Delighting In God | Justin Bilson | Blessed

Well, good morning church. This is the Well, good morning church. This is the day that the Lord has made and we will day that the Lord has made and we will day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Would you do rejoice and be glad in it. Would you do rejoice and be glad in it. Would you do me a favor? Tell somebody around you. me a favor? Tell somebody around you. me a favor? Tell somebody around you. Just tell them, "I'm glad you're here Just tell them, "I'm glad you're here Just tell them, "I'm glad you're here today." Tell them, "I'm glad I'm glad today." Tell them, "I'm glad I'm glad today." Tell them, "I'm glad I'm glad you're here today." Glad you're here you're here today." Glad you're here you're here today." Glad you're here today. Amen. I believe it's important anytime Amen. I believe it's important anytime we gather uh both in person and online we gather uh both in person and online we gather uh both in person and online uh that we not only come to be uh that we not only come to be uh that we not only come to be encouraged, but to be an encouragement. encouraged, but to be an encouragement. encouraged, but to be an encouragement. And you never know who needs to hear And you never know who needs to hear And you never know who needs to hear those words. And to you uh watching at those words. And to you uh watching at those words. And to you uh watching at home or wherever you're watching from, home or wherever you're watching from, home or wherever you're watching from, I'm glad you're here today. Uh and so I'm glad you're here today. Uh and so I'm glad you're here today. Uh and so we're glad that you're connecting with we're glad that you're connecting with we're glad that you're connecting with us virtually. Uh to those online and of us virtually. Uh to those online and of us virtually. Uh to those online and of course those in the room. If I haven't course those in the room. If I haven't course those in the room. If I haven't met you yet, my name is Justin Bilson. I met you yet, my name is Justin Bilson. I met you yet, my name is Justin Bilson. I serve as one of the four teaching serve as one of the four teaching serve as one of the four teaching pastors here at Fellowship. and we are pastors here at Fellowship. and we are pastors here at Fellowship. and we are beginning a new series in this month of beginning a new series in this month of beginning a new series in this month of August leading up to our vision Sunday August leading up to our vision Sunday August leading up to our vision Sunday which is the time when all of our which is the time when all of our which is the time when all of our campuses uh collectively we're campuses uh collectively we're campuses uh collectively we're broadcasting uh to all of our campuses broadcasting uh to all of our campuses broadcasting uh to all of our campuses and thanking God for what he has done in and thanking God for what he has done in and thanking God for what he has done in the past this past coming uh the past the past this past coming uh the past the past this past coming uh the past ministry year and then look forward to ministry year and then look forward to ministry year and then look forward to cast vision for what God we believe God cast vision for what God we believe God cast vision for what God we believe God is going to do in the coming ministry is going to do in the coming ministry is going to do in the coming ministry year. So, I'm excited about vision year. So, I'm excited about vision year. So, I'm excited about vision Sunday coming up in a few weeks. But Sunday coming up in a few weeks. But Sunday coming up in a few weeks. But leading up to our vision Sunday, uh we leading up to our vision Sunday, uh we leading up to our vision Sunday, uh we are going to walk through several of the are going to walk through several of the are going to walk through several of the Psalms. Uh beginning today with Psalm 1.

