Essential Church -Part 2 -When will the building be done?

Secondly, we want to know if the building of the Church will ever be completed?

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Here we have the Great Commission. Jesus Christ gives the marching orders to the church. He tells them to go, and as they go they are to shared the gospel, baptize, and teach believers to observe the commands of Christ. Jesus promises his presence with the church unto the end of the world. I believe this indicated to us when Christ building project will be over. The event that will end the “Church Age” is the Rapture.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. The Rapture the day of presentation that is mentioned in the following verse: Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. The individual believer is promised in that Christ will continue to work in his life, to make him more like Christ (sanctification), until the very same day. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Paul explains to the Ephesians the work of the Church is to be done until we become like Christ, which will only happen in eternity. Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 1John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Until Christ returns, or until I go to heaven, the Bible commands my participation in the building of local New Testament churches on this planet. This is not drudgery. This is a privilege. 1 Corinthians 3:9a For we are labourers together with God…

You see, God doesn’t need our help, but he gives us the privilege to work with him. Picture a 7-year old walking into the garage when his dad is changing the oil. Dad asks, “Would you like to help?” The boys replies, “Sure.” Here is the question, is the boy going to truly be a help, or will he more than likely slow dad down. He is going to slow him down, but that is okay. Dad doesn’t mine. He wants to involve his son and help him to learn. It is the child’s privilege to help his dad with the car. So it is our privilege to help our heavenly Father with the building of the local church. Church is essential if you want to work where God is working. One day the work will be over and we will no longer be able to help. I remember countless times running from my dad when there was work to do. Now that I am gone from my father’s house, I would love the opportunity to help him do anything I could, mow the lawn, change the oil, rake the leaves. I miss the opportunities to help him. As Christians, we will miss the opportunities to serve God through the local church, but once in heaven there will be no more opportunities to serve God in the Church.

Essential Church: The Program of God

Many people are leaving their church as they reach young adulthood. Statistics say that more than half of those who leave are not leaving because they are rebelling against God, although they are and don’t know it. They are not leaving because their mad at someone. They simply can’t find a reason to stay. They feel disconnected, unneeded, and perhaps they sense more connection with another group in their life such as: co-workers, college buddies, sports team, etc. Some of them don’t intend on staying away forever, they just want a little break, but the reality is that weeks turn into months, turn into years, and the little break because an extended vacation. I remember a girl who used to attend our youth group. At the time she was the godliest girl in the group. She decided that she just wanted a little time away from any responsibility home, school, church, it didn’t matter. She just wanted a break. Sadly, several years later she is still on her break. I don’t believe she left because she hated God or because she wanted to be rebel against everything she knew was right, but I do believe that church became unessential to her for some reason. I understand that if young people were more doctrinally grounded in God’s word they would have a greater commitment to the local church, but that is part of the problem. They are not grounded in the teachings of scripture and therefore they get tossed to and fro while they try to find meaning in young adulthood.

Teenagers and young adults, my desire for writing this is two-fold. First, as a pastor I want to know God’s reasons for wanting us to be a part of a local church. I believe the Bible contains the answer for this. Secondly, I would like for you to develop the Biblical conviction that church is essential to your life.

In life we will outgrow many things, clothes, shoes, 2^nd grade desk, nap time, sippy cups, diapers, training wheels, happy meals, but we will never get so big that we outgrow church. Let’s consider why this is true.

Church is essential because:

#1 Christ is building the church

Matthew 16:18 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.

