The Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy ’13, Associate Pastor for Mission Ministries at East Liberty Presbyterian Church / Pittsburgh Seminary Board Member

Scripture

Psalm 24

1 The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; 2 for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Devotional

Psalm 24 declares the sovereignty of God—Creator God, to whom all the world belongs, including humanity and God, the King of Glory, to whom all honor, majesty and worship belong. We can almost hear this song of praise and adoration being sung as worshipers entered into temple to worship Yahweh.  We are told that only those who are “guiltless vessels” with clear, sincere, and pure souls, hearts, and minds—those who have not, nor will not, be carried away or influenced by evil or falsehoods—shall receive blessing and vindication from the God of salvation. It is almost paradoxical that only by the grace of God, through the redemptive sacrifice of Christ, are we thus prepared to receive God’s gifts. In this season, may we look ever to the “hill of the LORD,” from whence comes our help, our salvation, our redemptive holiness, and worship the only sovereign God, who is the King of Glory.

Prayer

Majestic and sovereign God, you alone are worthy of praise and honor. Lord, we confess that there are times when we enter into your presence distracted by the cares of life and do not give you the honor and presence of mind you are worthy of. As we contemplate the coming Christ child, direct our thoughts and create in us clean hands and pure hearts, that we might be found worthy of your love and the sacrifice of Jesus, for you are the King of glory, majesty and honor. Amen.

The Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy ’13, Associate Pastor for Mission Ministries at East Liberty Presbyterian Church / Pittsburgh Seminary Board Member

Scripture

Psalm 24

1 The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; 2 for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Devotional

Psalm 24 declares the sovereignty of God—Creator God, to whom all the world belongs, including humanity and God, the King of Glory, to whom all honor, majesty and worship belong. We can almost hear this song of praise and adoration being sung as worshipers entered into temple to worship Yahweh.  We are told that only those who are “guiltless vessels” with clear, sincere, and pure souls, hearts, and minds—those who have not, nor will not, be carried away or influenced by evil or falsehoods—shall receive blessing and vindication from the God of salvation. It is almost paradoxical that only by the grace of God, through the redemptive sacrifice of Christ, are we thus prepared to receive God’s gifts. In this season, may we look ever to the “hill of the LORD,” from whence comes our help, our salvation, our redemptive holiness, and worship the only sovereign God, who is the King of Glory.

Prayer

Majestic and sovereign God, you alone are worthy of praise and honor. Lord, we confess that there are times when we enter into your presence distracted by the cares of life and do not give you the honor and presence of mind you are worthy of. As we contemplate the coming Christ child, direct our thoughts and create in us clean hands and pure hearts, that we might be found worthy of your love and the sacrifice of Jesus, for you are the King of glory, majesty and honor. Amen.