The Place Where His Glory Dwells by Shalene Kearney

Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving, and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells. Psalm 26:1-8 (NLT)

Now, I've never been a big fan of the old testament. It always seemed so out of date. However, I had the opportunity today, to learn what these scriptures mean (at least for me.) Many of you, today, have had bad experiences with "Christianity" and the "principles" many spout as the "Christian way." I understand this. I too, experienced many years of disillusionment with the "church" and "Christians" as a whole. I thought of them all as a bunch of hypocrites. And they were. But so am I. So are you.

Do you EVER say one thing and do another? I have- too many times to count. We all do. The thing we need to be careful of, is doing this in Christ's name. When we act as hypocrites when it comes to Christ's teachings, we're giving our Lord and Saviour a bad name.

We need to stop and ask ourselves constantly: Do we take the time to truly show others what it means to be a Christ follower? Do we love EVERYONE with true agape love- unconditional love? Do we care for the orphans and the widows among us, never seeking restitution or even thanks? Do we always look to others as better than ourselves? Behaving with a spirit of true humility? Do you treat others as you would have them treat you? And in situations where the Word of God is being used in such a way that it gives our Lord a bad name, do you defend those actions, or do you stand up for what Christ really stood for? Love, acceptance, non-judgement of our fellow human, and sacrifice? Never taking what we deserve or want, just because we think we deserve it? Not one of us deserves the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. NOT ONE.

We need to take the time to love one another, and love the place where God's glory dwells. Within the hearts and souls of everyone. This does not mean that we have to like their actions or behaviors, but it does mean we have to love them in spite of them. We have to remember it is not our place to judge. It is God's; and He WILL judge all of us.

---Lord, I pray today, that you examine my heart and my motives, and that you find them to be pure. Keep me from hypocritical behaviors, and help me to love all with true agape love, so that I might not sin against you. Lord, I want to glorify you in all I do, and never do I want to give you a bad name. I ask you to give me wisdom and compassion Lord, so that I might refrain from doing so. I ask this is Jesus' Holy Name.
Amen

Author's Note: This too is a duplicate posting, as it is Sunday, and while I wanted to share with you, I must put my Lord, and my family first today. I pray that you can understand and forgive the duplication, and that you will return tomorrow to read more. God's blessings to you and yours.