Sunday, 13 May 2007

Sunday school class Proverbs 23:9 "Do not speak to a fool..." 

Precious Memories; Holy Ground; He was there all the time; Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Scripture reading: #641

The communion table floral arrangement is in honor and memory of Nina Martin, and a tribute to her daughter and Aaron’s mother – Dell.         From Ashley and Aaron Ragsdale.

Sunday evening - No Vesper's tonight. Enjoy Mother's Day evening with your family! 

Wednesday Study Class 7-8 p.m. Teaching our children how to live effectively as Christians in society: The importance of the truth.

How to be blessed - really blessed! 

Psalms 1:1. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

4. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.  6. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. 

There is a definite relationship between

·        the 'intent of the heart;'

·        the 'counsel' we receive;

·        where we find our enjoyment;

·        how established we are –

·        and being 'blessed.'

The tendency today is to equate being 'blessed' with financial prosperity. What we find in Psalms chapter 1 verse 3 is 'prospering' being tied directly to "Whatever he does..." (3. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.)

The 'he' refers directly to the

·        one who is solidly established, and according to the previous verses –

·        keeping good counsel;

·        finding enjoyment in doing what is right, just, equitable, and merciful;

·        and has as the fuel for intellectual and emotional well being - a determination to pursue understanding in and of these things.

Everything they put their hand to, they do with all their might - and it does well. (Whatever he does prospers.)

It would make sense that anything well-thought-out probably will do well. It would also make sense that those who are thoughtful, equitable and merciful probably will have enough friends so that whatever they do probably will do well.

What about their

·        personal satisfaction?

·        reward in friendships;

·        reward in the results of projects;

·        reward in commendation and recognition?

These are the rewards of prosperity!

These are blessings which cannot truly be measured.

This is being blessed - really blessed!