Romans 8:5-8 (ESV)

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Explanation:

Have you ever made a decision, and then been frustrated you made that decision? I have. Maybe you wonder why you did an action, but then you recognize it is because that is what you had been thinking about or processing in your mind for weeks? Our minds are powerful. What we think about and focus on leads us to make decisions based off those thoughts. The Bible has many verses that tell us what we think about is of major importance, and the passage of scripture above is one of them. What we set our minds on determines our actions. When we set our minds on the flesh, our flesh will be reflected in our lives. When we set our minds on the Spirit, the Spirit will be reflected in our lives.

Why is this important? Well, our flesh causes us to do stupid things. Our flesh causes us to turn from God. Unfortunately, because of sin, we are naturally bad people. We don’t have to work on being bad, it’s just who we are. Sorry to bring you such discouraging news! But here’s the good news…when we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are redeemed and made righteous. When we ask, the Holy Spirit enters us and dwells within us. That’s amazing! When we set our minds on the things of the Spirit (including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control), we will experience true life and true peace. A mind that is focused on the Spirit is a mind that is taking in the truth of God’s word and living it out. It won’t just naturally happen; we must be proactive to FILL our minds with truth (the Bible). This can come through reading the Bible, listening to solid teaching about the Bible, and worshipping God in praise.

Let’s be proactive to take steps to renew our minds, so we can live out a life that reflects the Spirit!

Application:

1. Evaluate what you spend the majority of your time thinking about. Does that fall under pursuing the “flesh” or the “Spirit”?

2. Have you had a time in your life when you were spending quality time renewing your mind through reading scripture, listening to teaching of scripture, and spending time in God’s presence? If so, how did your actions in life model that? Did you find it to be beneficial?

3. What’s preventing you from spending quality time filling your mind with truth (God’s word)?

4. Set a goal this week to spend time in God’s presence. I would suggest starting with something attainable (for example: 5 minutes a day for 3 days this week). See if you notice any changes in your thought patterns or actions.

Devo Plus:

If you are reading this devotion on The Tree Church app, you can also listen to Bible studies that some of the pastors teach. Pick one of the Bible studies to listen to as you get ready for the day, while you are doing lawn work, while you drive to work/school, or as you make dinner. (Can you tell what I do when I’m listening to them?!) This is a practical step to filling your mind with truth.

Prayer:

God, thank You for not leaving us in our sin. Thank You that You redeem us through the sacrifice of Jesus. Help us to take practical steps to fill our minds with Your truth. Help us to take time throughout our day to spend with You. We want to make decisions and live a life that reflects You and Your love. Help us as we work to do this! We are so thankful for Your love to us.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (ESV)

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Explanation:

Although this passage might not make it onto Google’s top 10 list for Bible verses on comfort, for me this is one of the most deeply comforting verses in the whole Bible. When I am feeling down for my latest screw-up, wondering why I still get angry after warring with my temper for so long, or when I’m battling discouragement, this passage reminds me that my every temptation is common to humanity, and I am not alone in my struggle. It reminds me that God is constantly and actively faithful toward me! Whether I’m having a great day and acing every challenge, or whether I’m feeling besieged and down and tempted to throw in the towel, His eyes are always on me, strategizing to hand me the victory. The minute I’m faced with temptation, God has already provided an escape for me from it! I just have to look for it, and actively choose to take the better way He is offering me.

He has already provided our escape route. He provides us gentleness when we are angry, strength when we are weak; He pours out peace for the spirit of frustration, joy for our discouragement. When we are tempted to cradle our hurt or pain, He provides us the ability to forgive and let go. Whatever the temptation you are facing, there is a different choice you can make. Look for the escape route that He has ALREADY provided!

And when we inevitably fall, He has already provided a way. God sent His Son as the sacrifice for our sins, to pay our debt and set us free. We are rescued from sin’s grasp through Jesus Christ, and He clothes us in His own righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). So, when we feel entrapped in our guilt and tempted to wallow in darkness, God points us to our ultimate escape and His ultimate providence…His Son and our Savior, the Christ. When the voice of the accuser rises against us, God points to the cross, where He ALREADY provided for us, and offers us grace and a fresh start.

