Tag Archives: holiness

Robed in Majesty

20 Tuesday Sep 2016

Posted by in Psalm 93, Psalms

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Reading:                                          Psalm 93

The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.

The seas have lifted up, LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.

Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days (NIV).

Reflection

What things in this world are majestic? As I write this post, I’m looking out across my front lawn where a squirrel is cavorting about. Are squirrels majestic? Certainly not in my opinion. In the animal kingdom perhaps lions or stallions are majestic in their bearing. Snow-covered mountain peaks may be majestic, but squirrels not so much. 

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Sunrise at Perce, Quebec — photo by David Kitz

Here in Psalm 93 the psalmist is trying to capture in words the might and majesty of the LORD. Surely, this is an impossible task, but the psalmist makes a valiant effort. His thoughts turn to the vast power of the sea. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty.

Of course the might of the LORD is incomparable. How can the power of the sea be compared to the power of the One who created the sea? The comparison breaks down; it is not valid. The greatest minds find themselves grasping at straws when they try to capture the majesty and glory of the LORD.

According to the psalmist two things stand firm and secure, the world and the statutes of the LORD. How firm are the laws of the LORD established in your mind? In a world where moral relativism rules the day, absolutes are shunned. What may be deemed right and good today may be judged as unacceptable or reprehensible tomorrow. In our society it seems the opinion of the fickle masses determines what is good. God’s opinion—His statutes matter little.

But in reality—in this thing called eternity—there are things that never change. There are absolutes. On the day we die, ready or not, we will know and experience the absolutes of God. The unchanging God has not thrown out His moral law with yesterday’s garbage. The psalmist declares, “Your statutes, LORD, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days.”

Response: LORD God, I want your holiness to adorn my house and my heart. Help me to conform to your will and your ways, rather than the other way around. You are my Lord. Reign on sovereign Lord. Amen.

Your Turn: What does God’s majesty mean to you? Do majesty and holiness fit together?

Save us, LORD

14 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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Save us, LORD God! Bring us back from among the nations. Let us celebrate and shout in praise of your holy name (Psalm 106:47, CEV).

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Morning hoarfrost — photo by Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is holiness.

In today’s reading the psalmist cries out, “Save us, LORD God!”

There’s an element of desperation in that prayer. It should be our prayer too. If holiness is what God requires then salvation is our greatest need.

We are unable to save ourselves. Holiness does not come naturally to the human soul. We need God to intervene. And that’s just what the Father did when He sent His son Jesus to suffer and die in our place.

Our redemption was purchased for us at the cross. The price was the shed blood of Jesus.

Now every believer can say, “Through Jesus, you saved us, LORD God!”

Response: LORD God, I thank and praise you for sending Jesus to be my redeemer. Holiness is available to me personally through faith in the blood of Christ. I love you, LORD. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you received the salvation from sin that Jesus offers?

Who may stand in God’s temple?

13 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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Who may stay in God’s temple or live on the holy mountain of the LORD? (Psalm 15:1, CEV).

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Winter Prairie Sunrise — photo by Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is holiness.

Many in the church today view holiness as a rather dated Old Testament concept. Who needs it? Who pursues it?

In God’s presence holiness has never gone out of style. It’s required.

None of us would show up for work naked. In the same way we need to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Holiness is not an optional accessory.

St. Peter gives us this advice: Always live as God’s holy people should, because God is the one who chose you, and he is holy. That’s why the Scriptures say, “I am the holy God, and you must be holy too” (1 Peter 1:15-16, CEV).

Response: LORD God, clothe me in the righteousness of Christ. Like the psalmist, I want to come into your presence and live on your holy mountain. In a world polluted by sin help me to live a life of practical, practiced holiness. Amen.

Your Turn: What do you do to pursue holiness?

Mercy and Holiness

11 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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Because of your great mercy, I come to your house, LORD, and I am filled with wonder as I bow down to worship at your holy temple (Psalm 5:7, CEV).

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Landestreu Church, near MacNutt, SK — photo by Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is holiness.

Mercy and holiness belong together. When I think about my personal holiness, or rather the lack of it, I am reminded that I need God’s mercy. Without His mercy there is no forgiveness and no peace.

Rather than frighten us away, God’s holiness should draw us to worship Him. In His holy temple we bow down. This is where we find mercy and the strength we need day by day.

Take some time to bow before God today. Swallow your pride and open your heart to the mercy of God. Even as I write this, I know it’s what I need to do.

Response: LORD God, you are perfectly holy. I am not. I need your mercy, your love and forgiveness. Wash me clean by the blood of your son, Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: How do mercy and holiness come together for you?