He Shall Prosper - Psalm 1

There are many blessings in being a Christian. The Psalmist declared we will be blessed when we do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the paths of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. The picture is the progression of how sin can enter our lives and keep us from the blessings of God. We must avoid falling into that progression by seeking to meditate on and delight in the word of God.

How would you like to know that your life is going to be blessed by God, knowing that whatever you do, you shall prosper? Oh, God doesn't guarantee you will be rich or get everything and anything you want in life. He never promised us a mansion on earth, but He does have a mansion prepared for us in heaven (John 14:1-6). Even so, God guaranteed a fruitful life to the one who delights in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. Those who follow God’s word will be like a tree planted by a river: they will be fruitful.

The opposite is also true. The Lord has promised that the one who is ungodly will drift away in the wind like chaff and will perish. The ungodly will not stand in the day of judgment. Therefore, not only will they fail to prosper in this life, but they also will not have a heavenly home after this life is over. Instead of being a prosperous happy soul, we will be unfruitful in this life and will not gain eternal life when this life is over.

Let us work heartily to prosper in this life (both in our work and in our spiritual lives), laying up treasure in heaven, knowing that we shall receive a glorious home in heaven in the here after.

We Can't Stop

The author of the song, There is Just One Way, delivered to man a powerful message. I really don’t think James Rowe would realize how far the world would have gone when he penned these words in 1920. It was a time known as the “roaring 20’s” for its rapid technological advances, electricity, prosperity, social clubs, idolization of sports personalities, and celebrity worship. The French called it the “crazy years.” Even so, I don’t think he would have thought about “entertainers” such as Lady Gaga being almost naked and performing on an awards show for all the world to see nor do I think he would envision a former child star, Miley Cyrus, preaching morals and integrity to little girls moving to a position where she sings a song about drugs (Molly is slang for ecstasy, the so called date rape drug), drinking, homosexuality, partying and sex while saying “we can’t stop” and “twerking” (provocative movement that simulates sexual activity) while almost naked and using both people and props to show vulgar sexual activity. No! I doubt the author had the slightest idea of how far the morality of our nation would fall.

The words to There is Just One Way are encouraging to the child of God:

There are many paths through this world of sin, But there’s only one I shall travel in; ’Tis the old Cross Road, or the way called “Straight” — There is just one way to the pearly gate.

Refrain: There is just one way to the pearly gate, To the crown of life and the friends who wait; ’Tis the old Cross Road, or the way called “Straight” — There is just one way to the pearly gate.

There are some who sneer at the old Cross Road, At the pearly gate and the soul’s abode; Yet I mind them not, but, with happy song. And assurance sweet, still I press along.

Others risk their souls on some new-made way, Thinking they will come to the gate some day; Oh, may they find out, ere their lives are done, That the old Cross Road is the only one.

Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus may push the homosexual agenda, the party lifestyle, drinking, promiscuity and drugs. They may say that they can do what they want and they can’t stop in their behavior and that it isn’t our business what they do in the first place. However, they are wrong in their lifestyle choices and they are wrong in trying to promote this sinful behavior.

What we must do is stand in opposition to the ways of the world and preach that there is only one way to live that is pleasing in the sight of God and that will get us to life in heaven. There is just one way to go to heaven and that way is Jesus Christ our Lord.

We can’t stop telling others about Jesus who died to save their souls. We can’t stop telling others about forgiveness available to those who repent and come home. We can’t stop telling others about the fellowship we share as Christians in the body of Christ, the church. We can’t stop telling others about how our homes can be a wonderful blessing when they follow the will of God. We can’t stop telling others about how marriage can be great when we follow God’s plan. We can’t stop telling others about how our lives can be the salt and shining light that can help others to know Christ and bring glory to God. We can’t stop standing on the B I B L E. We can’t stop putting on the whole armor of God. We can’t stop fighting in the Christian army. WE CAN’T STOP!!!

I hope and pray that we stop being passive, quiet, and almost apologetic in our faith in Christ. It is time, past time, that we stand up and fight for the Lord. The world is in all out war against us. Stand up and fight for Jesus! Souls are at stake! Let’s help them know the truth!