PSALM 132
Promise of King David to the LORD verse 1- 5
LORD – remember David – and all his afflictions
how he swore to the LORD
and vowed to the mighty God of Jacob
Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house
nor go up into my bed
I will not give sleep to mine eyes – or slumber to mine eyelids
until I find out a place for the LORD
an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob
Presence of the LORD believed in the Ark verse 6- 8
Lo – we heard of it at Ephratah
we found it in the fields of the wood
we will go into HIS tabernacles
we will worship at HIS footstool
Arise – O LORD – into YOUR rest
YOU – and the ark of YOUR strength
Priests & Saints to worship
with joy and righteousness verse 9
Let YOUR priests be clothed with righteousness
and let YOUR saints shout for joy
Promise of the LORD to King David verse 10- 12
For YOUR servant David’s sake
turn not away the face of YOUR anointed
the LORD has sworn in truth to David
HE will not turn from it
of the fruit of your body will I set upon your throne
IF your children will keep MY covenant and MY testimony
that I shall teach them
their children shall also sit upon
your throne for evermore
Promise of the LORD to the children of Israel verse 13- 18
FOR the LORD has chosen Zion
HE has desired it for HIS habitation
This is MY rest for ever – here I will dwell
for I have desired it
I will abundantly bless her provision
I will satisfy her poor with bread
I will also clothe her priests with salvation
and her saints shall shout aloud for joy
There will I make the horn of David to bud
I have ordained a lamp for MINE anointed
HIS enemies will I clothe with shame
but upon HIMSELF shall HIS crown flourish
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 2 “How he swore to the LORD, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:”
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982). Vowed – Our root connotes the act of verbally consecrating (devoting to the service) of God, i.e. vowing to perform (Gen 28:20ff.), to make an offering (Lev 27), or to abstain from something (Ps 132:2ff.). Leonard J. Coppes, “1308 נָדַר,” ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke, Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 557.
DEVOTION: It is very important that we keep the promises that we make to the Lord! Our words have been and continue to be the basic element to prove what our character is. If we keep our vows and pay the debts that we agree to, we are a people of our word. If we look to disallow or renege on the agreements, we commit to we become liars and disrespectful. Although that is looked upon as acceptable to many in our culture and legal because of loopholes or mistakes, there is no mistake with the Lord when we make a vow. In Numbers 30 the Lord lays out some of the requirements for individuals who make a vow. As David was serious about his relationship with the Lord so we should be also. Our words and promises are important to Him and should be to us as well.
CHALLENGE: Take time to think about who you have made a promise to and then begin to fulfill that obligation. It means more than you realize! (Dr. Brian Miller – board member)
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 9 Let YOUR priests be clothed with righteousness; and let YOUR saints shout for joy. (6664 “righteousness” [tsedeq] means just, justice, adherence to what is required according to the standard; for example, a moral standard, though not always, straightness, rectitude, or right and just)
DEVOTION: Each morning those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ should go out and live according to that standard set forth in the New Testament for those who are genuine followers of Jesus Christ.
The Bible gives us the standard and it takes reading it on a daily basis to know and remember what that standard is for all those who want to be an example to the world of what a genuine believer is.
Today we are all saints that have given our lives to Jesus through a genuine commitment to the standard set forth in the New Testament. It is a daily commitment to ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in the right actions and right comments to those we meet and witness to.
We are God’s priests today and are clothed with HIS righteousness when we enter the world as witnesses for him. What people see in us should be what the LORD wants them to see.
This should not only bring joy to the LORD but also joy to our hearts as we work to please HIM each day.
We need to remember that we will never be perfect but we can confess our sins and HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us each day of them. We are saints that still sin but because of HIS death on the cross for us HE forgives us our sins and works with us toward a life that is pleasing to HIM.
We will never be perfect but our goal is to sin less each day, so that, our witness can reach those in our world for the LORD.
CHALLENGE: If people expect perfection from us they will disappointed because there was only one who was perfect on this earth and that was Jesus.
: 12 If your children will keep MY covenant and MY testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon your throne for evermore. (3925 “teach” [lamad] means accustomed, expert, instruct, train, learn, skillful.)
DEVOTION: The Hebrew language has twelve words for instruction. Here we have one word that informs us that the LORD is going to instruct the children of David. HE is going to instruct them in the covenant that HE made with David. HE is going to instruct them in HIS testimony.
