Today’s Reading:
Psalm 1:1-6
“Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favoured by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example]. Nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. [Rom 13:8-10; gal 3:1-29; 2 Tim 3:16] And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity]. [Jer 17:7-8] The wicked [those who live in disobedience to God’s law] are not so, But they are like the chaff [worthless and without substance] which the wind blows away. therefore the wicked will not stand [unpunished] in the judgement, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows and fully approves the way of the righteous. But the way of the wicked shall perish.” (Psalm 1:1-6 AMPV)
This psalm of wisdom states both negative and positive lifestyles. It is then the choice of the individual to either choose life or death. The word ‘blessed’ is the plural form in Hebrew which could mean fulness of the blessings that comes from obedience to the will of God (v.1). Godly here does not refer to the nominal hypocritical Christian life, but to Christians living in the world and are trying their best to please God; to live in grace under the influence of the shinning pleasure of doing the will of God. In the same vain, ‘the wicked’ does not necessarily refer to bad people; it is refers to those who walk away from the will and the word of God.
The importance of wisdom is to know the will of God and be willing to obey His commands. Happiness and blessings are the reward of continuously meditating upon the word of God (v.2). Meditation is not just reading and memorising the word of God, but continuously doing the will of God stated in His word. Firmness and productivity are the reward of anyone who continually focus on observing the command of God. There are promises of blessings and God’s favour to those who delight in Gods’ law - His precepts and teachings, and who meditate in His Word day and night (v. 3). That is, those who give God and His Word first place in their lives can expect to prosper in whatever they set their hands to do, in accordance with the will of God.
It is not the bark or the branches or leaves, nor the fruit that makes a tree strong. And we cannot have strong roots without continuous flow of water. Any time we are in an area with no greenery, and suddenly we see an array of flourishing trees, we should know that there is a supply of water nearby. Water feeds and nourishes the root and gives life to the tree that produces good fruits even in unfavourable conditions. In the same vein, it is not only in the lives of children and youths that there are peer pressure. There is a subtle deep ways of influence from parents, friends and associates too. Whenever we associate with those who mock the ways of God, this may have an adverse effect on us too. We cannot dwell in the company of those who mock the things of the Bible and not expect to be influenced by them in one way of the other. Today comedians joke with the name of God even with the Holy Spirit and we even pay to watch them. Some even do their comedy inside the altar of God and we endorse it.
Godly people are like trees with strong roots, instead of going down to water, the godly are rooted deep into the word of God, they are bent on following the commends. Putting their investments in what is timeless and eternal. This is genuine flourishing! However, to flourish with newness of God like this, we need to be ‘born again’, surrender to the lordship of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you would like to give your life to Christ, say these prayers after me: Father, thank you for giving us Jesus Christ. I repent of all my sins and I ask for forgiveness in Jesus name. I plead the blood of Jesus over my body, soul, and spirit. Holy Spirit take control of my life henceforth, in Jesus’ name.” I congratulate anyone that have said this prayer, you have taken the right step. Father, thank you for anyone that has said this prayer. Continue to strengthen and encourage them. Lead them to a growing church, in Jesus name.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
PRAYER:
Father thank you for baptising me with the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name.
Thank you for protecting me from the snares and the fowler and from the noisome pestilence, in Jesus name.
Thank you for preserving me and keeping my feet from flipping, in Jesus name.
Father, release faithful, committed, dedicated and obedient labourers you’re your vineyard, in Jesus name.
Father, use the situations in nations of the world to increase and strengthen your Kingdom, in Jesus name.
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