Psalm - Psalm 15

Psalm 15:2He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.

Walks: behave

Uprightly: sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity

Works: to do or make systematically and habitually

Righteousness: ethically right

Speaks: be spokesman, declare

Truth: faithful, right, sure, true, verity

Heart: he man himself—meaning characteristic

“Walk straight, act right, tell the truth." Psalm 15:2 (MSG)

Behave. Create a habit of being ethically right. Be a spokesman for truth. 

Actions. Attitude. Words. Are they in accordance with God and His Word? Simple question. Think about your response before you answer. Remember it's in accordance to God's standard, not what you think or feel. 

“Walk straight, act right, tell the truth." 

Motivation is Meritorious

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 15. Here is what I learned.

They do not charge interest on money they lend and do not take ·money [a bribe] to hurt innocent people. 

Whoever does all these things will never be ·destroyed [moved]. Psalm 15:5 (EXB)

The one who does not collect interest on a loan or take a bribe against an innocent person. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:5 (GW)

Motivation. I find that word interesting. Why does a person do what they do? What is their motivation? Is there a hidden agenda? What is the incentive? 

Motivation can be a good thing... it can create a desire to go above and beyond the ordinary to help another. Motivation can also encourage us to do better than we thought we could do. 

Yet, the wrong motivation can create a discontentments and frustration if we expect something in return. 

Making sure my motivation is meritorious (noble, honorable) is major in maintaining a meaningful relationship with God. God knows why I do what what I do. He knows my heart. 

How do I keep my motivation in check? By making sure that I’m doing what I’m doing to honor God, and not please a person or make myself look good. I’ve written before about “making my Boss, look good.” And “my Boss” is God. I’m to do ALL things to give Him glory and honor. 

Well, I’ll tell you why. It is because you must do everything for the glory of God, even your eating and drinking. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (TLB)

To create a positive day, I need to make sure my motivation is meritorious and giving glory to God. 

A Good Description?

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 15. Here is what I learned.

Who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts  and does not change their mind. Psalm 15:4 (NIV)

In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he who honors those who fear the Lord (who revere and worship Him); who swears to his own hurt and does not change. Psalm 15:4 (AMP)

On April 19, 2013, I wrote about “Lionize” Lionize.

Lionization: to treat a person as a celebrity; to pursue celebrities or seek their company; to visit or exhibit the objects of interest of.I like that word, lionize. I’m to lionize those that fear God.

As I read Psalm 15 today, I started wondering could the description, “those who fear the Lord” apply to me? 

Do I fear God in private? Do I fear God in public? Do I fear God when I’m with friends? 

What does it mean to “fear God”? Revere and worship Him. Respect Who God is and be in awe of Him. 

If I’m fearing God, holding Him in high esteem and respecting Him, than it should be evident in my words, actions, attitude. Fearing God should have an impact in my life. 

To create a positive day, I must ask myself the question, “One who fears God—is that a good description of me?”

My Thoughts will Determine My Actions

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 15. Here is what I learned.

He who walks and lives uprightly and blamelessly, who works rightness and justice and speaks and thinks the truth in his heart. Psalm 15:2 (AMP)

Here is the answer: The one who lives with integrity, does what is right, and speaks honestly with truth from the heart. Psalm 15:2 (VOICE)

With our heart. That is, to the speaking of truth, it is necessary our words agree with our mind and thoughts about the thing. We must speak as we think, and our tongues must be faithful interpreters of our mind: otherwise we lie, not speaking as we think. So what is truth in itself may be spoken by a man, and yet he be a liar; namely, if he does not think as he speaks.

With the thing as it is in itself. Though we think a thing to be so, which is not so, we lie, when we affirm it; because it is not as we say, though we really think it is so. Benjamin Bennet's "Christian Oratory," 1728

What I THINK is what I act on. What are my thoughts based on? Are my thoughts simply about making me feel good? Do my thoughts focus on me? What am I thinking about?

First and foremost, I’m to get my thoughts in alignment with God. God is the absolute and He sets the standards. Then I have a responsibility to make sure what I think on is...  “right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.” (Philippians 4:8, GW)

To create a positive day, I have to make the choice to fill my mind with God’s Word, then keep my thoughts on the right track—for my thoughts will determine my actions. 

Temporary Becomes Permanent

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 15. Here is what I learned.

