September 30, 2012
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 1
OBSERVATIONS
1. This psalm suggests that the truly happy person, the person who not only survives but thrives in life, is the one who pays attention to and lives according to the “law” (revealed will) of the Lord. This person will live a fruitful, abundant lives (like a tree by water).
2. This person is contrasted with the ‘wicked’ person who pays attention to and lives according to the ‘way’ of sin. The one path is watched by the Lord, but the other path is a lonely path towards despair and destruction.
3. How did they meditate on the law if there were no written copies available? The summary of the law (10 Commandments) is probably in view here, which captured the essence of the whole Torah: love God first, love people!
4. What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
1. Is the revealed will of God my delight? Do I regularly meditate on the bible, and direct my life according to it’s wisdom? Do I listen for God’s insight for living, do I adjust my life and practice according to it? Do I really believe that if I obeyed the teaching of Jesus, I would not only survive in life, I would thrive?
2. Do I believe that the Lord has me covered (is watching my way for me) when I follow this path? Or do I believe that my life becomes ineffective and unproductive when I choose not to follow His will?
3. The word ‘meditate’ jumps out at me. Not just reading, not just writing out a few thoughts. Meditating involves thinking deep and personally about what I read. Like savouring, not just swallowing, food. Today I am going to savour Psalm 1.
4. What personal application do you take from this passage?
PRAYER
Lord, You want me to prosper (in terms of life, not just wealth). To be blessed and to be a blessing. Draw my heart to You and to Your will for my life as I read these words.
Thanks Tony, I really do appreciate your participation in this!
O
One’s walk, one’s stand, one’s company determines the happiness.
One’s happiness is in God’s Way and thinking His thoughts.
Happiness is getting daily strength from living waters producing good ‘works’ in all things.
The wicked follow the ‘wind’.
A
Who’s company do I keep? The friends of God or . . . This involves choice. I am a kid of the kingdom.
Each day I start start with God – a time of reading, talking with God to guide me through the day. That empowers me, strengthens me for the day and is the only way to start the day. I am working in His presence and that brings joy to the journey – walking in His SonShine. Always in His presence. That’s happiness. That strengthens. That empowers. That makes me GodStrong.
P
Thank Lord for a new day in Your presence. Help me to see You this day in all I do and say. May others see that I am a Kingdom kid walking in your presence in Your ‘vineyard’ producing good fruit.