Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue. Acts 15:1-2

People like to add extra requirements to what it takes to be saved. The Jews who came from a Pharisaical background, of course, wanted to add circumcision. An easy “add” for them, since they were all circumcised as babies. Imagine the reaction of an adult Gentile!

Have I added more to the gospel and created extra requirements for people for salvation? The Bible way is believe (with all your heart) and be baptized. Pretty simple description. Is it enough? Can believing and being baptized really lead someone into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Yes!

God, thank you that its the same for great and small, rich or poor, simple or genius. Help me present the uncluttered truth of the gospel and lead many to You and salvation. For as the Bible says “there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved”. Its just Jesus!

O LORD, who may abide in Your tent?
Who may dwell on Your holy hill? Psalm 15:1

David understood the holiness of God. He posed the question, who can ‘hang out’ with God?
Those who are exhibiting the character of Jesus Christ, pure in heart, motive, and deed.

How about me? Is there truth in my heart? Is slander far from my tongue? Only because Jesus Christ is transforming me day by day.

God, the psalmist was right singing ‘better is one day in your courts, than thousands elsewhere’. Thank you that Jesus paid the price for my sins and is my righteousness. By faith I enter into Your presence.

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Psalm 19:7-10

Living God’s way results in a restored soul, rejoicing heart and so much more. Why wouldn’t everyone want to know His law and meditate upon it day and night and enjoy the benefits? Because we are bent on going our own way.

How about me? Do I know Him and His law? Yes, to a degree. It would certainly benefit me to His commands, judgments and testimony even better.

Lord God, I want to be a lifelong student of Your ways. I am so grateful You are with me to speak into my ear Your words as I need them throughout the day.

Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon’s house, appeared at the gate. Acts 10:17

Sometimes God speaks to us in dreams. He confirmed the meaning of a dream that the apostle Peter experienced by sending two soldiers.

Are there any dreams that I need confirmed? I am praying through something significant right now. I wonder if God will send a messenger to confirm the dream?

Lord Jesus, thank you that You work through other people who also are trying to discern Your will. Together we are moved by Your spirit to say things to other Christians. Use my words to help someone else today, even as You have used others in my life.

The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me. Psalm 16:5-6

David realized that God Himself was part of the package. He understood that spending eternity with God was now a part of his future. He could say that God Himself was something David would inherit. The Bible says we are co-heirs with Christ.

So it is with me. I have the most incredible inheritance. Talk about the lines falling in pleasant places!

God, this is incredible. As I make my way through today, let this truth produce in me a humility that accompanies the man who will inherit everything You have. May I be moved to generosity and a life poured out for Your sake.