This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”, with a mini-series within it entitled “Focusing on the Word”. We are walking our way through the first half of the first psalm. Let’s get back to it. The Bible says:
(Psalm 1:1-3 KJV) “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
(Psalm 1:1-3 ERV) “Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings and think about them day and night. So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream—a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall. Everything they do is successful.”
Today we will focus in on the line: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly”, or “Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things about “ungodly counsel” or “evil advice”.
- We live in a society today where everything is accepted and nothing is rejected. Anyone who takes a stand for what they believe in is labeled as a hatemonger. But as believers, we cannot allow the fear of being labeled to keep us from standing for what is right. The Bible has standards for conduct and life. The Bible has ‘rights and wrongs’, ‘do’s and don’ts’, ‘good and evil’, and as believers we don’t have to succumb to the pressure to accept everything. God is still on the throne, the Bible is still right, and sin is still sin.
- When people come to me asking for my “opinion” on life matters, I am careful not to provide opinions, per se. I am quick to clarify that any position I have is based on the Word of God and any opinion I give, is really just my understanding of God’s position. Anything less is dangerous, and anything contrary to God’s Word is ungodly counsel.
- As much as possible, avoid the counsel of the ungodly. If you know someone is NOT a believer, they are NOT Born-Again, and they DON’T believe the Bible, then don’t seek them out for counsel. If for some reason you wind up in a situation where an ungodly person is providing you or your family counsel, be sure to FILTER that counsel through the Word of God. You still get to choose what to receive and what to reject. Anything they advise that does not line up with the Word of God, you should reject.
- If you want to be the “Blessed Man” of Psalm 1, you won’t open your heart or mind to ungodly counsel.
- If your marriage is doing through a tough period, and you’re believing God for restoration, then you shouldn’t surround yourself with people who have failed in marriage and who are quick to tell you to get a divorce. If your business is struggling and you are believing God for a financial breakthrough, then you shouldn’t surround yourself with people who have failed in business, and who are quick to tell you to file for bankruptcy. Bottom line: surround yourself with people of like-precious-faith.
- When you reject ungodly counsel you are protecting your anointing and your divine assignment.
- Stand on the Word of God, maintain Godly standards, surround yourself with people of like-precious-faith, and let’s God’s “Yes” be your “Yes”, let God’s “Amen” be your “Amen”. If you base your mindset on God’s Word and you reject ungodly counsel, you will wake up one morning and realize you are THE BLESSED MAN described in Psalm 1.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus in 2016. I take control of my thoughts. I SET my mind on things above. I form my opinions from Your Word. What I think in 2016 is based on what You think – based on what You have already said. You have already spoken and Your Word lays out Your standard. Your standard is now my standard. Your “Yes” is my “Yes”. Your “Amen” is my “Amen”. And that also means that Your “No”, is my “No”. If You said it’s wrong, then it’s wrong, whether anyone today wants to accept it or not. I receive Godly counsel and I reject anything and everything that does not line up with Your Word. I walk NOT in the counsel of the ungodly. I have the courage to reject what You have rejected and to accept what You have accepted. I am not afraid of the backlash in this present society. You are my shield. You are my strength. You are my God and I am not ashamed to say so! I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
