Day 24 - What is so great about being spiritual anyways?

Day 24
Readings Psalms 24, 54, 84, 114, 144
Again this weekend I was out of town and fell behind on my Lent Journey. No worries, the journey is more important than schedule. Our transformation is the goal.
Holiness is an interesting word today. In many churches a pastor must bow when he reaches the alter “to show respect” to the Lord. At others an worshipper must dress up (look really nice) to “show God our best”. Some demand a knee bowed, others a sign of the cross and others don’t any many traditions to signify “respect” to God.
In Psalm 24 He makes a couple of things clear. He is Holy, pure and unstained. Who may come to His most intimate places? The person that has “clean hands” and a “pure heart”. God connects with us and forgives us because of Jesus, His sacrifice and payment for us. Yet, for the Jesus follower, there are places of great intimacy with God that require disciplined prayer, disciplined thoughts and sincere godlikeness. That comes from years of humility, spirit work and repentance.
In addition, Psalm 84 coincides with 24 well. What is it about being holy that is so great? Why should I work so hard and be so humble? What are the benefits of being so separate, different and selfless?
10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Walking close to Jesus is not an easy task. He kept walking so close to sharp drop-offs, steep hills and the most dangerous places. Sometimes he walks in the dessert. Sometimes He goes to places I hate – Samaria. Sometimes He starts attacking the experts. Sometimes he just wants to hang with the poor, the sick and needy. Jesus doesn’t walk in the safe, comfortable and rich places much. What am I to do?
It is much sweeter to spend a day with you in the most dangerous, lonely and hungry places than a lifetime in ultimate riches, comfort and pleasure without you.