Daily Reading: 5-23-16
Psalm 1 New Living Translation (NLT)
In this world, we will always run into well-meaning people who want to tell us how we should think, feel, and conduct our lives. Most of the time, human advice is based on how that person lives, as well as his or her own inclinations and personal comfort zones. There may be wisdom mixed with their advice, but it is possible for the advice to be diluted by their own desires and what satisfies their level of expectation and or conviction. As Christ followers—followers of Incarnate Love—we must be very careful about who we allow to influence us. As well, we are responsible for how we influence others. The Lord watches over the life-path of those who delight in Him.
The Book of Psalms is a songbook that shares stories of praise, as well as the joy a person can find in simply obeying God and His ways of Love. People who are good influencers will always lead us closer to God and deeper in His Love. Near them our strength is renewed and our hope refocused on Love. We sense an inward prospering. God desires that we prosper in all that we do.
Psalm 1
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. 4 But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. 5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. 6 For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
Prayer: Lord, I cannot control who bumps into my path each day, but help me to use wisdom in deciding who I allow to influence my life. I believe this discernment is how I guard my heart with all diligence. Holy Spirit, please help me to bear the fruit of righteousness as I delight and meditate in the ways of Your Love. In my obedience, please cause me to prosper in all that I do and say, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.