Psalms. Uh beginning today with Psalm 1. Psalms. Uh beginning today with Psalm 1. Next Sunday, we'll look at Psalm 84. Uh Next Sunday, we'll look at Psalm 84. Uh Next Sunday, we'll look at Psalm 84. Uh and then the following Sunday, we'll and then the following Sunday, we'll and then the following Sunday, we'll look at Psalm 112 as we search the look at Psalm 112 as we search the look at Psalm 112 as we search the scriptures to see what does God's word scriptures to see what does God's word scriptures to see what does God's word have to say about living a blessed life. have to say about living a blessed life. have to say about living a blessed life. I'm sure if you would ask those in I'm sure if you would ask those in I'm sure if you would ask those in culture and if you would ask authors and culture and if you would ask authors and culture and if you would ask authors and podcasters and different people would podcasters and different people would podcasters and different people would have different perspectives, but I'm have different perspectives, but I'm have different perspectives, but I'm glad that God's word gives us a clear glad that God's word gives us a clear glad that God's word gives us a clear measuring line on what it truly means to measuring line on what it truly means to measuring line on what it truly means to live a blessed life. And so, we're going live a blessed life. And so, we're going live a blessed life. And so, we're going to talk about that over the next few to talk about that over the next few to talk about that over the next few weeks. So, I want to invite you to join weeks. So, I want to invite you to join weeks. So, I want to invite you to join me in Psalm 1. We're going to look at me in Psalm 1. We're going to look at me in Psalm 1. We're going to look at Psalm 1 verse 1-6, the entire Psalm here Psalm 1 verse 1-6, the entire Psalm here Psalm 1 verse 1-6, the entire Psalm here today. As you're turning there, I do today. As you're turning there, I do today. As you're turning there, I do want to make you aware you should have want to make you aware you should have want to make you aware you should have received one of these cards when you received one of these cards when you received one of these cards when you came in. If you didn't, you can grab one came in. If you didn't, you can grab one came in. If you didn't, you can grab one when you leave. Uh uh every two years or when you leave. Uh uh every two years or when you leave. Uh uh every two years or so, we uh present men to our church uh so, we uh present men to our church uh so, we uh present men to our church uh as elder candidates. If you're new with as elder candidates. If you're new with as elder candidates. If you're new with us, or maybe you this is your first time us, or maybe you this is your first time us, or maybe you this is your first time here today. I'm glad you're here. Uh we here today. I'm glad you're here. Uh we here today. I'm glad you're here. Uh we as a church are elderled. We're an elder as a church are elderled. We're an elder as a church are elderled. We're an elder church. Some 50 plus elders across all church. Some 50 plus elders across all church. Some 50 plus elders across all seven campuses. godly men who are caring seven campuses. godly men who are caring seven campuses. godly men who are caring and shephering for those in our body.

and shephering for those in our body. and shephering for those in our body. And so every so often we have need of And so every so often we have need of And so every so often we have need of more elders on our different campuses. more elders on our different campuses. more elders on our different campuses. And so we present these godly men to And so we present these godly men to And so we present these godly men to you. Uh we're not voting uh them in, but you. Uh we're not voting uh them in, but you. Uh we're not voting uh them in, but we are affirming them. And so what we're we are affirming them. And so what we're we are affirming them. And so what we're going to ask that you would do is read going to ask that you would do is read going to ask that you would do is read over the bios, read over uh uh what God over the bios, read over uh uh what God over the bios, read over uh uh what God is doing in their lives. And uh would is doing in their lives. And uh would is doing in their lives. And uh would you prayerfully affirm them? Uh and then you prayerfully affirm them? Uh and then you prayerfully affirm them? Uh and then if for some reason you have scriptural if for some reason you have scriptural if for some reason you have scriptural concern that we need to know about or concern that we need to know about or concern that we need to know about or you need to address, uh you can let us you need to address, uh you can let us you need to address, uh you can let us know. Uh there's information there. Uh know. Uh there's information there. Uh know. Uh there's information there. Uh and then you'll see uh email throughout and then you'll see uh email throughout and then you'll see uh email throughout uh the next few weeks on the bottom of uh the next few weeks on the bottom of uh the next few weeks on the bottom of the bulletin as well. Uh if for some the bulletin as well. Uh if for some the bulletin as well. Uh if for some reason you don't have it. Uh but we want reason you don't have it. Uh but we want reason you don't have it. Uh but we want to make sure if there are things that we to make sure if there are things that we to make sure if there are things that we need to know uh scripturally and need to know uh scripturally and need to know uh scripturally and biblically based concerns, we would love biblically based concerns, we would love biblically based concerns, we would love uh to be able to hear those from you. Um uh to be able to hear those from you. Um uh to be able to hear those from you. Um but again between now and August 31st uh but again between now and August 31st uh but again between now and August 31st uh we ask that you would prayerfully we ask that you would prayerfully we ask that you would prayerfully consider affirming these men uh so that consider affirming these men uh so that consider affirming these men uh so that we'll commission them as elders of we'll commission them as elders of we'll commission them as elders of Fellowship Bible Church in uh the month Fellowship Bible Church in uh the month Fellowship Bible Church in uh the month of September. Now uh some of you may be of September. Now uh some of you may be of September. Now uh some of you may be wondering, "Okay, Justin, I'm reading wondering, "Okay, Justin, I'm reading wondering, "Okay, Justin, I'm reading through this list and none of these men through this list and none of these men through this list and none of these men are elder candidates at West Little Rock are elder candidates at West Little Rock are elder candidates at West Little Rock campus." Here's the thing. You may not campus." Here's the thing. You may not campus." Here's the thing. You may not know them specifically, but I need you know them specifically, but I need you know them specifically, but I need you to know that these are not just men who to know that these are not just men who to know that these are not just men who are serving at one particular campus.

