Mind Meld of A Different Kind

PSALM 15
A psalm of David.
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?

Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,

speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

Those who refuse to gossip

or harm their neighbors

or speak evil of their friends.

Those who despise flagrant sinners,

and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,

and keep their promises even when it hurts.

Those who lend money without charging interest,

and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.

Such people will stand firm forever.

I’m with Him
You might have seen it on commercials or a TV show, or possible even experienced it yourself. There is a long line outside of a club with a huge bouncer at the door checking people’s names against his list. A certain individual walks up, passing the entire line, gives his name and is allowed to enter the club. Someone else in line quickly jumps behind the man who just entered and tells the bouncer, “I’m with him.” The bouncer laughs and sends the man to the back of the line.

The Psalmist wonders in his writing today who can enter the “club” of God. Who can live in the presence of the Lord? Only those whose walk is blameless and who do what is right, who speak no evil, harm no one and keep their word.

Based on David’s description I’m out. The bouncer will reject my feeble attempt with a laugh that sends me to the back of the line. David would have been outside in line too based on his own merits. But David writes like one who has gained entrance into the sanctuary of God.

On my own, I would never be able to enter God’s holy place, yet I am not alone. I am with Jesus. When Jesus steps up to the bouncer at God’s sanctuary he is admitted, but he turns to the bouncer and tells him, “Dan is with me.” I gain access by the blood of Jesus Christ. Do I live a blameless life and always do right? NO! Do I stand covered by the blood of Christ? YES! 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins he [Jesus] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Thank you Lord for claiming me as a person who is with you so I can gain access to the sanctuary of God. Through you alone do I stand blameless and righteous. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness today. - Dan Jones

It’s all about relationships
Roadside bombs have made life hell for US troops in Iraq. In fact, until recently, they have accounted for the greatest number of deaths and injuries in that war. I think David has hit on the issue that gets God the angriest and, except for Jesus’ sacrificial death in our place, causes God to turn away from us. God feels most deeply about people who become roadside bombs that wound, maim, and destroy people.

God feels so strongly about people who harm others in the pursuit of self interests that he would just as soon they not even bother pretending to worship him. Too many have sung words of worship then turned their mouths into IEDs (improvised explosive devices). Too many have invested money and personal energy in creating places of worship but turned those same skills and resources into IEDs that maim the dignity of others.

Mouths and money are powerful devices for good and ill. With them we manipulate or free people, guilt trip or affirm, destroy integrity or build reputation. Sadly, even the most sincere Christian is incapable of using them for good all the time! It only takes one explosion to bring lasting harm.

Holy God, I too get angriest with those who bring harm to others. But I must confess, I am one of them. As hard as I try to always use my mouth and money for good, I know I can be an IED! Forgive me. Send your Spirit to heal those I harm and to continue the process of purifying my life. - Mike Leamon