Returning to holiness

DAILY BIBLE READING:

2 Kings 1:1–2:25 
Acts 13:42–14:7 
Psalm 139:1-24 
Proverbs 17:19-21

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Psalm 139:23-24 (CSB) "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Psalm 139 is a wonderful Psalm for quite a few reasons. Let me share two.

First, there are three "omni's" that speak of God's immensity:

Omniscient = God knows all things completely.
Omnipresent = God is completely everywhere at all times.
Omnipotent = God can do anything God wants to do.

So, when we look at the structure of Psalm 139, we realize that it can easily be divided into three sections. Further, each of these sections align with one of the "omni's" of God.

Psalm 139:1-6 = Omniscience of God
Psalm 139:7-12 = Omnipresence of God
Psalm 139:13-16 = Omnipotence of God

It is significant that the Holy Spirit led the Psalmist to illustrate these three attributes of God in relationship to him. God is omniscient (He knew everything about David); God is omnipresent (no matter where David went, God would be there); God is omnipotent (God was actively working to form David when he was en utero).

The remainder of the Psalm speaks of the Psalmist's amazement that such an incredible, infinite God would care so much for him (Psalm 136:17-18). He further asked that his infinite God would pronounce judgement on those who hate Him (Psalm 136:19-22). And finally, he asks that his infinite God would assist him in his desire to be holy and set apart for God (Psalm 136:23-24).

This final section is what I have chosen for our Verses for Today. Psalm 136:23-24 can be a wonderful prayer that we offer up to God if we want to do a thorough "spring cleaning" in our heart. 

Oftentimes, unconfessed sin can be forgotten and therefore never resolved. There can also be sin patterns in our hearts that we don't even notice. These scenarios and more will keep us from enjoying our God.

So, consider praying the words of Psalm 136:23-24 from your heart for the next few days and listen intently to what God may reveal. If there is some sin that you become aware of, completely confess and repent (turn away from it).

Our infinite God and Father wants us to live in such a way that we are not burdened down with guilt (legal and experiential). He also wants us to reflect His glory to others (show others by our lifestyle how good He is). The only way He can do this is if we are clean in His sight.

So, let the words of our Verses for Today be what God uses to begin the cleaning process.

Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way."