While Jesus Christ was ministering on earth, he began to build the Church. The word “rock” is not a reference to Peter. It is a illustration of Jesus Christ. All throughout the Old Testament this word “rock” or “petra” is used in reference to God, never to describe a man. Even in the New Testament, the word “rock” is used to describe Jesus Christ. Christ said in this verse that he will build his church and the devil or any other evil work will not stop it. I think of a few questions when I read this. Where is the building of this church taking place? And, Will the building ever stop? Well, the building started in Jerusalem. Remember Acts 2. The believers are gathered in that upper room on Pentecost and they are empowered by the Holy Spirit and some three thousand people are added to the church. They were not only added to the sum total of all believers in the world, but they were added to that local group of believers that Christ start to build while he was on earth Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. They heard the truth of the gospel and then they connected themselves with Christ’s work. In the remaining part of Acts 2, we see how these believers gathered together around the teaching of the apostles (Old Testament), how they encouraged one another, and evangelized their area. In just a short while, God would allow persecution of this church to aid spreading them to God was at work building churches all over the world. It all started in Jerusalem, but soon is would spread all over and turn the world upside down. Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Today the building continues in many parts of the world. This is not a man’s doing. It is Jesus Christ still working, doing what he promised. This work cannot be stopped. It is empowered from Heaven and nothing can withstand it advance.

The following is a passage that shows one of the Jews first attempts and stopping Christ’s work of building the Church. Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, gave a great prophetic statement without even knowing it. He basically confirmed what Christ promised in Matthew 16:18. Read and be amazed at how his statements have come to past.

Acts 5:34-42 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

I believe “Church” is essential because it is where a current building project of Jesus Christ. He died for me. He sacrificed so much so that I could be restored to God, my sins could be forgiven, and that I could have a home in heaven. I want to demonstrate my love and devotion to him by being a part of the work that he started and is still doing. Some people go to church. I like to think of it as going to build a church. Working as a partner is a big deal. I want to be where the action is. I want to be right in the thick of everything God is doing in this world. If that is your attitude too, then Church is Essential, because local churches is where God is and where he is working.

Tomorrow, I will work to answer the second question I posed: “Will the building ever stop?”

You Look Like Your Daddy

My grandpa called and wanted to buy 100 of the "Just Like My Daddy" books. He is convinced that everyone in the whole world will want to read them. Perhaps it's because the book uses his son, grandson, and great-grandson as illustrations in every chapter. He had only one request, and no it had nothing to do with fixing typos. He wanted me to add one more chapter on the following subject. If anyone would like to proofread this and copy/paste it in a email to me @ centralbaptistocala@gmail.com I would be grateful.

You Look Like Your Dad

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

As a little boy growing up in the small town Sullivan, Missouri, I heard it a lot. In the grocery store, at the state park, at church, wherever I went people would say, “You must be a Lahmann?” At the age of of nine I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult. However, now that I'm almost thirty I am very proud to be a Lahmann. People would also say, “I don't know who your momma is, but I know who your daddy is.” It seemed that everywhere I went in that town people knew me before I knew them. They didn't necessarily know me personally, but they could see my family resemblance before I ever got close enough to shake their hand. It's funny people do the same thing with my son. The day he was born, which was fourteen days late, he came out ten pounds two ounces. The doctors said, “We know who this kid belongs to.” It was obvious he was already taking after his two hundred and fifty pound father. I put on a few pounds during the pregnancy. His resemblance is still being argued but because of his size and his bald head, people automatically say, “He looks just like his dad.” He is a Lahmann there is no doubt about it.

In the Bible, Jesus identifies the father of the Pharisees by their resemblance. The way they act has told the world who their father was. Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. The Bible tells us we can see who a person belongs to by what they produce in their life. The Pharisees were rightly identified as children of the Devil because of their lying, deceptive, sinful lifestyle. They looked good outwardly but inwardly they were sinful. Their hearts were full of sin, but they were counting on their good deeds to gain them favor with God. No one has ever gained favor with God by doing something. Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Every man is born resembling the devil. We are all born bent toward sinning. Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

We all need to be adopted into God's family in order to begin to resemble God and not the devil. Without the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins from God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we have no hope of ever resembling God. However, when we are saved, God adopts us into his family and empowers us with his Holy Spirit. Then he gives us spiritual blessings, according to Ephesians 1:3, that enable us to begin to look like him. Phlippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: When a person is saved they now have God's power and help to live a life free from sin and the ability to live and look like their new Father.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