Lord, who shall dwell [temporarily] in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell [permanently] on Your holy hill? Psalm 15:1 (AMP)

Lord, who may ·enter [dwell/abide/sojourn in] your Holy Tent [the Tabernacle]? Who may live on your holy mountain [Mount Zion]? Psalm 15:1 (EXB)

Two words for dwell are used in Psalm 15:1:

dwell: dwell for a (definite or indefinite) time. 

dwell: to reside or permanently stay. 

As I read this verse this morning, what came to mind is how I view temporary. Sometimes we are glad for “temporary” such as with dealing with pain. When pain become permanent... that is often hard to accept. Other times, temporary can provide help while we wait for the permanent, as in a temporary crown that the Dentist provides. 

As I read Psalm 15:1, I realized that the temporary is to prepare us for the permanent. Eternity is a long time! And throughout eternity we will be praising and worshiping God Almighty. During this temporary period on earth, I need to be practicing worshiping and praising God. I’d like to be ‘prepared’ for when the temporary become permanent! 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure I’m engaged in worshiping and honoring God, so that when the temporary becomes permanent, I’m ready! 

Translate into Action

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 15. Here is what I learned.

The one who does not collect interest on a loan  or take a bribe against an innocent person. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:5 (GW)

If they loan money to someone, they do not charge them interest. And they refuse to testify against an innocent person, even if someone offers them money to do it. Whoever lives like this will always stand strong. Psalm 15:5 (ERV)

He that putteth not out his money to interest, Nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15:5 (ASV)

"He that doeth." 'Tis not said he that professes this or that, or he that believes thus and thus, or he that is of such or such an opinion or wail of worship, or he that sets up new lights, and pretends the Spirit for his immediate guide; 'tis not he that hears much or talks much of religion; no, nor he that preaches and prays much, nor he that thinks much of these things, and means well; but 'tis he that "doeth these things" - that is actually employed about them - that is the religious and truly godly man. Condensed from Adam Littleton, D.D., 1627-1694 

Do: carry out, accomplish, achieve, act, arrange, be responsible for, bring about, cause, close, complete, conclude, create, determine, discharge, do one's thing, effect, end, engage in, execute, finish, fix, fulfill, get with it, go for it, look after, make, make ready, move, operate, perform, produce, pull off, see to, succeed, take care of business, take on, transact, undertake, wind up, work, wrap up.

Accomplish. Execute. Produce. Achieve. Act. Do. It’s one thing to know something, and it’s another things to act on that knowledge. 

I’m reminded of physical therapy. When I was going through physical therapy, my therapist would give me exercises to do at home. When I arrived at my next appointment, he would ask if I had done the exercises. Since I did do them, I would answer, “yes”. I remember asking him one time, if he knew if people  lied about doing them. He replied, “yes, because they don’t get stronger, or gain range of motion.”  Doing the exercises produced a positive result. There was evidence of the “doing.”

The same is true for knowing God’s Word and acting upon it. There is evidence in my life that an be seen by those around me, if I “do” what God’s Word says I’m to do. Knowing about God, and knowing what His Word says is good. However, there must be more to that knowledge—it must be acted upon. 

To create a positive day, my knowledge has to translate into action, producing godly actions.

Keeping All Promises, No Matter the Cost

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 15. Here is what I learned.

The one who despises those rejected by God but honors those who fear the Lord. The one who makes a promise and does not break it, even though he is hurt by it. Psalm 15:4 (GW)

The one who loathes the loathsome, honors those who fear the Eternal, And keeps all promises no matter the cost. Psalm 15:4 (VOICE)

Keeps all promises no matter the cost. Often we hear of litigation because someone didn’t fulfill a contract, and the reason was it would cost more to complete a project than originally thought. Costs increase and contractors, etc, want more money to complete a job. When we make promises, we must never do so lightly, for we are to keep the promises we make, no matter what it will cost us... the includes, time, talent, money, etc. Am I true to my word? Do I do as I promise? When I say I’ll do something, do I do it? 

There are phrases we say often without thinking. For example, “I’ll pray for you.” Often, the is a automatic response when we hear of someone in trouble or sick. But do we actually, PRAY? 

The next area we sometimes make promises is in the area of accountability. If we say we will hold someone accountable to either do something, or not do something, do we follow through? Or are we too shy and timid to check in to see if the person is doing ok? Perhaps we don’t want to “check in” because we are ashamed of our actions. But Psalm 15:4, says “keeps all promises, no matter the cost.” 

