"Two groups of people in the world ... which group are YOU in?"

Day #32:  Daily Bible Reading Plan - January 29th

Scripture Reading:  Psalms 12 - 14 ...

There are two groups of people in the world:  those who have believed in the one true God, our Creator, and those who haven't.  Today we know that God revealed Himself in His Son Jesus Christ and that only those who believe in Jesus are God's people - His children.  I know the world says this is not true, declaring that all people are God's children, but God says otherwise.  Why is that important?  Because as you read these two Psalms the only way to understand what David was talking about is to realize the distinction between these two groups of people.

He begins Psalm 12 by declaring that there are hardly any godly people left. "Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception" (12:2).  These people declare that they can say whatever they want ("freedom of speech"???) ... "We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips - who is our master?" (12:4).  Such is the pride of those who do not know God.

David goes on to describe what I understand took place at the Grammy Awards this past weekend:  "The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men" (12:8).  Satanic rituals, witchcraft and sexual immorality are not only accepted today, but promoted.  God is watching.

But there is another group of people who grieve over the sin within themselves and in the world.  These cry out to God and declare:  "I will trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation.  I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me" (13:5-6).  Such is the hope of those who know the God of salvation.

On the contrary, "the fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'  They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good" (14:1).  The Apostle Paul quotes from Psalm 14:2-3 when he declares that there are none righteous, not even one (Romans 3:10).  Yet, "God is present in the company of the righteous" (14:5) ... those who are declared righteous by God through faith in the coming Savior, the One we know as Jesus, the Christ.

As David contemplates these two groups, he utters an amazing prayer:  "Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!" (14:7).  WE know that salvation DID come from Zion, from Jerusalem, from the house of  David.  Jesus was descended from Abraham, from Isaac, from Jacob, from Judah and from David.  God heard David's prayer and He will also fulfill the final hope of Psalm 14:  "When the LORD restores the fortunes of His people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!"  When will that happen?  When Jesus returns.  Those who are "HIS PEOPLE" look forward to His coming.

So which group are you in?  The differences could not be greater - now and in the future.  I pray that you have come to know God, to believe in His Son Jesus Christ, to trust His unfailing love and to rejoice in HIs salvation, for then you will not be overcome by the enemies of your soul, but will find your refuge in God alone!!

"Heavenly Father, as I watch with sorrow the spread of evil and darkness all around, I confess that I, too, am a sinner and am unworthy of Your love.  But I believe in YOU!!  I rest in Your love through Your Son Jesus Christ and trust in Your mercy, grace and forgiveness.  Thank You, O God, for Your precious promises, for sending the Savior out of Zion, and for the promise of eternal life with You!  I give You my praise ... I give You my life, today and every day.  In Jesus' name, Amen"