There is this little smirk that Elijah makes and every time he does it, I laugh. It's a little grin he does when he is sort of embarrassed, but wanting to laugh and smile at the same time. He holds his lips tightly together, looks up at you out of the corner of his eyes and slightly smiles. It reminds my of my dad every time. There is no denying it, he looks like a Lahmann. But Christian, we look like our family. We say we are saved. We tell people that we believe Jesus Christ makes a real difference in our life, but then why do we not want to act like him? Why are we so drawn to look and act like the unsaved who are simply emulating their father. If you are saved, you have the great privilege of resembling your Father today.

A Plan To Purify The Palace - Part 4

4. A Pure Palace continues with the king's house. (4-8)

Psalm 101:4-8 …4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

In these 5 verses, King David lays out the disqualifications for serving in his house. There are certain types of people that he will hire and others that will be fired. Take a look.

a. Disqualifications for Serving in the Palace

1. Froward Hearts will be fired (4)

· An attitude or state of mind that is set on doing wrong, not changing, there is no desire to live for God.

· King David wants his palace pure, and he understands that in cannot be so if the people who are helping him do not have a pure heart for God.

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2. Wicked People will be fired (4)

· very simply stated people who rebel against God’s work

· We think of wicked people as murderers or adulterers, God defines them as people who disobey his Word.

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3. Slanderers-will be fired (5)

· speaking lies about others

· Honesty, integrity, working as a team, being helpful is a must for a pure palace

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4. Proud and cocky people will be fired (5)

· those who are not humble, they don’t need anyone’s help, they are self-sufficient

· Proud people will never help others, they will be selfish and stir up strife amongst people.

·

· Deceitful people will be fired (7)

· People who bend and twist the truth, they are not honest, keep back parts of truth, ½ truth tellers

· The King need servants who will be 100% honest, even when the truth hurts. He cannot get wise counsel if his counselors are keeping back part of the truth.

· Liars might refer to bold faced lies. They know they are doing wrong and keep doing it.

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b. Qualifications for Serving in the Palace

1. Faithful people will be hired (6)

· These are people who will always do right no matter the circumstance or situation.

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2. People walking perfectly will be hired (4)

· King David wants those who are likeminded. They have the same desire to live for God. When his servants wake up their first thoughts are towards God and pleasing God with their attitude and actions. They are not perfect, but they are striving to please God in everything they do.

·

If we are ever to have a pure palace/life, we must consider the people we allow into the walls of our life. If they are forward, slanderers, wicked, deceitful, eventually their sinful will become mine. Because I’m a sinner by nature, I will always have a leaning toward sinning. This is why it is extremely important that I surround myself with Godly people that will challenge and encourage me to keep my palace pure.

Take inventory of your friends and the people who influence you from the media. If they are not Godly, they need to be “fired.” Then put up a sign that say, “Now accepting applications.” Look for Godly people to “hire” as your friends.

Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 22:11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

I intentionally left one empty bullet point on each disqualifications/qualification. See if you can find a Bible verse to fit each of these qualifications/disqualifications.

A Plan To Purify The Palace - Part 3

3. A Pure Palace continues with the king's hatred. (3)

Psalm 101:3b …I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

If King David ever hopes to keep his palace pure, he must not keep company with evil people or people that turn aside. In his plan for purity, David declares that people who hinder the work will be hated by him and he will not allow these types of people to be a part of his leadership and/or presence. In life there will always be people who try to “turn aside.” They want to discourage the work of God in whatever way possible. Perhaps it is because they love sin more than God, or maybe they want to discourage others from righteousness so that it is not a conviction to them personally. Whatever the logic, David sets an example of hating the work of people who pull others away from God instead of towards him. In order to keep the palace of our life pure we must hate the work of those that turn aside.

