Psalm 73

Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than a heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning opression; they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them. And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches.

Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I had said, "I will speak thus," behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me--Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely you set them in slippery places; you cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, so, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all your works.

You CAN obey

Romans 6:17: "But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered."

Obey

When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it--the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me [i.e. this is how you show your love for me]...I appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. I command you to love each other. (NLT)

Love is not a feeling

"Love is not a feeling. It is a decision you make about how you're going to treat people."

Joyce Meyer

Proverbs 10:11

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.

A timely word from the LORD

William Penn and Ephesians 5

Just skimming No Cross, No Crown (I shouldn't start reading it until I've finished my other books). This book seems to draw a strong line between true disciples and nominal Christians. I asked God to show me a word. First, what came to mind was how there were many who followed Jesus in crowds pushing and jostling him but only the one woman who had faith and how little that number is. Then, the verses about the many who turned back in Athens on account of the word because it was too hard* for them sprang to mind. Then, I looked in my Bible and read this verse (in its context of living in the light): "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person--such a man is an idolator--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them."

While I don't claim to fully understand, I think a Christian cannot relax his or her attitude about holiness.

*Although it is NOT hard to love Jesus, these Athenians loved their own understanding more.

Earnestness

"Satan is so much more in earnest than we are--he buys up the opportunity, while we are wondering how much it will cost."

Amy Wilson Charmichael