How can we practically prepare to "dwell on Your holy hill" today? Preparing Our Hearts with the Psalm 15 Checklist “O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1) Walking with Integrity • “He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness” (Psalm 15:2) • Consistency: align private thoughts with public actions (James 1:22). • Daily self-examination: ask whether choices would please Christ if made public (1 Corinthians 10:31). Speaking Truth from the Heart • “Who speaks truth in his heart” (Psalm 15:2) • Let Scripture shape inner dialogue (Psalm 119:11). • Refuse half-truths, flattery, or exaggeration; let “Yes” be “Yes” (Matthew 5:37). Guarding the Tongue • “Who has no slander on his tongue” (Psalm 15:3) • Before sharing information, run it through: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it loving? (Ephesians 4:29). • Replace gossip with encouragement (Hebrews 3:13). Loving Our Neighbor Practically • “Who does no harm to his neighbor” (Psalm 15:3) • Protect reputations; give the benefit of the doubt (1 Corinthians 13:7). • Look for tangible ways to serve—meals, rides, listening ears (Galatians 6:10). Choosing Holy Alliances • “Who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD” (Psalm 15:4) • Refuse entertainment and partnerships that celebrate sin (Psalm 1:1). • Seek fellowship with believers who push you toward Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25). Keeping Promises, Whatever the Cost • “Who does what he promises even to his own hurt” (Psalm 15:4) • Pay debts, meet deadlines, honor marriage vows (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). • Let reliability showcase God’s unchanging faithfulness (Numbers 23:19). Financial Purity and Justice • “Who does not lend his money at interest or accept a bribe against the innocent” (Psalm 15:5) • Use resources to bless, not exploit (Proverbs 19:17). • Reject dishonest gain; practice generosity and fair business (Ephesians 4:28). Cultivating Holiness Through Spiritual Disciplines • Word: daily intake of Scripture (Psalm 1:2). • Prayer: honest confession and dependence (1 John 1:9). • Worship: gather with the saints, anticipating the heavenly hill (Hebrews 12:22-24). • Service: pour out what God pours in (1 Peter 4:10-11). Standing Secure “He who does these things will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15:5) Living the Psalm 15 pattern does not earn salvation—Christ alone secures that (Ephesians 2:8-9)—but it readies us to enjoy unhindered fellowship with the Lord now and positions us to “ascend the hill of the LORD” in eternity (Psalm 24:3-6). |
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