What about movie stars? I’m not suggesting that all movies are bad, but do movie stars help people live for God, or do they turn them away from godliness? What about your friends? Do they help you live for God, or do they turn you away? David had a clear desire to live in God’s presence and he wanted to help others to do the same. Therefore, anyone that would hinder this was hated and no catered to.

What do you do if someone is trying to “turn you away” from following God?

Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Proverbs 1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
o Don’t consent
o Don’t follow
o Run the opposite direction
o Stay away from them

Sometimes we think that Christians are never to be angry or hate anything, but this isn’t Biblical.

Ps 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
Ps 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Ps 119:113 SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
Ps 119:163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. Ps 139:22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
Ps 139:22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
Pr 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Pr 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Ec 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Isa 61:8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Jer 44:4 Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.
Am 5:15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.
Am 6:8 ¶ The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

I suppose, we get the point. God hates sin and so should we. Remember that our main job is not to go around clean other people’s palaces. If we truly have a godly hatred for sin we will be pretty busy just keeping up with all of our own “housework.” Make it a habit not to allow influences into your life that would turn you away from God. Whether they live with you, you work with them, or you simply hear them on the television, don’t let these people stop you from loving God.

The Galatian Christian’s were doing so well in their spiritual growth, but someone happened to them. No, it is not a typo. Someone happened to them.

Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

They allow someone to influence them to the point where they stopped living by the Bible and followed after sinful idea. Don’t let anyone hinder you from Godliness. Keep the Palace pure.

A Plan To Purify The Palace -Part 2

2. A Pure Palace continues with the king's head. (3)

Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Purifying the palace takes a decision to have a pure heart, but this can never happen if what is set before the king’s eyes in wicked or evil. If the entertainment he enjoys is sinful, it will not be very long before the king’s heart is no longer pure.

Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…

The Bible is clear that what I allow my mind to dwell on, I will become. If my thoughts are always on chocolate, I’m constantly reading about it, comparing different types, thinking about how good it taste, eventually I am going to eat a bunch of chocolate. If I’m constantly watching television shows that are filled with cursing and using the Lord’s name in vain, it will only be a matter of time before I begin to use these words in my mind and then out loud. What I watch I will become. Think about the influence of television on America. I believe that Hollywood steers the direction of our beliefs, convictions, actions more than Washington or the Bible does. Many sins that were once abhorred by the majority of Americans are now tolerated and allowed because of the influence of what we have seen. Sin no longer shocks us. Sin no longer bothers us. We have the attitude that everyone is doing it so it can’t be wrong.

Lamentations 3:51 Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city.
This affect can be either good or bad. If I allow myself to view things that are godly and wholesome, it will help my heart to be the same. I remember going to Brazil and seeing the poverty and the spiritual needs of so many people. What my eye saw there has forever changed my heart. I’ll never see the word Brazil without thinking of poor people picking through the trash at the city dump. I’ll always remember those dear people who need Jesus Christ more than they need food, clothes, or a house to live in. Mine eye affected my heart for the better.

Joshua 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. Achan’s sin began when he saw what was prohibited. You can read Joshua 7 for the entire context.

2 Samuel 11:2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

2 Samuel 11:2 shares a story later in David’s life when he no doubt was not thinking of purify the palace but rather fulfilling the sinful desires of his flesh. David saw Bathsheba and he began to think and think and think on what he saw. Eventually, he had his servants send for her and he committed adultery with her. I believe David’s first glance was an accident, but no doubt he look again and again. I can imagine what he saw consumed his mind for some time as he wrestled with what to do, but eventually he gave in to sin and fulfilled the promise of James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

If we are to keep the palace of our life pure, we will need to be careful what we set in front of our eyes. I am tempted with materialism (wanting more, better, nicer, bigger, what he has) when I go shopping. I don’t think about all the stuff I don’t have until I see it. I’m not suggesting that you quit shopping. I’m just trying to prove that what I see affects my attitude, heart, and eventually actions. All of us have bought something we thought we needed so bad, only to realize a few days later that it wasn’t that vital to my life.

