"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
Daily Devotion in Psalm 1
Daily Nugget:
In the opening chapter of the Hebrew's “Book of Praises,” we read about the paths two types of people travel. The two kinds of people written of here are the “blessed,” or happy, and the ungodly.
A person is happy if they do not follow the advice of those who are purposely not obeying God’s commandments. One is also blessed if one does one's best not to be in the company of those in sin and happy if he is not relaxed around them.
Christians are in a world that usually does not obey God or live as He commands. However, we will be shining testimonies to ungodly folks to show how the Creator wants them to live. When we live, think, and participate as they are, they will see no difference. It is then that a Christian does not have an exemplary testimony and even puts another black eye on the cause of Christ.
If, however, the godly person resists the temptation of being like the ungodly majority and obeys, to the best of one’s ability, the Word of God, one will be content and happy. Christians will experience a more joyful life when reading and striving to obey the Bible. One will often remember and be guided by the Book’s words.’
When others around a believer fail and flounder, one will have solid footing. One will spiritually grow and produce many good works and will be a bright light that will show the world that there is a different way that reward with happiness. The obedient believer’s efforts are often blessed by one’s Father in Heaven.
However, those who choose not to follow and live the way God commands will suffer. Their efforts and life will not produce anything that will last forever, as will the Christians. When the godly stand in judgment for what they have done for the Lord, the ungodly will not be there. They will be awaiting their separate judgment (Rev. 20:11-15).
The choice is simple: believe and obey or disobey and rebel. Most of us, however, want a happier life, which can only be realized when adhering to God’s commandments.
Today’s Thought:
"Following God’s commandments is the only way to arrive safely Home."
Words to Understand:
Blessed: Happy
Counsel: Advice, opinions
Chaff: The waste product of grain
Meditate: Contemplate on something
Perish: To be eternally lost, destroyed, waste away
Scornful: Those that despite, disdain, or complain about things and those who have bad attitudes about situations.
Today’s Reading:
Psalm 1
1 ¶ Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4 ¶ The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.