The LORD worked with the whole congregation but gave special instruction to the leadership. HE especially wanted those who ruled over HIS people to understand and practice HIS covenant.
The promise was given that if they would obey HIS instruction, they would reign in Israel. There was even a promise of a coming ANOINTED one who would be a lamp for Israel. This ANOINTED one would be someone who would cloth the enemies of Israel with shame.
The ANOINTED ONE’S reign would flourish in Israel. We understand that the ANOINTED ONE is Christ the Messiah. Christ is going to reign in the future over Israel and all those who are saints. We need to listen to HIS instruction now and learn what it means to be a genuine follower of the LORD.
Many in our day call themselves Christians but their actions show that they don’t really want to obey HIS word. There is a connection between obedience and belief. Those who are genuine followers of Christ will admit that they are sinners in need of forgiveness. They will confess their sin and the LORD will be faithful and just to forgive them of their sin and restore them to fellowship with HIM.
We are all sinners until we die, but those who live in sin without any chastening are not genuine followers of the LORD. Remember that we are to “test the spirit” of those who are calling themselves Christians. The Word of God is the standard and those who want to be followers of the LORD will be continually learning from HIS word. Even so come LORD Jesus!!! Are we ready for the LORD to reign on this earth???
CHALLENGE: Always keep a teachable spirit within you. Always ask the LORD to direct you to those who are genuine followers. Keep your eyes looking into the Word of God with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to instruct you.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. (2623 “saints” [hasid] means holy one, godly, pious, one who is faithful, or good)
DEVOTION: The LORD makes promises to Israel. HE chose Israel as a nation. HE gave them a covenant. HE promised to teach them HIS commandments. Not only did HE promise to teach them the truths of the world but HE promised to teach each generation these truths. HE even promised that HE was going to dwell with them forever.
This Psalm continues to make a number of “I will” statements that the Psalmist credits to the LORD. HE promises to bless the nation with provisions that will even feed the poor of the land. HE promises to cloth the people with salvation, so that, they can shout for joy. HE promises that the Promised Land will come alive with power. HE states that HIS Anointed One will rule in Jerusalem. This is none other than Jesus Christ who will come a second time to reign on a throne in Jerusalem. The final promise is that the enemies of the LORD with be clothed with shame.
Our God is a promise keeping God. HE never lies. HE always does what HE says HE will do.
HE is a God that you can trust. There are many false gods in our world. Those who are followers of the TRUE God of the Bible have to be able to discern what is true and what is error. There are many false teachers around in our land. They can even seem to lead those who are the elect of God away from the true teachings of the Word of God.
There is a day coming when the LORD will return to call HIS true followers to HIS side to rule and reign with HIM. We need to be ready. We need to train others in the truth of the Word of God. Discernment is very important today.
CHALLENGE: Ask the LORD to give you discernment through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life. Ask the LORD to help you to teach others the truths that are found in the Word of God.)
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Remember verse 1
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Tabernacle verse 2, 7
Worship at HIS footstool verse 7
Saints shout for joy verse 9, 16
Priests verse 9, 16
Clothed with salvation
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Covenant verse 12
Testimony verse 12
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 1, 2, 5, 8, 11, 13
God – Elohim (Creator, Sovereign) verse 2, 5
God of Jacob verse 2, 5
Mighty God of Jacob verse 2, 5
God’s house come to rest verse 8, 14
Ark of God’s strength verse 8
Sworn in truth verse 11
Chosen Zion verse 13
Desired Zion for HIS habitation verse 13- 15
Promises to satisfy poor with bread verse 15
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
Anointed verse 10, 17
Crown verse 18
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Enemies verse 18
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Shame clothed with shame verse 18
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Affliction verse 1
Vowed verse 2
Worship verse 7
Clothed in righteousness verse 9
Saints verse 9
Shout for joy verse 9, 16
Servant verse 10
Anointed verse 10, 17
Truth verse 11
Covenant verse 12
Teach covenant and testimony verse 12
Chosen verse 13
Blessing verse 15
Provision of the LORD for poor verse 15
Salvation verse 16
Ordained verse 17
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
David verse 1, 10, 11, 17, 18
Swore unto the LORD
Vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob
Promised not to slumber until he found
a place for the LORD
Servant of the LORD
LORD will not turn from him
Throne given
Horn of David to bud
LORD ordained a lamp
Anointed
Crown will flourish
Tabernacle of my house verse 3
Place for the LORD’S house verse 5
Ephratah verse 6
Priests verse 9, 16
Throne for David verse 11, 12
If children of David keep covenant they
will reign verse 12
Zion verse 13
God will bless Zion verse 15
Crown flourish verse 18
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
When the ark covered the short distance from Kiriath-jearim to the newly captured Jerusalem, it was the climax of a journey of centuries, begun at far-off Sinai. At least two other psalms bring this event vividly to mind: Psalm 24, awestruck at the holiness of the King of glory, and Psalm 68, exultant at the great march of God and at his choice of little Zion as his royal seat. In the present psalm another strand of the pattern comes into view: the place of David in this enterprise. The first half reveals his sworn resolve to see the matter through, and re-lives the great occasion; the second half matches it with God’s resolve and oath to stand by David’s dynasty and by his own choosing of Zion.
