Be the Tree!

Wednesday November 9, 2011

Today's Passage: Psalms 1
Memory Verse: Psalms 1:1

What is the key to keeping oneself totally devoted to God in spite of the double-mindedness that we see around us? The key to remaining totally devoted to God is being rooted and grounded in His word. Simple, huh? To fully understand this point, let's look at the opposite side of things.

In Psalms 1, the Bible says we'll be rewarded for not walking in the "counsel of the unGodly". UnGodly counsel is the seat of double-mindedness. It creeps into or minds when we're in trouble, or scared. Its origin can be tracked to our upbringing (yep, momma and auntie 'nem), past experiences, and friends or co-workers. Over time, it attaches itself to our souls (the place where we make decisions) and becomes the staple by which we live. Then we meet Jesus. And after experiencing His unfailing love, we decide to live totally devoted to Him. However, we often forget to throw out all those unGodly belief systems we held inside us. We're often reluctant to confront the fact that they in fact caused us to 'stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful'. What results is this new creation with a hint of the old nature hidden inside. We're driven to hold on to it just in case "God fails us". But total devotion requires us to get rid of the unGodly counsel. At the end of the day, it only leads us right back to old mindsets and habits. It's kinda funny. In my experience, people always tell me how hard it is to accept Jesus as their Savior. Truth is, though, I didn't have as much difficulty accepting Jesus as I did denying myself. So like many, my double-mindedness nearly became my undoing.

In conclusion, this day may present the opportunity to make an important decision. On one side, the word of the Lord will knock at your heart, ready to inoculate you with truth. On the other, there'll be the fear-fed advice that only makes "sense", not truth. Which will you choose? My best advice would be to not ask your flesh, or comfort zone. They always appeal to YOUR will. Best practice is to decide now. Decide to choose God's word before you get to that crossroad. Be like that "planted" tree, bringing forth fruit in its season. The tree isn't double-minded, so it prospers, and if you follow suit, so will you.

Prayer: Gracious Father, Your glory is everlasting. I'm thankful I have Your word to guide me through this life. My prayer today is that You will deliver me from myself. The more "I" exist, the less of You I have. So, I give myself away so You can use me! Now, take me as Your own, and I'll give You praise, in Jesus' name. Amen.