So, the next time you feel temptation coming for you, look for the better way God has already provided for you. Shift the focus away from yourself and your needs and inadequacies, and onto God’s unfailing faithfulness to you. Allow Him to fill your vision and provide all you need. When you are tempted, there is always a SECOND CHOICE. Look for the escape route that He has ALREADY provided for you!

Application:

1. What temptations have been coming your way recently? Identify the specific ways the devil has been tempting you off the best path God has for you in this season.

2. Remember that the devil is not creative, but a duplicator of the same root sins (1 John 2:16). How do your answers above fit into these three categories?

3. What are some of the escape routes that God specifically offers you? What have you been missing or ignoring lately that is causing you to fall?

Devo Plus:

Proverbs 16:18 says “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” How does this verse reflect onto verse 12 in our passage for today? In what ways do you personally struggle with pride? Take some time to consider any areas where you believe you are standing, but are more vulnerable to temptation than you might want to admit.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I am so thankful for Your unfailing faithfulness toward me. Thank You that Your eyes are always on me, to help me succeed daily. Help me, Lord, to look for and identify the second choice You’ve placed in front of me the minute I feel temptation. Give me the “want to,” the will, and the strength to run down the escape route, Lord! I want to live better each day for You; You’ve done too much for me not to be victorious! Bless me, Lord, and help me fill my vision with You today. In Jesus’s matchless name! Amen.

James 1:13-18 (NLT)

And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Explanation:

How do you get close to a God you don’t trust?

One of the most crushing of human experiences is to realize you have been deceived. From the first friend who blabbed a secret they promised to keep, to realizing your life savings have been embezzled….any form of deceit sucker punches you in the heart and sets you on a path of distrust proportional to the level of your deception.

Likewise satan.

satan’s full time assignment is to deceive, and he starts by putrefying the all-consuming love of God. With his smoke and mirrors approach, he lodges the “God wants to punk you” lie in mankind’s heart, and effectively blurs the clarity of God's undying love for you.

He tempts you to think that “Our Father Who Art in Heaven” is nothing more than a divine John Quinones playing “What Would You Do?”

If you have seen that show on ABC, you know it consists of elaborate fake situations to tempt unsuspecting people. It will make you wince when someone totally fails. I am here to unwaveringly tell you that God is not staging anything, plotting anything, or rigging life against you. In fact, He has only your success in mind. James specifically says that God never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He isn’t moody, evasive, or a mind-game God. He is true to his word, full of light, and you are His prized possession.

God will not tempt you with sin because He is good and no evil is found in Him.

Jesus is ever interceding for you, has made you more than a conqueror, and He is for you!

James points out that desires have to be fed to stay ravenous. Temptation takes preemptive measures to head off, and the Holy Spirit NEVER fails to warn you and intervene and reveal what you can do to avoid being enticed.

Have you ever heard the whisper of anything like this to your soul?

• Turn it off

• Go to bed when accountability goes to bed

• Quit stocking the tempting food

• Take that app off your phone

• Don’t drive to the store you can’t afford

• Don’t Facebook stalk yourself into discontent

• Cut up the credit card

• Make the apology

• Withdraw from the gossip mill

• Put the phone away

• Go to physical church

• Go to Connect Group

It is the Holy Spirit working to set you up for success.

Application:

1. Why do you think Paul warned us not to blame God when we are tempted? Why would reinforcing that distorting lie affect you spiritually?

2. Temptation isn’t a sin, but once it morphs from temptation to desire…action is next. How do you pour water on the fire of desire?

3. Temptation is everywhere, but so is God. Jesus taught His disciples (us) to pray “lead me away from temptation.” Why is it easier to avoid temptation than resist it?

Devo Plus:

• God is not satan’s opposite.

• God’s goodness far exceeds satan’s evil.

Prayer:

Lord, you told us to “Watch and pray so that we will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)

I’m praying today…that you will empower me through the Holy Spirit’s power to overcome in ways I’ve never dreamed possible.

I want victory, and I’m asking for Your help. Amen.

Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10 (NLT)

Show me the right path, O Lord;

point out the road for me to follow.

Lead me by your truth and teach me,

for you are the God who saves me.

All day long I put my hope in you.

The Lord is good and does what is right;

he shows the proper path to those who go astray.

