Today’s scripture: Psalm 15 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
I’m a stickler for using the words “may” and “can” correctly, so my pretty peepers particularly perked up when reading today’s scripture.l
We’re talking about being in God’s tent, tabernacle, or place, depending upon whose translation you’re reading. “May” is crucial to understanding this passage. First, let’s examine a few facts:
• “May” denotes permission granted to someone. “Yes, you may stop in for a visit.”
• “Can” denotes something that a person is capable of doing. “I can climb a tree.”
• “God is a Spirit: and they that worship God must worship God in spirit and in truth.”(John 4:24, KJV)
It seems to me that these verses are merely stating the type of person whose worship draws them closer to God. Perhaps God is telling us how God prefers us to live and how we can be in closest communion with God. I think humans are inclined to have preferences, too.
Aren’t there people in your own life that you prefer to hang out with more than others? Why is that? I find it’s usually because of mutual interests, goals, beliefs and way of living in general. It doesn’t mean that we exclude all others from our lives. We’re just closer to some people more than others.
It’s not surprising to me that God seems to prefer the qualities and characteristics listed in this passage. They seem mighty good to me, too.
Thought for the day: I can strive for things that please God, so that I may be more pleasing to God.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.