Psalm 15 - Happy Mother's Day!

Ihave been so blessed with wonderful mothers in my life. My mother was, I wouldalmost say, the perfect mother. She loved us, cared for us, prayed for us, andset a wonderful example before us. We miss her so much. I’m sure there are manyothers out there whose mothers have gone to be with the Lord. We say, “Godbless you,” and we trust that God’s grace and comfort will surround you todayas you reflect on precious memories of your wonderful mother. Iam also married to one of the most wonderful mothers in all the world—andthat’s Edith. She is a reflection of Christ in her love for our children andgrandchildren. She is giving, kind, and the greatest cook in the world, as youcan probably tell when you look at me! Our grandchildren come to be with us, Ithink, just to eat her cooking. We are so blessed, and I’m sure many of you areas well. So today, we say to all the mothers out there: Happy Mother’s Day! Aswe were finishing our devotion yesterday on Philippians chapter 2, verses 1through 4—the introduction where Paul is basically telling us to be kind to oneanother, thoughtful of each other, and to look out for one another’s interestsrather than just our own—I couldn’t help but think of Psalm 15. Psalm15 is a psalm I memorized early in my Christian life. I memorized it because itonly has five verses. It’s a short psalm. The last verse ends with these words:“He that doeth these things shall never be moved.” That caught myattention. “He that doeth these things shall never be moved.” You cantell I memorized it in the old King James Version. I thought, “Wow, if you dothese things—what are these things?” Psalm15 has five verses, and David begins the psalm by asking a very importantquestion—one that we should all ask. It is found in verse 1: “LORD, who mayabide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?” In other words,who can truly enjoy fellowship with God? Who can live in the presence of theLord and experience communion with Him? That is a good question. Are youenjoying fellowship with the Lord? That’swhat Paul is talking about in Philippians chapter 2—and really throughout theentire book, for that matter. He is speaking of fellowship with the Lord andfellowship with one another, so that we become an example to the world aroundus as we live as citizens of heaven. Davidis not asking how a sinner can be saved, because we know from the wholetestimony of Scripture that salvation is given by grace through faith alone. Ephesians2:8–9 says: “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not ofyourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” Noone earns entrance into heaven by good deeds. We are saved only through therighteousness of Jesus Christ. ButPsalm 15 describes the character of the person who walks closely with God. Itdescribes the kind of life that enjoys intimate fellowship with the Lord. Yousee, sin breaks fellowship. It does not remove salvation for the true believer,but it does hinder communion with God. Isaiah 59:2 says: “But youriniquities have separated you from your God.” SoDavid is asking, “Who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who can walk daily inthe presence and blessings of God?” Then he begins to give us the answer inverse 2: “He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks thetruth in his heart.”  First, we findthat the person who enjoys fellowship with God is a person who walks uprightly. Overthe next few days, I believe we are going to continue through this psalm andanswer the question: “He that doeth these things shall never be moved.” Whatare these things? What are those qualities that lead us into true, intimatefellowship with Jesus Christ? That is what we want for all of our mothers, allof our dads, and all Christian believers who are reading or listening to ourPastor’s Chat today. Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!