He leads the humble in doing right,

teaching them his way.

The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness

all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.

Explanation:

We have all been in this position at some point in our lives. We feel torn and confused, we need to make a decision, and we aren’t really sure what to do. Many times, we will move forward or make a decision based on our own wants, desires, passions, and feelings. But this is not always what will lead us to do the right thing, to walk the path toward God, or even to make the decision that truly will be best for us. Sometimes our emotions and desires can lead us toward a path of destruction. We need assistance; we need someone else to help us in the process. Someone who is good, who is wise, who always does what is right. We need God to help us, to lead us, to guide and direct us so we can walk the path that leads to righteousness. The path that leads us closer and closer to Him.

So, what does this look like? It begins with a humble heart, a heart that says “My perspective is limited, but I know God is where I need to turn.” I can humbly go before God and know I may not have it all figured out, but He does. I may not fully understand what He is asking me to do or where He is calling me to go, but I can trust that He sees a bigger perspective and knows what will be for my good. To make wise decisions, I need to seek His wisdom, His truth, His leading, and His guidance. When I seek Him, I will find Him. He will answer and be with me along the way. I can trust God because He will never lead me toward a path of destruction, only toward a path that leads to life.

Application:

1. When you have decisions to make, where do you typically turn to help you?

2. What is a decision you are trying to make right now that you need God’s guidance and help?

3. Why can’t you fully trust yourself to make this decision?

4. Why can you trust God’s guiding instead?

Devo Plus:

I encourage you to take a moment and re-read this psalm as your prayer today. In fact, I encourage and challenge you to start every day this week by reading this psalm as your morning prayer. Ask God to lead you, guide you, and continue to help you walk in His ways.

Prayer:

God, I am so thankful that when we are faced with challenges and decisions, we can turn to You because You are a God who is first of all good. But You also are full of wisdom, truth and love, and You know the best path for our lives. Help us to humbly seek You and to be obedient to the ways You are leading us. We want to continue to walk the path that You have laid out for us, the path that leads us closer to You. Amen.

1 Samuel 15:10-23 (NRSV)

The word of the LORD came to Samuel: “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.” And Samuel was angry, and he cried to the LORD all night. And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.” And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed be you to the LORD. I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” And Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?” Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and the cattle, to sacrifice to the Lord your God; but the rest we have utterly destroyed.” Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop! I will tell you what the Lord said to me last night.” He replied, “Speak.”

Samuel said, “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel. And the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do what was evil in the sight of the Lord?” Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me, I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But from the spoil the people took sheep and cattle, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” And Samuel said,

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

as in obedience to the voice of the Lord?

Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice,

and to heed than the fat of rams.

For rebellion is no less a sin than divination,

and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry.

Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,

he has also rejected you from being king.”

Explanation:

The main point of today’s passage is pretty self-explanatory; if we aren’t willing to be fully obedient, we aren’t really being obedient. The thing that intrigues me, though, is the reason Saul gives for being disobedient. He claimed he was being disobedient so they could worship God!

Saul attempted to sanctify his disobedience!

Saul wanted to be lord of his own life but keep God in tow. He did what he wanted to do, but thought that worshiping God made it ok.

I could tell you story after story of times that I did the same thing as Saul. The biggest struggle recently has been taking a Sabbath. I keep justifying disobedience by saying that I am doing the Lord’s work. I am disobeying to obey. Well…really, I am disobeying because I was undisciplined in my time, or I said “yes” to too many things and I am afraid people will be upset with me. There are a lot of reasons we can justify disobedience, but the point is…God wants our hearts to be fully His, to fully trust Him in what He leads, and there is no level of “sanctification” we can try that will make up for or cover over our lack of trust.

Application:

1. What is one thing that stood out to you in today’s reading?

2. What are some of the reasons you have given for disobedience? Many times it starts with the phrase… “God would never want me to______(i.e., be unhappy…you fill in the blank).

3. Spend some time today asking God to show you where He wants you to take steps of obedience.

Devo Plus:

Saul’s story is a tragic one. It can be easy to think that God rejected Saul because of one act of disobedience. The reality of Saul’s life was a pattern of distrust of God and desire to cover for his insecurities. Read 1 Samuel 13-15 to recount some of Saul’s lifetime of disobedience.

