Tag: Godliness

Which Path Will You Choose?

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 by Claude Houde

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2).

Psalm 1 is a wisdom psalm and contains two contrasting ways of life in the pursuit of happiness. Most theologians believe the psalm was written by David; it is literally the gateway to fulfillment and abundant life. So, the blessed man delights in the law of the Lord — in his promises, his word, his kingdom, his heart for his people, his commands. And this man shall be “like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper” (1:3).

In contrast, “The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives way. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (1:4-6). The psalmist says, “You must choose what your pursuit will be.” He differentiated between the two lifestyles, one like a tree planted by the rivers of water and the other like chaff in the wind.

The way of life that leads to blessedness, vitality, productivity, security, joy, fulfillment, accomplishment and satisfaction goes even beyond peace of mind and quietness of heart. You will find deep and authentic happiness if you have a basic biblical understanding of where it is found. Proverbs 4:20-26 says, “My son, give attention to my word; incline your ear to my sayings … Keep your heart with all diligence … Let your eyes look straight ahead … Ponder the path of your feet.” The Word of God is full of instruction and guidance — far more than enough to keep you on the path of righteousness.

Social media with its hollow, meaningless pastimes can eat up your time. Mindless entertainment can cheapen and weaken your soul. It is each person’s responsibility to choose which pursuit he will follow. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

The Word of God is clear; the choice is yours!

by Claude Houde

A Life of Godliness and Gratitude

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David Wilkersonby David Wilkerson

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).

God’s children should make it a matter of conscience to rejoice in him at all times and in every circumstance. Rejoicing is not our choice; it is God’s command! If we treat these words as an option, we undermine God’s imperative to us.

Until God has our delight, he really does not have our heart. There are three steps that will help us maintain a stance of rejoicing in our Savior:

  • Put aside every obstacle that interferes with rejoicing
  • Persuade yourself that rejoicing is necessary
  • Practice rejoicing forever

This definitely will not be easy and you sometimes will think it doesn’t make sense. Whether the world crumbles or stands, whether we lose or keep everything and everyone precious to us, the Lord himself remains the source of our satisfaction. “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

God created a place in his children for joy. This place will be filled with something, either with the toys and trivia of worldly achievement and accumulation or with heavenly things of the Creator. There will always be carnal cravings that lure us away from God. “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (James 1:14).

Those who have had a new, divine nature put into them by God are not satisfied with things of the world anymore. A change of heart implies a change of desire — a pure heart after God wants what he wants. “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful” (Psalm 33:1).

A practical side of rejoicing is that it cannot be sustained if it is not continually exercised. Do not neglect this great portion of God’s salvation lest it become shriveled and crippled and too sluggish to sing out love songs to Jesus. But constant use will make it a strong fiber of your soul; willing and able to control every other emotion. Make the choice today to seek after the serene life of godliness and gratitude.

by David Wilkerson