He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not - Who has made a promise, or entered into a contract, that is likely to turn out contrary to his expectations, to his own disadvantage; but who still adheres to his engagement. If the thing itself is wrong; if he has made a promise, or pledged himself to do a wicked thing, he cannot be under obligation to execute it; he should at once abandon it (compare the notes at Matthew 14:9); but he is not at liberty to violate an agreement simply because it will be a loss to him, or because he ascertains that it will not be, as he supposed, to his advantage. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Can people believe what I say? Honesty. Integrity. True to my word. I’m very thankful that God is a promise keeper! He fulfills all His promises. That is an awesome comfort! 

To create a positive day, I need to be a person of honesty and integrity, keeping all promises, no matter the cost. 

Lionize

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 15. Here is what I learned.

In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he who honors those who fear the Lord (who revere and worship Him); who swears to his own hurt and does not change. Psalm 15:4 (AMP)

The one who despises those rejected by God but honors those who fear the Lord. The one who makes a promise and does not break it, even though he is hurt by it. Psalm 15:4 (GW)

But he honoreth them that fear the Lord - No matter in what rank or condition of life they may be found. Where there is true piety he honors it. He is willing to be known as one that honors it, and is willing to bear all the reproach that may be connected with such a deeply cherished respect, and with such an avowal. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Honor: Respect: account, adoration, adulation, aggrandizement, attention, celebration, confidence, consideration, credit, dignity, distinction, elevation, esteem, exaltation, faith, fame, fealty, glorification, glory, greatness, high standing, homage, immortalization, laud, lionization, notice, obeisance, popularity, praise, prestige, rank, recognition, renown, reputation, reverence, tribute, trust, worship.

Lionize. Lionization: to treat a person as a celebrity; to pursue celebrities or seek their company; to visit or exhibit the objects of interest of.

I like that word, lionize. I’m to lionize those that fear God. I’m so very thankful that God has introduced me to some amazing people who fear and serve the Lord. Each of those individuals has helped me grow in my knowledge of God and have been key in “keeping me on track” in my life. 

Take a moment and think of the individuals in your life that make them worthy of lionization because of their fear of God. Now take another moment to thank them and let them know you appreciate their example of living a life obeying and loving God. 

To create a positive day, I first need to lionize those in my life who are fearing God, then I need to do some work in my own life, to make sure I’m honoring and fearing God. 

Trash Wrapped in Ribbons & Bows

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The nineteenth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 15. Here's what Treasure I found today.

And do not ·tell lies about others [slander with their tongue]. They do no ·wrong [evil] to their neighbors and do not ·gossip [L raise a reproachful matter with their associates]. Psalm 15:3 (EXB)

He who does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor. Psalm 15:3 (AMB)

"Backbiteth not." This crime is a conjugation of evils, and is productive of infinite mischiefs; it undermines peace, and saps the foundation of friendship; it destroys families, and rends in pieces the very heart and vitals of charity; it makes an evil man party, and witness, and judge, and executioner of the innocent. - Bishop Taylor  

"Backbiteth." The word here used comes from a root signifying loot, and denotes a person who goes about from house to house, speaking things he should not (1 Timothy 5:13); and a word from this root signifies spies; and the phrase here may point at persons who creep into houses, pry into the secrets of families, divulge them, and oftentimes represent them in a false light. Such are ranked among the worst of men, and are very unfit to be in the society of saints, or in a church of Christ. See Romans 1:30. - John Gill

Twitter, Facebook, blogs, the internet, cell-phones, are all means of staying in contact with our friends, neighbors and even people who have like interests. But these things also make it much easier for slander, lies, and rumors to be spread. And just as when we speak, once our words are “sent”, they can not be deleted or “taken back”.  

But what I said was “true”. But beyond being “true” was it beneficial? Were the words encouraging, uplifting, positive? Or were they said to build us up, make us look better, and disgrace someone else. But I was only sharing a prayer request—really? Don’t you think God, knows the specifics without us trying to share the sins of others?

Gossip is the spreading of unfavorable information about someone else, even if that information is true. Slander is making a false statement or misrepresentation about another person that defames or damages the person’s reputation. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). This means that although we speak of the sins of the tongue, our real problem is our heart. 

Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. Ephesians 4:29 (AMP)

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Ephesians 4:29 (MSG)

Each word is a gift. We can try to wrap up gossip, slander, or harsh words with pretty ribbons and  bows of excuses and justifications, but the gift inside is still trash.  Just because something may be acceptable to us, the real question, is it acceptable to God? Since each word is a gift, to ourselves and others, we should take much care in our choice of words and their meaning. 