are serving at one particular campus. are serving at one particular campus. Yes, they're assigned and they're Yes, they're assigned and they're Yes, they're assigned and they're serving at that campus, but we're asking serving at that campus, but we're asking serving at that campus, but we're asking that you would prayerfully affirm them that you would prayerfully affirm them that you would prayerfully affirm them as elders of Fellowship Bible Church as as elders of Fellowship Bible Church as as elders of Fellowship Bible Church as a whole. Uh and so again, uh there are a whole. Uh and so again, uh there are a whole. Uh and so again, uh there are times where we have need for more elders times where we have need for more elders times where we have need for more elders here at this campus. There are times here at this campus. There are times here at this campus. There are times where we don't, but at the end of the where we don't, but at the end of the where we don't, but at the end of the day, these men, regardless of what day, these men, regardless of what day, these men, regardless of what campus they are attending week in and campus they are attending week in and campus they are attending week in and week out, are serving as elders of week out, are serving as elders of week out, are serving as elders of Fellowship Bible Church as a whole. And Fellowship Bible Church as a whole. And Fellowship Bible Church as a whole. And so we want to be praying for them, so we want to be praying for them, so we want to be praying for them, praying for their wives as well and praying for their wives as well and praying for their wives as well and their families uh because this is uh their families uh because this is uh their families uh because this is uh important to us. This is uh a serious important to us. This is uh a serious important to us. This is uh a serious and they have been uh vetted and they have been uh vetted and they have been uh vetted extensively. Uh you can trust that. Uh extensively. Uh you can trust that. Uh extensively. Uh you can trust that. Uh again, if you want to know more about uh again, if you want to know more about uh again, if you want to know more about uh who they are, you can see the who they are, you can see the who they are, you can see the information there. And I didn't do this information there. And I didn't do this information there. And I didn't do this uh in the first service, but I'm going uh in the first service, but I'm going uh in the first service, but I'm going to ask just because I believe what the to ask just because I believe what the to ask just because I believe what the word says that we honor and give honor word says that we honor and give honor word says that we honor and give honor to whom honor is due. And as a teaching to whom honor is due. And as a teaching to whom honor is due. And as a teaching pastor alongside my other teammates, we pastor alongside my other teammates, we pastor alongside my other teammates, we have the honor of serving alongside some have the honor of serving alongside some have the honor of serving alongside some great godly humble and I don't say that great godly humble and I don't say that great godly humble and I don't say that uh uh lightly, humble men. And so I'm uh uh lightly, humble men. And so I'm uh uh lightly, humble men. And so I'm going to ask if you're an elder in the going to ask if you're an elder in the going to ask if you're an elder in the room, would you just stand please? We room, would you just stand please? We room, would you just stand please? We want to honor you. If you're an elder of want to honor you. If you're an elder of want to honor you. If you're an elder of Fellowship Bible Church, would you Fellowship Bible Church, would you Fellowship Bible Church, would you stand? We just want to honor you. Amen.

