Tall Order

A Psalm of David.

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? 2He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; 3who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; 4in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; 5who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. (Psalm 15:1-5)

David is giving us a "tall order." If I read his marching orders at face value, I should never be in church given the things I don't "do" in order to be in his presence. Paul and I have that in common. "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Romans 7:15)

The church addresses it this way in formal worship: in order to get our minds focused and in a posture of humility, we confess our sins and hear the words of absolution at each service to begin the process of opening our hearts and minds to hear and receive God's Word. In prayer, we open by acknowledging God for who he is and seeking his forgiveness for our sins, known and unknown.

Pray with me: Gracious God, Forgive me as I sin. Keep my heart and mind focused on you and your Word, that it may dwell in me daily. Help me to keep this posture as I enter into your "tent" to worship you. In Christ's name. Amen.

Hope Men's Ministry is a ministry in service to Hope Lutheran Church and School. Our purpose is to grow, unite, and share God's Word to all men through meaningful activities. These activities center on fellowship, service, conversation, prayer, study and devotion as we seek to become men of God as He created us to be.