The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Tuesday, 25 August 2015 "God Pause Daily Devotion" Scripture: Psalm 15

The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Tuesday, 25 August 2015 "God Pause Daily Devotion" Scripture: Psalm 15

Psalm 15:(0) A psalm of David:

(1) Adonai, who can rest in your tent?

Who can live on your holy mountain?

2 Those who live a blameless life,

who behave uprightly,

who speak truth from their hearts

3 and keep their tongues from slander;

who never do harm to others

or seek to discredit neighbors;

4 who look with scorn on the vile,

but honor those who fear Adonai;

who hold to an oath, no matter the cost;

5 who refuse usury when they lend money

and refuse a bribe to damage the innocent.

Those who do these things

never will be moved.[Complete Jewish Bible]

As much as we may think we are sure of our "salvation," there are certain times in our lives when we are really pressed that we still sense those lingering questions. What if I don't have a community to join with in worship? What if I do not feel like I am worthy? What if I don't know all the rules? Will God still accept me even if I mess up?
We all feel the pressures of being a "good Christian," or a "faithful believer." Often we are tempted to think that it mostly has to do with doing certain things—following the ten commandments, loving one another and the like.
But what if at its heart there is really something much more basic? What if there is something more? What if we were to believe that God out of love has already decided to give us the kingdom? And then we were to live as if this moment were already the in-breaking of the kingdom of God? This place and our hearts indeed God's holy temple?
Maybe we are called to act as if we are already there. What if we are already "in"?
Holy God, almighty and just, lead us in this life and open our eyes to see your kingdom in us and all around us. Amen.
Erin Martinson
Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church
Ventura, Calif.
Master of Divinity , 2000
Psalm 15:1 O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?
2 Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart;
3 who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
4 in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the Lord; who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
5 who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be moved.[New Revised Standard Version]
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