Falling Short

Who can live in your tent, Lord? Who can dwell on your holy mountain?
The person who lives free of blame, does what is right, and speaks the truth sincerely;
who does no damage with their talk, does no harm to a friend, doesn’t insult a neighbor;
someone who despises those who act wickedly, but who honors those who honor the Lord;
someone who keeps their promise even when it hurts;
someone who doesn’t lend money with interest, 
who won’t accept a bribe against any innocent person.
Whoever does these things will never stumble.

Psalm 15:1-5 CEB

We want to live in His tent. We want to dwell on His holy mountain. Can we live free of blame? Can we do and maintain just these listed in only 5 verses of the Bible? Not without Jesus. 

James Stanley writes in his Life Principles Bible Notes, "If the list of requirements in Psalm 15 sounds impossible, in a sense, it’s supposed to be. The truth is, we do not realize our need for the Savior until we understand how far we have fallen short of God’s holiness. This is why we must depend on Jesus. He is the only One who can cleanse us and prepare us to dwell in His house forever."

Prayer:

Father,

            According to Your Word, we are Your masterpiece. You created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things You planned for us long ago. We can not live righteously in and of ourselves but only through Christ. Great is Your faithfulness, O God. We thank You that Your mercies and grace are new each day. Give us Your strength so we can live out Your expectation and purpose for us in this new day. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen