CHOICES OF LIFE
 
From the time God placed man in the garden, he was given freewill.  Giving mankind freewill was costly to God.  He knew with freewill mankind could falter. Jesus Christ was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8).  Knowing we would fall short of His glory, plans were put in place to redeem mankind. 
 
On the Cross of Calvary, Jesus shed His blood for the remission of Sin.  Because of this act of love, grace, and mercy, we have a choice in the type of life we would live.  Psalm one contrast the two ways of life.  The blessed man and his actions are contrasted with the ungodly man and his actions.  As we view these two life styles, it alerts us to the way of blessings and also helps us to evaluate what ways we may need to relinquish.
 
Because the Scripture tells us what the blessed man does not do, we can assume these are the activities of the ungodly man. 
 
Let us first look at the ways of the ungodly:
  • Gives ungodly counsel – advice that does not agree with the Word of God.
  • Walks in the counsel of the ungodly – takes advice from those that do not know God.
  • Stands in the path of sinners – actions that hinder unbelievers from coming to God.
  • Sits in the seat of the scornful – pointing fingers and look at people with disdain. 
Failures of the ungodly:
  • They are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
  • They shall not stand in the judgment.
  • They shall not be in the congregation of the righteous.
  • They shall perish. 
This passage reveals the character, habits, and benefits of a life that is blessed of God. 
          The Character of the blessed man – Does not take counsel from the ungodly.
                                                                    Does not stand in the way of sinners.
                                                                    Does not sit in the seat of the scornful.
 
          The Habits of the blessed man –   Delights in the law of the Lord.
                                                                 Meditates on the law day and night.
 
          The Benefits of the blessed man – He is like a tree planted by the rivers of water.
                                                                  He brings forth fruit in it seasons.
                                                                  His leaves shall not wither.
                                                                  He shall prosper in whatever he does.
 
What is so exciting about the righteous man? The Lord knows his ways. This makes me think of the words God gave to Moses for His people.  “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19.  Because of our freewill, we must examine our ways and determine what habits we are cultivating that would lead to godly character. It is a choice. Let us choose life and blessings this day.