Psalm 1: 1 - Sitting With Mockers

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Exposition

Yesterday just as we assessed whether we are sleeping spiritually, today we assess, who do I sit with? Do I sit with mockers or at the feet of Jesus to learn and talk to Him?

Our text contrasts the path of the righteous man with that of the “unrighteous”. The righteous do not walk or receive counsel from the ungodly, nor does he mingle with sinners and he does not sit with mockers. The result is that he is blessed which means he is happy and fully contented with his life.

It is really a simple question. Who do you associate with? Do you sit down where God and the things of God are not sacred? It is agreed that presently in most countries, there is freedom of speech and association modern day, where men are free to do as they please.

Mockers are those who treat the Almighty God with contempt and derision. God, His servants and those who revere and worship Him are regarded as fools. They criticize, pour scorn and ridicule God. Such people do not see or regard what the Bible states as sin to be such. They gladly partake and believe while here on earth it is better to enjoy now because man does not know tomorrow. The concept of heaven and hell are not regarded as real.

It is understood that you might have been like this before you found Jesus Christ and you still have friends in such a group. Therefore you still meet up occasionally and when the subject of your faith comes up, you try to argue with them or at best you stay silent. Please understand that sitting with such people will cause you to be identified as being a part of them. If you read the rest of the chapter, you will find out what their end will be like.

For those who do not sit with mockers but find it difficult to sit down at the feet of Jesus to learn either because our personal life is so busy or chaotic, Jesus says in Luke 10:41-42 that it is better to spend time in His presence listening to Him than being bogged down in other things. I also encourage you, create the time and you’ll be better for it. An additional benefit is the promise of God in Psalm 110:1 which says The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Tomorrow by God’s grace we’ll pray for the “Standing Christian”.

Prayer

Help me ,Father, to choose my friends carefully. Help me understand that loyalty to you is beneficial to me than my loyalty to friends. Order my steps Lord so I do not end up where you are being mocked.

I also ask that you help me to order my priorities at all times so I create time to spend with you every day. Let your name be glorified in Jesus name.

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 46

Exodus 20-21

Ruth 1

Psalm 5

Jeremiah 46

Luke 2

2 Corinthians 2

James 5:16 - Effective Prayer Produces Results

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Verses 13 – 15 of this chapter encourage us to pray to God in times of affliction  and we who should give thanks to Him, in times of joy.  Verse 14 tells us it is the responsibility of the sick in the congregation to call the Elders and Ministers for prayer. The response of the Elders is to pray and anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord. We learn that the prayer that is backed up by faith will be answered by God and that the sick will be healed. We are also reminded that if we repent of sin, forgiveness is available.

Exposition

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed – This verse can be linked to verse 14. When you call on Elders for prayer, be truthful to them, so that the Elder will be specific and direct in the prayer to God. We see here that God wants us to be specific whenever we pray, no waffling. If you know or feel that the sickness is the result of an act of sin, confess immediately and your healing will be instant.

We can also see here that if we are at fault in any situation, our speaking about it to Elders of the Church will lead to a cry for mercy from God on our behalf.

The ministry of prayer is for every Christian. Be challenged today. Make a decision to connect with your Maker. He is in the business of answering the prayers of His children.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results – Any heart felt prayer will always produce results. Be real with God. Pour your heart out to Him.  The prayer of the righteous will be answered.  Examples abound in the Bible times and importantly in the here and now of answered prayer. Be warned that righteousness is not self-righteousness but the righteousness that is imputed to anyone that has accepted that Jesus Christ died for all the sins of mankind. Such a person has been declared righteous by Jesus Christ!!!

Prayer changes things. The resources of heaven are released and the saints on earth are blessed. Pray, pray effectively, pray earnestly.

Prayer

Help me Father to make the right choices when issues arise. Steer my heart to bring my matters to the throne of grace and mercy. Heal me of every infirmity, heal my brothers and sisters of every torment and sickness, and heal our nation, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.

Let the fire of prayer burn in me. Help me Father to study your word so I can pray effectively. Let the Holy Spirit teach me how to pray in Jesus name. Amen.

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Psalm 92:12-14 - Forever Fruitful

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Prayer

Help me O Lord to realise that I need to be connected to you. Help me to stay connected too.

Help me to be firm, strong and unshakeable like a palm tree.

Let righteousness and grace envelope me in Jesus name. Let your word refresh me daily in Jesus name.

My old age will not have a negative bearing on my fruitfulness for I will be fruitful in every area of my life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

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Proverbs 28:10 - Tempt no one

Prayer

Help me Lord so I do not mislead anyone into sin.

Let whoever knowingly misleads me fall into the pit prepared for me.

Let your promise that I have a goodly inheritance in Christ come to pass speedily in Jesus name. Amen

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Proverbs 15:29 - Hear my prayer

The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Prayer

As you are far from the wicked, let wicked thoughts and deeds be far from my heart in Jesus name.

Let me be continually enveloped in your righteousness.

As I abide in you, I ask that you abide in me such that you will hear my prayers in Jesus name. Amen

Proverbs 28:1 - Benefit of righteousness

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Prayer

Lord I desire to live a life of righteousness.
Help me everyday, every moment to walk this path in Jesus name.
As I live this way, I will have nothing to fear because I am just like my father, the lion of the tribe of Judah.
I pray that every agent of wickedness will run away even when none is running after them. They will hear one man’s footsteps (prayers) and they will think a battalion is chasing after them. Amen.