Verse 10, in which a new ‘anointed one’ looks back to David, makes the psalm subsequent to David’s time. But 2 Chronicles 6:41f., quoting verses 8–10, shows that it existed early enough in the reign of Solomon to be ready for the dedication of his temple, when the ark completed the journey to which David had committed it. (Kidner, D. (1975). Psalms 73–150: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 16, pp. 484–485). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
This is one of the “Songs of Ascents” (see introduction to Ps 120). The psalm is a tenth-century composition, celebrating the bringing of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem (cf. 2 Sam 6:12–19; Ps 132:6–10). The procession from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem lies in the background of this poetic version of that grand moment in the history of redemption, when Zion was chosen as the capital of David’s kingdom and the center of worship. The Chronicler incorporates vv. 8–10 in Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple (cf. 2 Chronicles 6:41–42). Others interpret the psalm in the context of a coronation ceremony of a Davidic king (see Delbert R. Hillers, “Ritual Procession of the Ark and Ps 132,” CBQ 30 [1968]: 48–55).
The literary genre falls between the Songs of Zion and the royal psalms (see Allen, pp. 204–9). Because of its emphasis on the temple and on God’s election of Zion, the psalm is here classified as a Song of Zion. The Songs of Zion have much in common with the royal psalms, as they celebrate the glories associated with Jerusalem: temple and kingship. Unlike the royal psalms, the Songs of Zion proclaim the glories of Zion in universal and eschatological terms (see appendix to Ps 46: Zion Theology).
The exegesis of the psalm is complex because of critical, linguistic, literary, and theological issues. These need not be solved in this exposition (see Allen, pp. 204–9; Kraus, Psalmen 2:877–83; Terence E. Fretheim, “Psalm 132: A Form-Critical Study,” JBL 86 [1967]: 289–300). Because of its length and archaic features, the psalm’s place among the Songs of Ascents is clearly an enigma.
The literary structure divides into three stanzas (vv. 1–5, 6–10, 11–18); but, as Fretheim has demonstrated, the elements of liturgy, narration, and dissonance come together into one meaningful whole. The first stanza begins with a prayer and the second ends on a prayer, forming an inclusion (vv. 1, 10). The third stanza is a further development in response to the prayers for David. (VanGemeren, W. A. (1991). Psalms. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (Vol. 5, pp. 803–804). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
Ps 132:1–18. The writer, perhaps Solomon (compare Ps 132:8, 9), after relating David’s pious zeal for God’s service, pleads for the fulfilment of the promise (2 Sa 7:16), which, providing for a perpetuation of David’s kingdom, involved that of God’s right worship and the establishment of the greater and spiritual kingdom of David’s greater Son. Of Him and His kingdom both the temple and its worship, and the kings and kingdom of Judah, were types. The congruity of such a topic with the tenor of this series of Psalms is obvious. (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 386). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)
This psalm is a prayer of the congregation that the Lord would remember David’s vow concerning the dwelling place for the ark. The congregation found the answer to this prayer when they resolved to worship at the temple. They were reminded of God’s promises that David’s line would continue, that Zion would be His dwelling place, and that the Messiah would appear.
