I Would Rather

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I Would Rather

We all have preferences  of what we would rather have,  or rather do,  in every sort of situation.     And it is appalling to realize  that there really are people  who prefer to be nasty to others,  prefer to cheat,  prefer to steal,  lie,  beat someone up,  etc.      Evil is the preferred way of life  for many — and they will justify their actions  by claiming to be superior  to others.     They have no remorse or sorrow  over anything they’ve done.     Rather,  they defend themselves  as being right.

These people often get away with their spiteful life styles  for a long time.     But, they will have to face God’s judgment  in the end.

God’s children  have different preferences.     Psalm 84:10  expresses the desires  of those  who know and trust the Lord,

For a day  in Thy courts  is better  than a thousand  outside.
I would rather stand  at the threshold  of the house of my God,
Than  dwell  in the tents  of wickedness.

What a comparison.     Just one day  of being near God  is better  than a thousand days away from God.     Away from God,  people feel  “free”  to sneak around  and commit all sorts of sins.     Away from God,  they don’t pay any attention  to feelings of guilt  or remorse.     They might claim  to be free,  but they are really enslaved  and shackled  to sin.     The psalmist realizes  that one day near God  is a day of real freedom,  joy,  and peace.     That is a day  to be treasured  and sought out.

The psalmist wants so much  to be near God,  that even if he could just  “stand at the threshold  of the house  of my God”,  he would feel so much better  than having to spend any time  near the wicked.     When a person spends time  with wicked people,  the wicked drag one down  into all sorts of evils.     Their intent is  to make others  just as bad  or worse  than they are.     Their only joy is in seeing good people fall  into sin,  and then  to feel so guilty  that they won’t dare go  to God  and ask for forgiveness.

The  “joy”  of the wicked is sickly,  perverted  and evil.     So,  what should God’s children do?     We need  to go before our Lord and Savior  and ask for His protection  and strength  to stay away  from  all appearances of evil.     As we abide  in the word of God,  He has promised  to abide in us  and protect us  from the influences of evil.     God will surely  be our Shield,  our Fortress,  and our Rock of Sure Defense  as we keep on going to Him  in prayer and praise.

Then we say,  “Hallelujah!     Lord,  it is such a wondrous blessing  to be under Your almighty protection.     Let us always know for sure  the truths of Your love  and forgiveness  for us.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

 

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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