Various Articles
When was the last time you made a truly eternal promise? If you’re married, hopefully, you’ve made an eternal promise of love and commitment. I’m sure if you have children, you’ve vowed to love and cherish them always. Even something as seemingly simple as getting a tattoo is a promise to yourself that you’ll carry that image on your body for the rest of your life.
Integrity is a part of your character that you can’t develop overnight- it involves a lifetime of good, honest, and moral decision-making. In Psalm 101, we read words written by David telling us how he desires to live with integrity in both his personal life and in his rule. Though none of us are likely to ever be kings, we can still apply a lot of this wisdom to our own lives, but you should probably leave the destruction of the wicked to others.
How thankful we are that the Son of Man has authority both to forgive sin and physically heal. The countless physical healings recorded in scripture are abundant evidence of this power and authority, but these were signposts pointing to the greater unseen healings which matter for eternity. Without the forgiveness of sins, physical healing in this age are of limited value and benefit.
Years ago I was led to discover the central importance of the kingdom, but I’m seeing that it is a lifetime venture to grasp the kingdom lifestyle. How very far I have yet to go! But the power of the kingdom, made possible through the resurrected and ascended Christ, through Holy Spirit, is quietly transforming. “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power” 1 Corinthians 4:20.
Psalm 85 continues this picture of desiring closeness with God, but takes a slightly different perspective. In Psalm 84, I get this imagery of excitement, anticipation, energized passion for God, whereas Psalm 85 depicts an image of peace, protection, and righteousness in relationship. There is still a deep longing for a connection, but it’s like comparing the honeymoon, “puppy-love” phase of a new marriage, to a secure, content, lifelong covenant marriage.
