As you continue setting goals for 2023 take a moment to consider personal relationships because who you are connected to matters.
Both Psalm 1 and Psalm 27 give clear instructions on how the righteous are to live, who they are to associate with, and what they can expect from God when they choose His way.
They remind you that you must choose who you go to for wisdom, insight, and advice. How can an unbeliever give insight or wisdom to a believer when they don’t have common ground with the Word? Would you let a mechanic operate on your body? No, you would go to the person with the expertise. The same is true in spiritual matters. You must seek wisdom from other believers, preferably spiritually mature believers, whose foundation is the Word and who have a proven solid relationship with the Lord.
Psalm 1 reminds us:
We are blessed when we do not walk in, adhere to, the counsel of the ungodly - not following their advice, plans, or purpose
Delight and desire in the Law of the Lord
Meditate, ponders and studies His - the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God
The results of this are being firmly planted and tended bringing forth fruit and everything you do will prosper and come to maturity
"For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God’s will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to naught)." (Psalm 1:6 AMPC)
Psalm 27 reminds us to make the Lord our desire:
"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple." (Psalm 27:4 AMPC)
"You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word]." (Psalm 27:8 AMPC)
As I read both Psalms, I was reminded of this Scripture:
“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God,” (II Corinthians 6:14-16 NLT)
I love the way the Message Version breaks it down:
“Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with darkness? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives.” (II Corinthians 6:14-16 MSG)
Who you are connected to matters. Choose your connections wisely, with the help of Holy Spirit. It might mean making some changes in your circle. Trust God to determine who should be in your life, to what degree, and whose season is over. Decide to opt for Divine Connections every time! Your spiritual health and your God ordained purpose depend on it.
"Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character." (1 Corinthians 15:33 AMPC)
Be Encouraged! ❤
(Updated From the Vault of LWM)