Pray… Who may dwell in Your presence, O God? Who may abide in You in the power of Your Spirit? The one who, through Your righteousness imparted, acts with integrity, walks in the good works You have prepared for him, and speaks truth out of the good treasure of his heart. Your disciples do not practice evil: slandering with their tongues, causing harm to their neighbors, or falsely accusing their friends. He who shuns the evil way, honoring those who fear You and bearing eternal fruit, is the one who dwells with You. He keeps his word even when it causes him harm. He does not change and is not double-minded or unstable in his ways. He is generous with his giving, expecting no return, and would never take a bribe to harm the innocent. He who loves from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith is diligent to keep Your commands. You will never allow him to be shaken beyond a point he cannot endure. Though afflicted in every way, he is not crushed. Though perplexed, he does not despair. Though persecuted, he stands assured he is never forsaken. Though struck down, he is never destroyed. He becomes the fool that others may be made prudent, and he has been made weak that others might be made strong. He is without honor that others might be honored.
It is this one who will dwell on the heights. His fortress will be his impregnable rock, his bread will be given him, and his living water will be sure! Praise the Lord, O my soul, that Your God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Be sure to love and follow Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength always.
Consider… Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence knowledge, and in your knowledge self-control, and in your self-control perseverance, and in your perseverance godliness, and in your godliness brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness love…As long as you practice these things you will never stumble. A life of personal holiness is vital to dwelling in the presence of God. Righteousness is impossible without the grace and power He alone imparts through relationship, but also impossible without a pursuit of the path that begins with personal diligence and ends in godliness. “Friends” of Jesus Christ cooperate with grace by striving with all the gifts they have been given to honor the Giver regardless of personal consequence. “Slaves” and “babes” look to others to supply what they should be supplying themselves, and insult grace by their unrepentant hypocrisy, laziness, and worldly living. Those who understand the partnership, both fear and love God, and demonstrate that by cooperating with His freely given gifts in life, will dwell with Him forever. They will never stumble too far off of the narrow path and will get back on it quickly when they do. The qualities of sanctification, increasing by and through God’s abiding love and grace, guide and empower their pursuit of personal holiness that leads them to His holy hill.
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