It is difficult to know the setting of the psalm. Perhaps it was a prayer by the returned exiles who wondered about the fulfillment of God’s promises to David, primarily the promises of eternal dominion to David’s family and of worship in righteousness in Zion. (Ross, A. P. (1985). Psalms. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 887). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
132:1–18 See note on Ps 120:1–7. The author and occasion are not specifically mentioned. However, the bringing of the tabernacle to Jerusalem in David’s time seems likely (cf. 2Sa 6:12–19 with 132:6–9). Further, Solomon’s quote of vv. 8–10 in his dedication of the temple (2Ch 6:41, 42) makes that time probable. Psalm 132 has strong historical implications with regard to the Davidic Covenant (cf. 2Sa 7:10–14, 16; Pss 89; 132:10, 11) and pronounced messianic and millennial overtones (Ps 132:12–18). Essentially, this psalm contains the nation’s prayers for David’s royal descendants which look ahead, even to Messiah. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Ps 132:1–18). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
Jesus uses the miracle feeding of the 4000 as a teaching tool for His disciples.
INSIGHT
After feeding the 4000, it is obvious that the disciples do not understand the significance of the event. Jesus says, “When I fed the 5000, how many loaves did you pick up afterward?” His disciples reply, “Twelve.” Then again, “When I fed the 4000, how many loaves did you pick up afterward?” “Seven,” they answer.
“Do you not yet understand?” the Lord asks them.
Then, some days later, Jesus is alone with the Twelve, and He asks them, “Who do you think I am?” Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Finally, progress! (Quiet Walk)
THE DESIRE TO SIN
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. John 17:15
The church and the Christian and the gospel are not so much concerned about removing the occasions for sin as removing from man the desire to sin. “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil…. Sanctify them” (John 17:15, 17). Our Lord is saying in effect, “I am not so concerned that You should take the occasion for sin away, but that You should take out of the man the desire to take advantage of the occasion.”
Do you see the difference? The gospel of Jesus Christ does not so much take the Christian out of the world as take the world out of the Christian. That is the point. “Sanctify them”: whatever the world is like around and about them, if the world is not in them, the world outside them will not be able to affect them. That is the glory of the gospel; it makes a man free in the midst of the devil’s work in this world.
Or let me put it like this: The gospel is not so much concerned about changing the conditions as about changing the man. Oh, the tragedy of the folly and the foolishness that has been spoken about this! People say, “But surely you must clear up the slums before these people can become Christians?” My friends, one of the most glorious things I have ever seen is a man who has become a Christian in the slums and then, though remaining in the same place, has transformed his home and house there. You need not change the man’s conditions before you change the man. Thank God, the gospel can change the man in spite of the conditions.
A Thought to Ponder
The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not so much take the Christian out of the world as take the world out of the Christian.
(From Sanctified Through the Truth, pp. 17-18. by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Statement of Christ’s Purpose
“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)
Schools, businesses, and institutions are all well-advised to develop and live by a “statement of purpose” if they are to be successful, evaluating each activity by its effectiveness in fulfilling that purpose.
As Christians, we should also have a well-defined purpose. Each individual’s specific purpose will vary somewhat, depending on that person’s giftedness, background, and circumstances; but since Christ is our example, each Christian’s statement of purpose should reflect His priorities and values.
In many ways, Mark’s gospel provides the most vivid and explicit insight into the work of Jesus, and in this book we see Jesus often repeating His statement of purpose. “Jesus came…preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying…repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus Christ had come with the specific purpose of saving the lost, and everything He did pointed to that end. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (2:17).
Christ not only preached to sinners, but He trained and sent out His followers to see that His mission was effectively carried out, even after He was gone. “And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth….And they went out, and preached that men should repent” (6:7, 12). Regarding His approaching death, He explained: “The Son of man came…to give his life a ransom for many” (10:45). As He left them, He commanded, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (16:15).
Our priorities should be the same as His. If everything we do points toward this end, His mission will thereby be accomplished. “Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it” (8:35). (JDM, The Institute for Creation Research)
Rising to Dance
The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable. 1 Corinthians 15:42
In a widely shared video, an elegant elderly woman sits in a wheelchair. Once a famed ballet dancer, Marta González Saldaña now suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. But something magical happens when Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is played to her. As the music builds, her frail hands slowly rise; and as the first trumpets blast, she starts performing from her chair. Though her mind and body are perishing, her talent is still there.