stand? We just want to honor you. Amen. stand? We just want to honor you. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Again, these are godly, humble, Amen. Again, these are godly, humble, Amen. Again, these are godly, humble, imperfect men who love our church, who imperfect men who love our church, who imperfect men who love our church, who love you. They pray for you diligently. love you. They pray for you diligently. love you. They pray for you diligently. We pray for you and desire to shepherd We pray for you and desire to shepherd We pray for you and desire to shepherd you. And so, thank you so much. Uh you. And so, thank you so much. Uh you. And so, thank you so much. Uh again, many of them are serving behind again, many of them are serving behind again, many of them are serving behind the scenes in ways that you know, and the scenes in ways that you know, and the scenes in ways that you know, and ways that you don't. Uh but again, we ways that you don't. Uh but again, we ways that you don't. Uh but again, we want to honor them. So, if you have more want to honor them. So, if you have more want to honor them. So, if you have more questions, I'll be around at the end of questions, I'll be around at the end of questions, I'll be around at the end of the service. You can talk to our elders the service. You can talk to our elders the service. You can talk to our elders as well. Uh but just wanted to make sure as well. Uh but just wanted to make sure as well. Uh but just wanted to make sure that I take a moment to explain why this that I take a moment to explain why this that I take a moment to explain why this matters because it's important to us. Uh matters because it's important to us. Uh matters because it's important to us. Uh and again, we take this seriously. So, and again, we take this seriously. So, and again, we take this seriously. So, thank you uh for partnering with us in thank you uh for partnering with us in thank you uh for partnering with us in this. Amen. Listen to the words now of this. Amen. Listen to the words now of this. Amen. Listen to the words now of Psalm 1. The writer says, "Blessed is Psalm 1. The writer says, "Blessed is Psalm 1. The writer says, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the man who walks not in the counsel of the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of the wicked, nor stands in the way of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of sinners, nor sits in the seat of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his light is in the law of scoffers, but his light is in the law of scoffers, but his light is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates the Lord, and on his law he meditates the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He's like a tree planted day and night. He's like a tree planted day and night. He's like a tree planted by streams of water. It yields its fruit by streams of water. It yields its fruit by streams of water. It yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not in its season, and its leaf does not in its season, and its leaf does not wither, and all that he does, he wither, and all that he does, he wither, and all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are prospers. The wicked are not so, but are prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

like chaff that the wind drives away. like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in Therefore, the wicked will not stand in Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the the judgment, nor sinners in the the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the congregation of the righteous. For the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but Lord knows the way of the righteous, but Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. This the way of the wicked will perish. This the way of the wicked will perish. This is Psalm 1 verse 1-6. Today, as we begin is Psalm 1 verse 1-6. Today, as we begin is Psalm 1 verse 1-6. Today, as we begin this series again across all campuses this series again across all campuses this series again across all campuses entitled blessed, we want to talk today entitled blessed, we want to talk today entitled blessed, we want to talk today about delighting in God. That's what about delighting in God. That's what about delighting in God. That's what we're going to talk about today from we're going to talk about today from we're going to talk about today from Psalm 1. Delighting in God. Let's pray. Psalm 1. Delighting in God. Let's pray. Psalm 1. Delighting in God. Let's pray. Father, thank you for the joy that we Father, thank you for the joy that we Father, thank you for the joy that we have today to be able to gather in this have today to be able to gather in this have today to be able to gather in this in this space, this sacred space that we in this space, this sacred space that we in this space, this sacred space that we call our church home. We thank you that call our church home. We thank you that call our church home. We thank you that your presence is not confined to this your presence is not confined to this your presence is not confined to this building alone. We know that your building alone. We know that your building alone. We know that your presence is all around us. And we thank presence is all around us. And we thank presence is all around us. And we thank you that wherever we are, we're in your you that wherever we are, we're in your you that wherever we are, we're in your presence. But Lord, there's something presence. But Lord, there's something presence. But Lord, there's something special about being able to come in this special about being able to come in this special about being able to come in this place and to be encouraged by one place and to be encouraged by one place and to be encouraged by one another, to encourage one another, to another, to encourage one another, to another, to encourage one another, to sing with, to sing over, and even to sing with, to sing over, and even to sing with, to sing over, and even to have others sing over us, to lift our have others sing over us, to lift our have others sing over us, to lift our voices and to praise you, to celebrate voices and to praise you, to celebrate voices and to praise you, to celebrate your goodness and your grace. And now to your goodness and your grace. And now to your goodness and your grace. And now to sit at your feet and to open up your sit at your feet and to open up your sit at your feet and to open up your word and ask that you'd speak to us.