Prayer:

Father, You are gracious, loving, and slow to anger. Your posture toward us is ever one of grace and acceptance. Yet, You also call us to trust You and walk in Your ways. We try to justify keeping ahold of the reins of our lives by thinking through all the ways we can honor You more if we disobey. But You don’t want actions, sacrifices, or holy words; You want our hearts, and You want us to put our complete trust in You. So please help us to entrust our lives to Your hands, nothing more and nothing less. Amen.

Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

Explanation:

Jesus urges His disciples to seek life by entering through the narrow gate that runs counter to the way of the world. The way of the world is commonly traveled, but its end is destruction and ruin. Jesus wants His disciples to know that following Him is not easy, but it will lead to life and blessing. If we choose the wide and easy path of the world, we will be disappointed and left feeling empty.

The gates are not a once-and-for-all decision. Jesus will later tell His disciples to daily take up their cross to follow Him (Luke 9:23). Following Jesus is a choice we must make hour by hour. Every decision we make will lead us to either destruction or life.

I always tell my kids that they can do hard things. Sometimes they can become filled with fear or insecurity, and will start to question if they can do it and if it is worth it. I will give you an example. My youngest daughter started playing soccer this year for the first time. She is naturally timid when it comes to trying new things and meeting new people. Her first couple of practices and games, she was timid and insecure. I continued to speak life into her and encourage her, and now she is more confident and really enjoying it. As a parent, it is so fun to watch your kids conquer their fears and accomplish the hard thing. I picture God doing the same thing. He knows what we are capable of, and I picture Him celebrating when we finally decide to trust Him and do the hard thing.

This is what we must do daily. We must fight through whatever obstacle is in our way to keep on that narrow path. We must pick up our cross every day and choose to be obedient. My daughter will have to keep doing this in her life. She will continue to have to fight through fear and insecurity every day to accomplish what she wants to accomplish and what God has in store for her life. The good news is that God is with us through all of it, and He always blesses our obedience. He is on our team, He knows exactly what we need, and He knows exactly what we can handle.

Application:

1. Spend some time in prayer. Ask God if there is an area in your life where you are on the wrong path.

2. Whatever God reveals to you, ask Him for help. He will meet you right where you are.

3. Sometimes I feel that social media and news can be destructive paths that can lead me away from God. If that is you, spend some time fasting from social media and the news. Give your heart and brain a break from the things of this world, and use that time to read scripture.

4. God wants us to rest. Spend 15-20 minutes just sitting in God’s presence. Listen for His direction, and talk to Him about the fears and insecurities of your heart.

Devo Plus:

Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:16-17, John 14:27

Prayer:

Lord, I pray for the courage to choose the narrow path every day. I pray that You would give us strength when we feel incapable. I pray that You would give us hope when we feel hopeless. I pray that You would remind us that You want us to have abundant life, and that Your ways are always better than our own. Help us to direct our attention to all things eternal, and not become distracted by the things of this world. Amen.

Genesis 3:1-7 (NLT)

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Explanation:

Most of us learned at an early age that our choices have results; in the most negative outcomes, those results are consequences. We may have decided to sneak a piece of candy into the classroom and received detention, stayed out past curfew and got grounded, or went faster than the speed limit and received a ticket and a fine. Regardless of the poor choice, there are always associated consequences.

Adam and Eve’s unfortunate choice started a snowball effect that would impact us all. When they introduced sin into the world by choosing to disobey God, there were immediate consequences. Genesis 3:17-19 tells us the first consequence was that their work would go from something satisfying to something full of hard labor and disappointment. Another consequence was that Adam and Eve’s relationship was affected. The innocence that God had instilled in them turned to shame and self-consciousness. We know that their bad decision caused humanity’s relationship with God to be broken.

It’s important to understand that the consequences of our choices are not always immediate. There are times when we make decisions and fail to see how they will affect those around us, or even ourselves. We sometimes decide to do what is right in our eyes to satisfy our own appetites and desires. When we finally see the consequences of our bad choices, the result may be devastating.