May God help us to keep a pure heart by keeping a pure head.

A Plan To Purify The Palace

Scholars believe that Psalms 101 was written at the beginning of King David's rule. It seems to make sense that in the very early days of his reign he declares the standards for his own personal conduct as well as all those who will serve with him in the palace. In most palaces, the farther back to went the more wickedness and evil deeds you would find. David was determined that this would not be the way his kingdom was run. Immorality, fornication, evil, sinfulness, indulgence to the flesh would not find any place in his palace.

Notice David's plan to purify his palace.

1. Pure Palaces begin with the king's heart. (2)
Psalm 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto
me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

David's declaration to God and to the people of his palace was that he we behave

A. Wisely in a perfect way

There is no doubt that David was not perfect. Even after this declaration he sinned. He sinned because he is a sinner just like every other human being. However, David's perfection was found in his whole-hearted desire to please God with every day of his life. It was more important to David than popularity, riches, or a bigger kingdom. He wanted to have God's presence with him and his kingdom. In the middle of this verse David interrupts himself by saying, "O when wilt thou come unto me?" Most likely this is a reference to the Ark of the Covenant, which was where the presence of God dwelt. David wanted God's presence in Jerusalem with him. He understood that God could never be present with someone who would not strive to please God with their entire life. He no doubt witness first-hand how that God's presence left King Saul when he because filled with sinful and selfish ambitions. Having the Ark of the Covenant close by would have been a confirmation to David that God was with him, please with him, and that he would receive constant aide and direction from God.

Our desire should be to have God’s presence with us at all time. However, this takes a desire to walk/live wisely in a perfect way. But what does that look like. When you wake up in the morning, is one of your first thoughts about spending some time with God? As you encounter difficulty throughout the day, do you ever think to ask God for help? Do you ever notice other people and think, “this person needs to know about salvation?” Do you struggle with your flesh on a regular basis because you are fighting to do what is right? Do you catch yourself before you tell a lie, say a bad word or a critical comment about someone else? Do you turn your head when you see something that you shouldn’t? Do you ask God to clear your mind of wrong thoughts when they appear on your brain’s monitor? These are some questions that will help you know if you are striving to walk wisely with God in a perfect way. Remember not to be discouraged when you fail. We will all fail until heaven, yet failure should motivate us to depend on God’s help even more. Failure should help us realize how wicked our hearts truly are. This is why David praise God for his mercy and judgment because he knows God is forgiving if we will turn back to him after failure and strive again with his help to do right.

I Need Thee Every Hour

Annie S. Hawks

I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

no tender voice like thine can peace afford.

Chorus

I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee;

O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby;

temptations lose their power when thou art nigh.

I need thee every hour, in joy or pain;

come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

I need thee every hour; teach me thy will;

and thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I need thee every hour, most Holy One;

O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son.

2. Walk within his house with a perfect heart

David realizes that if the outward appearance of his kingdom is to be godly, then the inward heart of the king must be godly as well. This godliness was not just to be during public appearances, but also in his private residence. His desire is not to put on a show that looks perfect, but his desire and promise to God is that his heart truly will be perfect. The King could easily cover-up his wickedness with threats and bribes, but King David’s desire was not to be a hypocrite. He wants his heart to be continually striving to depend on God and to please God with every thought, goal, and desire of his life.

If we ever want God’s presence in our palace/life, our first desire must be for a perfect heart. We must also strive for godliness in private as well as in public. Some many of us are really good at acting like Christians at church or when others are watching, but what about when we are at home. May God help us not to be so concerned with the outside first, but with the inward. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. The word “transformed” means “to be changed from the inside out.” It comes from the same word that means metamorphosis. If we are to be godly, we need to ask God to help us in our heart. David wants everything that goes on in his palace to please God. Psalms 101 reveals to us his plan to purify the palace. Step #1 of that plan was to purify his inward and private life. May God help us to do the same so that our life is pleasing to God as well.