word and ask that you'd speak to us. word and ask that you'd speak to us. Lord, we need your word. We need your Lord, we need your word. We need your Lord, we need your word. We need your word. We live in turbulent times. We word. We live in turbulent times. We word. We live in turbulent times. We know that. We see that. But we thank you know that. We see that. But we thank you know that. We see that. But we thank you that your word is true. Your word is that your word is true. Your word is that your word is true. Your word is life and light to us. So Lord, let this life and light to us. So Lord, let this life and light to us. So Lord, let this word come alive today. Let it challenge word come alive today. Let it challenge word come alive today. Let it challenge us. Let it change us. Let it convict us us. Let it change us. Let it convict us us. Let it change us. Let it convict us in the areas that we need to grow. Thank in the areas that we need to grow. Thank in the areas that we need to grow. Thank you that your word never leaves us the you that your word never leaves us the you that your word never leaves us the same. We open our hearts and minds to same. We open our hearts and minds to same. We open our hearts and minds to receive what you want to say today. receive what you want to say today. receive what you want to say today. Speak Lord through this word and through Speak Lord through this word and through Speak Lord through this word and through this series. In Jesus name we pray. this series. In Jesus name we pray. this series. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Church, you may or may not know this Church, you may or may not know this Church, you may or may not know this about me. Little fun fact about Justin about me. Little fun fact about Justin about me. Little fun fact about Justin Bilson. I love a good movie. Bilson. I love a good movie. Bilson. I love a good movie. love good movie. I love uh watching love good movie. I love uh watching love good movie. I love uh watching movies uh in the comfort of my home. I movies uh in the comfort of my home. I movies uh in the comfort of my home. I love watching movies with my kids. Uh I love watching movies with my kids. Uh I love watching movies with my kids. Uh I love watching movies by myself. Yes, I'm love watching movies by myself. Yes, I'm love watching movies by myself. Yes, I'm that person. I will go to the movies by that person. I will go to the movies by that person. I will go to the movies by myself and have a grand time, right? Uh myself and have a grand time, right? Uh myself and have a grand time, right? Uh I love watching movies with my wife. And I love watching movies with my wife. And I love watching movies with my wife. And the thing I love about my wife is, and I the thing I love about my wife is, and I the thing I love about my wife is, and I don't know uh uh if this is true maybe don't know uh uh if this is true maybe don't know uh uh if this is true maybe for your spouse, my wife, if she finds for your spouse, my wife, if she finds for your spouse, my wife, if she finds the perfect spot on the couch and the the perfect spot on the couch and the the perfect spot on the couch and the blanket is around, it's a nap coming. I blanket is around, it's a nap coming. I blanket is around, it's a nap coming. I mean, it doesn't matter how good the mean, it doesn't matter how good the mean, it doesn't matter how good the movie is, she she's going to have a good movie is, she she's going to have a good movie is, she she's going to have a good nap, right? I we love watching movies in nap, right? I we love watching movies in nap, right? I we love watching movies in our home. And as great and wonderful as our home. And as great and wonderful as our home. And as great and wonderful as it is, I also am a fan of going to watch it is, I also am a fan of going to watch it is, I also am a fan of going to watch movies in theaters. For me, it it's an movies in theaters. For me, it it's an movies in theaters. For me, it it's an immersive experience. I I get my immersive experience. I I get my immersive experience. I I get my popcorn. Even if I'm not hungry, I I popcorn. Even if I'm not hungry, I I popcorn. Even if I'm not hungry, I I still got to get a little small popcorn, still got to get a little small popcorn, still got to get a little small popcorn, right? Because you just it feels weird right? Because you just it feels weird right? Because you just it feels weird watching a movie without having some watching a movie without having some watching a movie without having some popcorn in your hand. I get popcorn. I popcorn in your hand. I get popcorn. I popcorn in your hand. I get popcorn. I get my soda. I find my seat. I I lock

