to pray for those I love that they will receive your Spirit. Amen.