Reflecting on that video, my thoughts went to Paul’s teaching on resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. Likening our bodies to a seed that is buried before it sprouts into a plant, he says that though our bodies may perish through age or illness, may be a source of dishonor, and may be wracked with weakness, the bodies of believers will be raised imperishable, full of glory and power (vv. 42–44). Just as there is an organic link between the seed and the plant, we will be “us” after our resurrection, our personalities and talents intact, but we will flourish like never before.
When the haunting melody of Swan Lake began to play, Marta at first looked downcast, perhaps mindful of what she once was and could no longer do. But then a man reached over and held her hand. And so it will be for us. Trumpets will blast (v. 52), a hand will reach out, and we’ll rise to dance like never before.
(By Sheridan Voysey -Our Daily Bread)
1 Corinthians 15
Christ’s resurrection is the basis for our resurrection, which is the final victory over sin.
INSIGHT
It is difficult for us to imagine what our resurrected bodies will be like. Yet there are snatches of information in the Scriptures that may give us some idea. In Matthew 17, for example, we read about Jesus, Moses, and Elijah who, having lost their earthly appearance, glow with a dazzling light. From this one brief example, we might conclude that our bodies will shine with dazzling light, that we will be free from gravity, that we may travel at fabulous speeds, and will be able to appear and disappear. C. S. Lewis once wrote that if we were to see our glorified selves coming down the street, we would be tempted to fall at our own feet and worship ourselves. (Quiet Walk)
I Will Build My Church
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:181)
This is the first of 115 occurrences of ekklesia in the New Testament—three times translated “assembly,” all other times as “church.” It is a compound of ek and klesia, thus meaning “called out” from their previous locations to meet together as a body for some purpose. The three times it is translated “assembly” refer to the town meeting in Ephesus (Acts 19:32, 39, 41). Once it refers to the congregation of Israelites in the wilderness (Acts 7:38), leaving 111 times when it refers to a Christian church or churches.
Of these 111, at least 86 clearly refer to local churches, each meeting as a body in specific times and places. Individual local churches may come and go, but the institution of the local church will continue at least until the return of Christ. In the Bible’s final chapter, after outlining the entire future of the world, Jesus said, “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches” (Revelation 22:16). All churches of all times and places, as well as the seven representative churches of Asia (Revelation 2 and 3), which have long since died out as distinct local churches, are thus intended to hear of the world’s prophetic future.
This is the last mention of churches, but the first, as cited in our text, has eternal dimensions, for even the “gates of hell” cannot prevail against it. This church actually will be in heaven itself. “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Hebrews 12:22-23). (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
Love God, Not the World
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 JOHN 2:15
I don’t have to tell you how hard the world is vying for your affections. It beckons you and me with the lure of lesser loyalties. The world wants you to have a better car, a bigger house, more-fashionable clothing, a sleeker cell phone, a snazzier computer. And nearly every day in the mail, you are offered a brand-new credit card to buy it all with.
But what you may not realize is that money and possessions are not the only things the world offers to demand your affections and compromise on one of the Bible‘s clearest commands.
Non-negotiable Number Three: Love God, Not the World
What in the world do you love? Why not complete a year-end inventory of your heart and its affections? Just like a year-end inventory in a big warehouse, walk down the aisles of your heart and take note of what clutters the shelves. How do you use your time? What do you think about and talk about?
Perhaps you’ll find some “old inventory” that should be moved out of your heart. Perhaps there are some habits you’ve developed over the years—and if you are honest, you really love these old habits more than you love God.
Things like hobbies or television—or perhaps even addictions like food, alcohol, drugs or pornography.
Perhaps the inventory will reveal a possession that you realize owns you. It is in competition with God for your love.
Perhaps it’s time to clear out some inventory and replace it with some fresh obedience to God’s commands.
Wasn’t it Jesus who said the greatest commandment was to “love the Lord your God with all your heart” (Matthew 22:37)?
Love God. Love His people. Love His mission and will. When you’re consumed with love for Him, you won’t have much room left to love the world.
DISCUSS
Discuss a year-end inventory of your hearts. What is competing for the affections of your heart today? (Moments with You Couples Devotional by Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
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