To create a positive day, I must allow God to censor my words to make sure that the gifts I’m sharing are acceptable to Him, and are not trash wrapped  in ribbons and bows.

What is my norm for today?

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The nineteenth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 15. Here's what Treasure I found today.

Only those who ·are innocent [walk innocently] and who do ·what is right [righteousness]. Such people speak the truth from their hearts. Psalm 15:2 (EXB)

Those who obey God in everything and always do what is right, whose words are true and sincere. Psalm 15:2 (GNT)

The word "walk" in the Scriptures is often used to denote the manner of life; life being represented as a journey. 

The word here rendered "uprightly," or, in the Hebrew, "perfectly," means that which is complete in all its parts; where no part is missing or is defective.

And worketh righteousness - Does right. That is, he does what is proper to be done in relation to God and to man.

And speaketh the truth in his heart - He uses language that is sincere, and that is in accordance with his real belief. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

There is a progression here. First, walk. One’s manner of life, habits be that of obeying God. Secondly, because one has the habit of obeying God, his/her actions are right. And lastly, because of the habit of obeying God, and doing what is right, his/her speech is true as well. 

Habits. Routine. The norm.  I’m a very habitual person. I guess I never realized how I stick to habits, until I noticed Max, my parakeet following my routines. Max has been with me 10 years. And he is knows the daily routine. For example, at night I first shut off the computer, the TV or radio, followed by the printer, then the lights. Max moves to a particular perch as soon as I turn off the TV/radio. Then when I shut off the printer,he expects me to ‘pick him up’. If I go back to the bedroom without him—I hear about it! If after a few minutes I don’t return to the living room to get him, Max flies to the bedroom. And if I’m late at starting the bedtime routine, Max will often put himself to bed! Max knows the norm and acts accordingly. 

Psalm 15:2 is about living a life that is habitual in obeying God. Not habitual in the time or way I obey God, rather that obeying God is a constant and affects my actions, speech, and how I think about things. Obeying God is the norm.  

Lately I’ve noticed on Twitter how someone will post a PG-13 or R rated cartoon, or a rant full of swear words, then the next post will be a Bible verse, or a statement of their belief in God. Those are contradictory. 

Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My ·brothers and sisters [fellow believers], this should not happen. James 3:10 (EXB)

Whether is be my twitter posts, blog posts, Facebook posts, my daily actions, speech... everything I do and say reflects my heart. If my heart is ‘in tune’ with God, then I’ll act and speak accordingly. However, if I ignore God and His Word, and make the choice to disobey Him, my actions and speech will reflect that as well. 

The more I learn about God, the more impact I allow God to have in my life, the more I make obeying God the norm, my actions, attitude, and speech will honor God. 

Each day I, several times a day, I need to ask myself this question: “What is my norm for today?” To create a positive day, I must continue to create the habit of loving and obeying God, so that my life will honor God.

Desire

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 15. Here is what I learned.

Psalm 15 begins with two questions. Who can spend time with God today? Who can spend time with God for all eternity? 

As I read Psalm 15:1, the first thoughts that came to mind were

The Desire

The Direction of Desire

The Duration of Desire

To ask a question, one must want to know the answer. The desire is spending time; allowing someone to have an impact in my life. 

The direction of desire is God, and the Name used is Yahweh. This is God’s proper name, a name signifying deity. 

The duration of desire has two parts: one temporary and immediate (temple; tent) the second permanent (holy hill). 

Do I have a desire for God

to have an impact in my life

on a daily basis and for eternity?  

With whom do I want to spend time? Friends. I want to be in the company of people I enjoy. I like to be with like-minded people. 

Psalm 15 starts with the Desire to be with God. Do I have that desire? Many of us want to “spend eternity” with God. But do we want Him around daily? If He is around daily, does that put a damper on my speech? my activities? my thoughts? my attitudes? That’s the meaning of Psalm 15. 

If I want to spend eternity with God, then I should want to spend each and every day in God’s presence. Remember, God is present. It is just do I acknowledge that fact and allow it to have an impact on my life? 

What is my desire today? Do I want to have fellowship with God and enjoy His presence? That doesn’t mean that I sit around reading the Bible all day. Rather, that God presence should have an impact on how I live. The rest of Psalm 15 gives examples of the impact of the desire to spend time with God should have in my life. 

To create a positive day, I need to check to see what (or Who) is the attention of my desire. If my desire is greater for things or people, rather than God, then I need a “desire adjustment”. Only if my desire is wanting God to have a daily impact in my life, will each day be positive.