Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

June 27
Wednesday

INTEGRITY 101

READ:
Psalm 101
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I will behave wisely in
a perfect way...I will
walk within my house
with a perfect heart.
__Psalm 101:2
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Officials in Phiiladelphia were astonished to receive a letter and payment from a motorist who had been given a speeding ticket in 1954. John Gedge, an English tourist, had been visiting the City of Brotherly Love when he was cited for speeding. The penalty was $15, but Gedge forgot about the ticket for almost 52 years until he discovered it in an old coat. "I thought , I've got to pay it," said Gedge, 84, who now lives in a nursing home in East Sussex. "Englishmen pay their debts. My conscience is clear."

This story reminded me of the psalmist David's commitment to integrity. Although he made some terrible choices in his life, Psalm 101 declares his resolve to live blamelessly. His integrity would begin in the privacy of his own house (v.2) and extend to his choice of colleagues and friends (vv.6-7). In sharp contrast to the corrupt lives of most kings of the ancient Near East, David's integrity led him to respect the life of his sworn enemy, King Saul (1 Sam. 24:4-6; 26:8-9).

As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk in integrity and to maintain a clear conscience. When we honor our commitments to God and to others, we will walk in fellowship with God. Our integrity will guide us (Prov. 11:3) and help us walk securely (10:9). __Marvin Williams
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Lord, cleanse my heart of all deceit~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~And teach me to be true;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Help me to have integrity~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~In all I say and do. __Sper~~~~~~~~~~~~
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**************Today's Bible Reading__Psalm 101******************

1 I will sing of mercy and
justice; to You, O LORD, I
will sing praises.

2 I will behave wisely in
a perfect way. Oh, when
will You come to me? I will
walk within my house with
a perfect heart.

3 I will set nothing wicked
before my eyes; I hate the
work of those who fall
away; it shall not cling to
me. 4 A perverse heart shall
depart from me; I will not
know wickedness

5 Whoever secretly
slanders his neighbor, him
I will destroy; the one who
has a haughty look and a
proud heart, him I will not
endure.

6 My eyes shall be on the
faithful of the land, that
they may dwell with me; he
who walks in a perfect way,
he shall serve me. 7 He who
works deceit shall not dwell
within my house; he who
tells lies shall not continue
in my presence. 8 Early I
will destroy all the wicked
of the land, that I may cut
off all the evildoers from
the city of the LORD.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Psalm 101 is known as a royal psalm as well as a messianic psalm.
Although the author did not expressly identify himself, this psalm
certainly fits the personality and character of David. David declares
how he wants to rule the kingdom. These principles are expressed in
the form of promises to God. David resolves to rule with mercy and
justice (v.1), to model a blameless life for his people (vv.2-4), and to
advance those whose walk is blameless (vv.5-8). Psalm 101 points to
a future time when Christ will live the perfect life and will rule with
perfect mercy and judgement. __SKT