Our service started with lovely worship songs. Pastor provided a good message from Psalm 1:1-6. He noted that men are born in sin due to the fall described in Genesis. Psalm 51:5.
Psalm 1 describes the difference between the wicked and the righteous. Apostasy can result from backsliding. Believers can wander out of their relationship with God by associating and taking advice from the ungodly. Listening to the world is stepping away from God. Anything that is inconsistent with the Word can draw a believer away from his walk with God.
It is important who we accept counsel from, who we hang out with, and what thoughts we listen to. We may be good people, but we need a savior. We are not necessarily born with Godly wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29.
“Blessed is the one … whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2. We have a perfect God who is always working on imperfect people. Meditating on the word changes the life of the person doing the meditating. Faith comes by hearing … and is increased by hearing.
There is “A way that seems right unto a man…” Proverbs 14:12-16. You cannot practice what is right unless you study God’s word. “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9-11. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105.
Listening to and applying God’s word is act of worship; it is surrendering to God’s ways. Knowing the Word will change behavior.
The person who delights in God’s law is like a tree with sound roots that yields fruit in season, and prospers. Psalm 1:3. The rooted believer will prosper and have everything they need for Godly success. God will provide blessings and assurance even in hard times.
We all go through seasons, but God provides according to His Will and plans. At the final time of judgment, there will be a clear difference between the righteous and the wicked. Each person will fall in one category or the other. The choice is ours.
I searched (and enjoyed) many song videos but this is the one that stirred my soul for this message.
Psalm 1 ESV
1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law[b] of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Lord, I am so thankful that you give me guidance through Your word for all situations of life.