It’s for this reason that God began a redemption plan after Adam and Eve’s fall in the garden. He doesn’t want to see us separated from Him. He wants to be our Father. He wants us to pursue Him and His will for the choices we make. He will guide us on the right path if we are willing to set aside our desires. We have to trust Him enough to allow our human desires to take a back seat to what God desires for our lives.

Application:

1. Think of a decision you made that had a negative consequence. How would the outcome have been difference if you decided to seek God’s will before you made that decision?

2. If Adam and Eve could give you advice right now, what do you think it would be?

3. Is there a decision in your life that you need to make, but you haven’t asked God about it yet? Take some time today to seek His will, and ask Him to help lead you in your decision.

Devo Plus:

Read more about how God initiated a redemption plan. It started with a covenant, with Abraham’s decision to trust God. (Genesis 12-15)

Prayer:

God, today I come to You asking for forgiveness for bad decisions I’ve made, and the consequences that have hurt You and hurt others around me. Help me to look to You and Your will to guide me in my future decisions. Make my path clear, so I know that it’s Your will I’m following, and not my own. I thank You for Your redemption plan that allows me to live eternally with You, and not be separated by the sin of this world. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

John 14:15-17

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.

Explanation:

“Be willing to be misunderstood.”

Do you know what that sentence is?

It is a life altering truth that the Holy Spirit led me into that caused me to emerge from a devastating circumstance of life, closer to God, safe, and free of bitterness. It taught me something supernatural about God.

Do you know how I knew it was from the Holy Spirit? Because it came from a source outside of myself, and it lined up with scripture. I’m not smart enough to know this truth without the power of the Holy Spirit’s advocacy and guidance.

Through embracing that truth, I came to fully comprehend how God fights for us. Before I understood that, I felt it was my job to defend myself and correct misrepresentations. But when I turned to God's Word, I saw scripture after scripture backing up the concept of not fighting my own battles but instead resting in the reality that God fights for me. I was able to release and put all of my energy into rebuilding my life and charting a new course. I emerged with my heart still soft, and God was free to bless my life because I trusted Him and got out of the way. Wow, did He ever fight for me! He lovingly guided me, made a way for me, defeated my enemies, protected my mind and heart, provided for my material needs and gave me incredible hope for my future… all because I embraced the truth the Holy Spirit led me into. If I had ignored the Holy Spirit's leading, I have no doubt I would have wrecked my life and ended up consumed with draining thoughts of revenge, hate, conniving, jealousy, and bitterness. I would have been that robotic outward shell with an inward heart of rottenness, better known as “creepy christian.”

We must make choices to listen to the Holy Spirit and invite Him to lead us in our everyday nitty gritty. Must!

Think about what having an advocate denotes.

It is a personal, spiritual bodyguard. God does not set us up for failure but instead gives us our very own personal assistant to guide, bolster, deliver, and surround us with care. We are not alone, but instead are surrounded by the Holy Spirit at all times. Jesus did not leave us aimless, anemic, vulnerable, and bewildered. Instead, He sent us a full time, highly skilled comforter, guide and teacher.

Application:

1. The Holy Spirit is the true representative of the living God on earth today. Jesus died and rose again to pay the penalty for our sins, and then He returned to the Fathers right hand and sent the Holy Spirit to us to lead us into all truth. That is a lot of power and help. What attitude, stronghold or situation in your life can only be resolved if you get supernatural help? Look for Him.

2. My grandson recently asked me what super power I would want? It made me smile. Inside I knew… I HAVE a super power residing in me. The Holy Spirit is available to all who will receive Him. Does that reality fill you with hope?

Devo Plus:

Six scriptures out of over 100 stating you can relax because God will fight for you; truth that the Holy Spirit led me into.

Ephesians 6:10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Psalm 20:6

Now I know that the Lord saves his; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand

Proverbs 20:22

Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.

Isaiah 30:15

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

Psalm 138:7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.

Psalm 44:3

For not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit… thank You for Your surrounding presence and power in my day today! Amen.

Psalm 1 (NIV)

Blessed is the one

who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers,

but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,

and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

whatever they do prospers.

Not so the wicked!

They are like chaff

that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Explanation:

Psalm 1 is a wisdom psalm, offering instructions regarding good and evil. We can be blessed or cursed depending on the path we choose. The main idea here is that happiness is found through living a life according to the guidelines set by the Lord. The way to destruction is to lead an evil, lawless life.

