1 I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
2 I will be careful to live a blameless life—
when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
3 I will refuse to look at
anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
I will have nothing to do with them.
4 I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.
5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.
6 I will search for faithful people
to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach
will be allowed to serve me.
7 I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,
and liars will not stay in my presence.
8 My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked
and free the city of the Lord from their grip.
It was time for Lacey to get a bath. I got tired of her walking by me smelling bad. I had gotten some baby shampoo not too long ago and used it in one of her baths. She seemed to be frustrated by her dry skin and scratched all the time. It was time again for a bath so I went to Tractor Supply yesterday and got some medicated dog shampoo. We have a harness that we put her in attached by a strong strap that keeps her from running around. She seems to tolerate me giving her a bath real well. I do it outside. I have a hose that has a shower setting on it. I wet her down real good, took the medicated shampoo and began to work it into her. She liked the rubbing and scratching. She will shake and get water and suds all over me and the rest of those within fifty feet of her. Every now and then she needs a good bath. Her itching has stopped and she no longer smells like wet dog. I am certain it will last for a few days, but hey, she smells better right now.
Every now and then I, me, Jim Crooks, the preacher, the pastor, the leader of the church, the husband, the dad, the friend…NEEDS A GOOD BATH!
It is always easy to see the warts and bruises on someone else. It is easy to deal with the stuff in other people’s lives and to give guidance. But then the Lord puts the mirror up and allows you to see yourself against the loving standard of God. What a standard for a leader to declare! This Psalm stopped me in my tracks…
Guess it is time to take inventory! How am I doing in my praise and worship life? Am I living a blameless life? How about my life of integrity at home where those that know me the most? Can I take inventory of what allow in the eye gate of my life? What am I looking at and watching? How connected am I to those who do wickedly as a practice of their lives? Do I stay away from evil ideas? Am I ready and willing to stay away from those who slander their neighbors? How about conceit and pride? Do I search for faithful people to be my companions? Do I stay away from deceivers and liars? Am I ready and willing to see the city of my life and discover where the sin is and ferret it out?
I guess I still hear the Scriptures, the Living Word of God that is our only guide for faith and practice, instruct me to work out my own salvation in fear and trembling. It is way to precious to leave to chance. I am reminded again that it is worth the effort and joining us in the process is our wonderful Savior.
OK…let’s get at it!
