November 1, 2022 -- Psalm 1:1-2 -- Focus on Jesus

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2 ESV

Today's devotion is part of a series. As I lead Christian 12-step groups in prison, I am reminded to do a daily character inspection. Such self-inspection requires the participant to review twenty-four different areas of his walk with God. 

Today’s character trait is “concentration”. Notice that the very first Psalm in the entire Book of Psalms declares the man blest who meditates on the law of the LORD. The word meditate means to plan out for oneself how to implement the Law of the LORD. Thinking about and mentally going over and over what the Scriptures mean, their implications for daily living and how God’s Word directs their interaction with others.

As I do a daily character inspection, the fourth character trait is asking myself whether or not I am directing my thoughts and my will, my imagination and energies towards serving God, my King? The greater temptation is to daydream, thinking about what might be if I won the lottery. What might have happened if that person would just be a bit kinder or my boss were just a bit nobler. Day-dreaming leads to much wasted time and prepares the soil of the heart for resentment and bitterness.

When I am concentrating on the LORD and His will for my life, I am fully engaged in the task before me. Consider these words: “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (I Corinthians 9:26-27). What an important reminder to concentrate on all the work God our Father gives us and by the Spirit’s presence in us know our words and life preaches Christ and even as we preach Christ to others, we ourselves are reminded of all His blessings and goodness which He has lavished on us!

Our Father in heaven, how beautifully You have orchestrated the salvation of Your lost and wandering sheep! You have rescued us in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. You have sealed our life in Him by Your Spirit's powerful presence in us. And if this were not enough, when we speak of Christ to others, preaching Him our own hearts are warmed with deepened and renewed passion for His goodness. The more we think on Him, the greater is our joy and hope. Forgive us for the times we are daydreaming and wasting the privilege of knowing You and living for You. Renew in us a strong commitment to run the race before us, ever thinking on how to give greater focus to our service cheerfully given to You. This we ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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