Sermon Date: Nov. 7, 2010
Sermon Title: Gearing Up
Sermon Text: Psalm 1:1-3
Small Group Text: Psalm 1:1-6 Who doesn’t want success? One way or another, most people are tracking down some semblance of meaning and significance in the daily grind of life. And yet the reality is such that God has placed inescapable limits on human achievement so that true fulfillment eludes even the most successful people until they are spiritually connected to the God who made them. In other words, when the lone pursuit of “success” becomes life’s endgoal, more often than not, the days are filled with weariness and disappointment. A cursory review of Ecclesiastes will underscore the point. On the other hand, the Scriptures make it clear that successful living is the byproduct of another endeavor altogether. A flourishing life requires a commitment to personal conversations with God. Read the following Scripture passages and find the common denominator to every reference of success, prosperity and wisdom. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. [2] But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. [3] He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. [98] Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. [99] I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. [100] I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. Psalm 119:97-100
Did you catch it? Meditation (Bible reflection) is the key. It’s a commitment Successful living begins with a commitment to consistently encounter God through the reading of His word. We need to view the Bible as a most prized possession – but not simply as an accent piece on the coffee table. Rather, the Scriptures are to be known and treasured as the standard for Christian life and service – the ultimate source of moral and spiritual strength. How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. [10] I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. [11] I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. [12] Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. [13] With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. [14] I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. [15] I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. [16] I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:9-16
Committed to a time Fitting Bible reflection into the hectic pace of one’s daily routine is a challenge for even the most committed person. But what if we changed our perspective so that rather than “fitting it in” we prioritized our time with God and wrapped our day around it as the first and most important part of our schedule?
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