Life is a series of CHOICES! Choices have consequences. Choosing to live in a right relationship with God brings consequences we can readily embrace. 1. Blessings - CHOOSE to avoid sins' ugly path 2. go your own way. Psalm 1 describes the people who take take these paths. The verse three verses describe the right choices made by the Godly person. The last three verses describe the unGodly person and the ultimate destiny. The chapter begins with the word - BLESSED. It ends with the word - PERISH! Each word explains the two groups well!
3 verbs WALK, STANDS, SITS! in the describe the choices made by the Godly man. He refuses the advice of the wicked, He stands and considers the path of wicked...refusing to walk therein and he sits where a Godly man should sit!
The Eastern religions attempt to empty their minds of meaning (mantra) thinking that is being spiritual. The Christian should FILL his mind as he meditates on the Word of God.
To be planted could mean to be transplanted or firmly planted...in other words, the tree spoken of indicates the careful placing of the tree! Yes, we are blessed as we stand tall by the water. We have constant nourishment as we grow our roots deeper and deeper. But we are not blessed for selfish purpose...we are blessed that we might be a blessing to others. (Gen.12:2). We are to become channels of God's blessing to others. It is a joy to receive a blessing, but an enven greater joy to BE a blessing. "It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Like a truee, the Godly person is alive, beautiful, fruitful, useful, and enduring. The most important part of a tree is the hidden root system...Just as the most important part of the believer's life is the "SPIRITUAL ROOT SYSTEM" that draws on the hidden resources we have in Christ. We cannot nourish and support ourselves; we need to be rooted in Christ - totally dependent upon Him.
Fruit: 1.winning others to Christ, 2.Godly character, 2.money given to the Lord's work, 4.service and good works, 5.praise to the Lord.
Remember that fruit isn't the same as "results", because fruit has in it the seed for more fruit. Fruit comes from life, the life of God flowing in and through the Christian. Remember also that the tree does not eat its own fruit...others eat it!
The last three verses draw our total attention to the LOST! What can we do about the LOST and their unGodly conduct - absolutely only two VERY important things: PRAY for them and SHARE THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST with them. We have received God's blessing and we ought to be a blessing to others...especially to those who are destined to perish without Christ!!!!
1 comment:
Dear Wes and Bernadine,
Thank you for the service to the body of Christ.
I see where the last three verse do draw our attention to lost and agree that we need to share with the lost so they will repent and turn to our Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.
When I read the last three verse I see a stark contrast between righteousness and wickedness. As well as, the payment for the life we lead.
Thank you again,
Barry
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