I will praise Him!
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Winter glory, Grey Nuns Park, Ottawa, ON — photo by David Kitz
Holy Ways
18 Saturday Feb 2017
Posted in Psalms, Saturday's Psalm
Tag Archives: holy
A Forgiving God
07 Friday Oct 2016
Tags
Aaron, discipline, forgiveness, forgiving, God, holy, Moses, Samuel, the LORD
Reading: Psalm 99
Verses 6-9
Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel was among those who called on his name;
they called on the LORD
and he answered them.
He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;
they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
LORD our God,
you answered them;
you were to Israel a forgiving God,
though you punished their misdeeds.
Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his holy mountain,
for the LORD our God is holy (NIV).
Reflection
David’s name appears in the text of several of the psalms, but this is the only psalm that lists other heroes of the faith. Moses, Aaron and Samuel, three heavy hitters of the Old Testament, are honored here. They are honored because they called on the LORD and he answered them.
Petrie Island marsh — photo by David Kitz
I could quibble with the choice of these three. Moses struck the rock in anger when he was told to speak to it and thereby bring forth water for the people. As a consequence, he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. Aaron gave into the people’s will and fashioned an idol—the golden calf. Samuel appointed Saul as the first king of Israel—a man who became a disappointing, disastrous leader who descended into witchcraft.
But… But then can I claim to be error free in the way I have lived my life? Like Moses I have lost my patience in more than one situation. If God treated me like Moses, there would be little hope of me reaching the Promised Land. Like Aaron I have a tendency to be led astray by the crowd, and like the prophet Samuel, at times I have backed people who stumbled badly and betrayed the Lord.
I have not lived a flawless life. That’s why I take comfort in these words: LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds.
I need a forgiving God. I need a God who forgives my transgressions—those times when I think I know better, but of course I’m wrong. And if I am truly honest, I also admit that I need a God who punishes my misdeeds. If there are no consequences for my wrong doing, my transgressions will escalate. I need the discipline of the LORD, or I will go astray by following my own selfish desires. Just like the ancient people of Israel I need to live under the wise and loving rule of a holy God. How about you? Do you need a forgiving God?
Response: LORD God, you are holy. I want to live in a way that honors you. You know my failings and shortcomings. Forgive me as I call on you. I am needy. Amen.
Your Turn: If there were no consequences for sin would that change your life and conduct?
He is Holy
06 Thursday Oct 2016
Tags
awe-inspiring, God, holiness, holy, Holy Spirit, the LORD, worship
Reading: Psalm 99
Verses 1-5
The LORD reigns,
let the nations tremble;
he sits enthroned between the cherubim,
let the earth shake.
Great is the LORD in Zion;
he is exalted over all the nations.
Let them praise your great and awesome name—
he is holy.
The King is mighty, he loves justice—
you have established equity;
in Jacob you have done
what is just and right.
Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy (NIV).
Reflection
What does it mean to be holy? There are several shades of meaning for the word holy. It can mean being consecrated or dedicated for a special purpose. It also means righteous. But the definition that fits best in the light of Psalm 99 reads like this: awe-inspiring—having a character that evokes reverence (Encarta Dictionary).
Holiness breaks through — photo by David Kitz
The psalmist is effusive with his praise for the LORD, but three times in this short psalm, he centers back to this phrase: he is holy. Yes, the LORD reigns, He is righteous and exalted, but what has really caught the psalmist’s attention is the LORD’s holiness. That’s what sets Him apart and elevates Him above the stratosphere.
Has the LORD’s holiness caught your attention? Have you been filled with awe by the holiness of God? I fear that far too often we have diminished God. We have tried to make Him like us—powerful but a bit quirky—maybe short-tempered or set in His ways. What nonsense! Our God is holy. We need to wake up to that fact.
In the Beatitudes from his Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). To clarify, I might add that the pure in heart will see the true God, not a distorted caricature. Our sinful nature has a way of distorting our view of the LORD. That’s why personal purity or holiness are so essential. The apostle Peter provides this admonition: As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:14-16).
Response: LORD God, I want to see you at work in my life. Help me with the help of your Holy Spirit to clean up those areas that distort my view of you. You are holy. I worship you in the beauty of your holiness. Amen.
Your Turn: Are there times when you have seen God as short-tempered or set in His ways?
His Holy Name
15 Friday Jan 2016
Posted in Friday's Focus, Psalms
Tags
Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart (Psalm 105:3, CEV).
Frosted beauty — photo by Donald Adam
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is holiness.
Here’s a quick question for you. Do you like celebrations?
If you answered, yes, then you should love being around God. He loves wholehearted celebrations. Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us of this aspect of God’s character. Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart (Psalm 105:3, CEV).
After telling the parable about finding the lost coin, Jesus reminds us that heaven is a place of celebration. Jesus said, “In the same way God’s angels are happy when even one person turns to him” (Luke 15:10, CEV).
If you have turned from a life of sin to worship your holy Creator, you have a heaven full of reasons to celebrate. Why not start today?
Response: LORD God, I praise you because you found me and took me into your family. I celebrate your goodness and undeserved kindness. Amen.
Your Turn: What do you do to celebrate God’s love?
Who may stand in God’s temple?
13 Wednesday Jan 2016
Posted in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms
Tags
God's temple, holiness, holy, naked, sin
Who may stay in God’s temple or live on the holy mountain of the LORD? (Psalm 15:1, CEV).
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 in Monday Meditation, Psalms
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).
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?
I love the Psalms 