So on to the "good stuff."
The word of GOD to my Lord:
"Sit alongside me here on my throne until I make your enemies a stool for your feet."
You were forged a strong sceptre by GOD of Zion; now rule, though surrounded by enemies!
Your people will freely join you, resplendent in holy armor on the great day of your conquest,
Join you at the fresh break of day, join you with all the vigor of youth.
"As God's right hand is elevated far above all angels, it follows that he who is seated there is exalted above all creatures. The simile is borrowed from what is customary among earthly kings, that the person who is seated at his right hand is said to be next to him, and hence the Son, by whom the Father governs the world, is by this session represented as metaphorically invested with supreme dominion."
(Commentary from Heart Aflame: Daily Readings from Calvin on the Psalms
"God's Goodness and Kindness"
Titus 3:4
Reading from the English Standard Version
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
"Our standard for right action is not some impersonal rule or regulation but rather the very character of the creator God."
God's benevolence toward us while we were undeserving is the basis for the way we should treat non-Christians around us.
The qualities of goodness and lovingkindness are not found in world leaders, but found perfectly in our supreme Lord. God is the source of all grace.
"Our Only Safe Response"
Romans 8:15
Reading from the English Standard Version
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"
In Galatians 4, Paul tells us that we have received the full rights of sons in our adoption. "We've not only been redeemed from a cell on death row but also brought into God's family as fully adopted sons, with all the privileges included in that status."
We still continue to sin, even though we are no longer under its power. When we do sin, we do that which would call down God's curse upon us, if it were not for Christ. Our consciences bring accusations against us when we do this, and the "only safe response is to plead guilty to those accusations without trying to minimize them."
However, once we have done that, we go back to the gospel and "remind ourselves that the curse of the Law no longer has a claim against us." Yes, we are guilty. But there is no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus. By the power of his Spirit, we put to death those sins of which our conscience condemns us.
I pray that, when my conscience does accuse me, I will turn to you and claim the blood of Christ by the gospel, rather than either try to minimize my sin or worse, to wallow in self-pity over my shortcomings. We all fall short, Lord, but it is by the power of your Spirit that we are able to overcome and have victory. Let your grace shine through us in all things.
I worship you, Father, and I worship you, Jesus, as you sit at the right hand of the Father, seated on his throne right next to him.
Grace and peace, friends.