This sounds simple, doesn’t it? Just follow the word of God and be happy. Not so fast. This comes with a lot of saying, “No.” It takes discipline, self-control, and purposeful determination. We need to remain in constant prayer and seek Him in all things. When we get wrapped up in the chaos of life, we sometimes forget. We become complacent. This can actually be dangerous.

We need to be vigilant in our walk with Christ. Are we surrounding ourselves with godly people? Are we getting godly counsel? Or are we getting bad advice from sinners, mockers, and scorners? It’s okay to keep company with sinners, but it’s not okay to stay long. Jesus kept company with the broken, but not to be like them. He did it to show the broken His example. Psalm 1 teaches us to be careful of who and what we listen to. If we associate with mockers and scorners, we run the risk of letting evil seep in.

Another message of Psalm 1 is whatever we are serious about is what we are going to immerse ourselves in. We should be ruminating in the word. Delighting in the word is the path to true happiness. We need to consciously, actively engage it. Don’t simply read it. Savor each word and turn them into action.

A tree really is the best metaphor here. Are you seeking the water? Do you have roots, or are you simply standing? Will you blow over in the storm, or are your roots strong? Seeking the word daily will provide muscle memory, which will result in strong roots and fruit. If you find pleasure in the law of the Lord, you will seek Him. When you seek Him, you will begin to trust Him. When you trust Him, you will be blessed, because the Lord watches over the righteous. Trust in the Lord, no matter what is going on around you.

If you have ever been through any kind of emotion, the book of Psalms has you covered. Take time and delight in His word.

Application:

1. What is your passion? What are you serious about?

2. Think of times when you have kept the company of mockers and scorners. How did that work out?

3. What are some ways you delight in the Lord and build muscle memory?

Devo Plus:

Watch this video on Psalm 1: Rooted In The Word

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, break our hearts wide open to delighting in and living by Your word. Help us understand the way to happiness is through living life according to the guidelines You have set for us. Remind us to cherish Your word, so we may grow roots and be the ninety-nine.

Isaiah 48: 17 – 18 (ESV)

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

Explanation:

Have you ever been lost? I mean really lost. There was a day when GPS and Mapquest was not a thing. For me, getting lost at some point when traveling was a fairly common occurrence. Once my wife and I got lost on our way home from a school event. We somehow ended up on a road with a very alarming name, something along the lines of “Deep Knife” road. I remember very vividly looking at my wife and saying, “Let’s get off this road as fast as possible!”

When you got lost, as we were that day, the only options at the time were stopping to ask for directions from someone who was hopefully more familiar with the area than you are, or pulling out the ginormous paper map that was stuffed in your glove box. I can’t quite remember how we found our way home that day, but since I am here writing this devotional, we must have figured it out.

Some of the same principles apply when we find ourselves spiritually lost. As we have discovered so far through the Naive sermon series, we may even be lost and not be aware of it. So, the question that we must ask is, “what must I do when I am lost or where do I look to determine if I am going in the right direction?”

Let me start by saying it is not that warm fuzzy feeling you get in your stomach or heart that is going to give you the best direction. In fact, sometimes our feelings and emotions can be very little help in determining how to live a life that is honoring God.

Our best life comes when we listen to God’s voice. Two ways we can hear His voice is through His Word, the Bible, and through His Holy Spirit. Like the passage tells us, when we are profoundly seeking His voice through these two things, we can find ourselves with peace like a river and godliness in the way we are living. Doesn’t that sound amazing!?!

Application:

1. When you find yourself spiritually lost, what are your go to things to help you find direction? Have any of those go to things been more harmful than good?

2. Why do you think the prophet Isaiah tells his audience how much better things would have been if they/we would have paid more attention to God’s voice?

3. How have you found God’s voice being different than your own emotional voice?

4. What can you do from this day forward to pay closer attention to the voice of God?

Devo Plus:

What is something that God is speaking to you today? What would it look like to follow His voice today?

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, I take a moment now to just pause. I desire to hear Your voice. I know it is peace and power to my life and I recognize how much I need You. Please forgive me for the times I did not seek Your voice and listened to some other directions beside Your own. Today I want to start to honor You more by seeking Your leading