True Consistency

 

     This is the last message or presentation of our four part series on the twelve lesson for life found in Psalm 15.  Benjamin Franklin had has 13 principles for life.  Jordan Peterson had his 12 rules for life.  David gives his twelve and I think I would rather have David’s.  David says those who do these principles or rules for life with not be shaken.  David makes it clear that if you want a solid life it must be built on the Lord.  Jesus told his audience that a man who does the will of God must build his life on a rock so when the storms of life come they will not be shaken.  Sound like good advice.  Let us look at the last three today,

 

Does not change their mind; NIV, does not change. NASV, changeth not KJV,  

Now this almost seems a part of keeping your promise but it also a rule or principal in other areas of life.  There is a standard of life it is the word of God.  It is standard for faith and practice.  Also as a Christian we need to be like Jesus Christ.  He is the same yesterday today and forever.  What David talking about here is a consistency of character.  Being faithful, walking with integrity.  Being trustworthy, honest and stable.  Some called this maturity.  Many people get older but not necessarily mature. 

Change is inevitable and healthy but some things are not.  Culture, morality, standards truth, societal may try to drive change and call it progressive but some things must not change.  What we are talking about speaks to something I said in the last message.  The truth, laws, principles, statutes and law of the Bible are timeless and proven.  We stand on them.  We stand on thus sayeth the word of the Lord.  It does not matter what a government, judge, human rights council, lawmaker or legislature says.  If the Bible says it is wrong it is wrong.  Those who in the name of inclusion, openness, tolerance and progress and put aside the Word of God for the sake of being culturally relevant are actually false prophets, liars unsaved and deceived.  The Bible again does not have to be re-written, or re-interpreted it needs to be re-read. 

God’s consistency and stability brings order to chaos, truth to lies, knowledge to ignorance and discipline to confusion.  Remember the Lord is not the author of confusion the devil is.  Like anyone I believe in change but not at the expense of truth, righteousness and justice.

 

Who lends money to the poor without interest.

 

1.       David was again emphasizing a law given by Moses of never charging interest on a loan to a fellow Jew or poor man.  Jesus walked about not taking a poor person belongings as collateral for a loan.  David was talking about being generous.  He is talking about helping others without any thought of them returning the favor.  This follow through with charity, acts of kindness, generosity and love.

2.       Here is a quote about being Generous.  Being generous connects you with people and improves your relationships. Generous people find success as they help others succeed. Generous people believe changing even one life is worthwhile. Generous people see the skills and resources to give, not just money.

3.       Here are Seven reasons to be generous and be givers.

 

a.       Being generous makes you happier and generates happiness.  God loves a cheerful giver.

b.      Generous people trust in people.

c.       Generous people give first - they don’t wait for others to be generous to them first and then decide to give.

d.      It shows that you have the nature and character of God. 

e.      You understand that as you give you receive.  It is the law of the sower.

f.        It is a command to give. 

g.       It releases the resources of heaven.

4.       Jesus said when we give and help others we are doing it unto Him.  We are helping Jesus as Mother Theresa put it in his destressing disguise.  Helping the poor without any thought of return or benefit so you can receive a reward from God.  You do it in secret so your Father in heaven will reward you.  We are God’s hand of love.

 

Who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

 

1.       Obviously David was talking about officials in authority.  As a leader he was definitely thinking about abuse of power and authority.  Now this can apply to any level.  A parent, teacher, municipal, provincial, or Federal.  It could be business or social.  Never be involved in any wrong doing especially against the innocent.  God keeps the record and no one gets away with anything.  Corruption is everywhere but the one who is righteous will never be involved in it.  There are two reasons why corruption happens.  Greed and evil desires. 

2.       Did you know?    Corruption has an impact on investment, trade,  aid, growth, inequality, black market economy and crime.  It leads to skepticism, cynicism and the belief that all politicians are corrupt.  That is what has happened in Canada.  This present government has proven that and the sad part is that we are getting the governments we deserve because the church has failed to be the voice of morally, ethics, justice and truth.  The only answer to the church and the society as a whole is a righteous, holy and powerful church.   The world should be more afraid of the church than we should be of the world.  Remember greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world.  Never take part in anything to hurt another person especially the innocent. 

3.       Here are the reasons why people hurt others, they were abused, are angry, have control issues, do not set or have boundaries, have a mental issue, afraid, lack empathy, tired and exhausted.  These are reasons but not justifications  or excuses.  Everyone is a victim in pain, hurt or offended.  The secret is to forgive.  Which is another sermon.

4.       James says that true religion is taking care of the widows and orphans and staying unpolluted by the world.  We are our brother’s keeper.  Never gossip, slander, lie, mistreat or hurt another.  God is watching and God will judge.  What we do to others will be done to us.  Remember to treat others as you would want to be treated.   

 

     David close by saying that those who do these things, follow these rules or principles will not be shaken.  They will have a foundation for life.  They will have a philosophy for living.  No one and nothing will shake their world because their lives is based in Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  They have followed the Word of God.  They have a rock on which to stand.  The have a refuge and fortress.   No matter what is going around them  they have a firm grasp on reality.  They know all things work together for God.  They are not anxious but peaceful.  They have cast their fears, cares and burdens to the Lord and He is carrying them.  This is the promise and reality.  You want peace that passes all understanding this is the way.  This is a work of grace and the Spirit.  Let us close with prayer that this reality would be deposited in our lives today.  Prayer today is the avenue and vehicle which this is release.  We have heard the promise and now through prayer lets receive. 

 

 

 

 

 

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