get my soda. I find my seat. I I lock get my soda. I find my seat. I I lock into the film. I'm in my happy place. I into the film. I'm in my happy place. I into the film. I'm in my happy place. I love movies. If you ever get a chance to love movies. If you ever get a chance to love movies. If you ever get a chance to go to the movies with me or if you know go to the movies with me or if you know go to the movies with me or if you know anyone who knows me, they they will tell anyone who knows me, they they will tell anyone who knows me, they they will tell you that I have one rule when it comes you that I have one rule when it comes you that I have one rule when it comes to going to the movies. I cannot under to going to the movies. I cannot under to going to the movies. I cannot under any circumstances miss the beginning of any circumstances miss the beginning of any circumstances miss the beginning of the movie. Cannot miss the beginning of the movie. Cannot miss the beginning of the movie. Cannot miss the beginning of the movie. I I don't necessarily need to the movie. I I don't necessarily need to the movie. I I don't necessarily need to see all of the trailers, but I don't see all of the trailers, but I don't see all of the trailers, but I don't want to miss the beginning of the movie want to miss the beginning of the movie want to miss the beginning of the movie because for me, the beginning sets the because for me, the beginning sets the because for me, the beginning sets the tone for the rest of the story. The tone for the rest of the story. The tone for the rest of the story. The beginning sets the tone for the rest of beginning sets the tone for the rest of beginning sets the tone for the rest of the story- which is true when you think the story- which is true when you think the story- which is true when you think about it. for not only movies, it's true about it. for not only movies, it's true about it. for not only movies, it's true for books, for TV shows, even for books, for TV shows, even for books, for TV shows, even conversations. You need to go back to conversations. You need to go back to conversations. You need to go back to the beginning to get context. It is the beginning to get context. It is the beginning to get context. It is important and it is also true for our important and it is also true for our important and it is also true for our texts today because if by chance and texts today because if by chance and texts today because if by chance and again we're not doing a sermon series on again we're not doing a sermon series on again we're not doing a sermon series on the book of Psalms on Psalms, but but if the book of Psalms on Psalms, but but if the book of Psalms on Psalms, but but if you want to know what Psalms is really you want to know what Psalms is really you want to know what Psalms is really about, you need to go back to the about, you need to go back to the about, you need to go back to the beginning. That's why it's important beginning. That's why it's important beginning. That's why it's important that we understand that this psalm, that we understand that this psalm, that we understand that this psalm, Psalm 1, is not just the first psalm Psalm 1, is not just the first psalm Psalm 1, is not just the first psalm listed in the 150. But it is also listed in the 150. But it is also listed in the 150. But it is also considered by scholars to be the considered by scholars to be the considered by scholars to be the introductory psalm or what Warren introductory psalm or what Warren introductory psalm or what Warren Wearsby calls the preface psalm. That Wearsby calls the preface psalm. That Wearsby calls the preface psalm. That this this psalm has within it several this this psalm has within it several this this psalm has within it several themes that are carried throughout the themes that are carried throughout the themes that are carried throughout the rest of the Psalms. seems like the call rest of the Psalms. seems like the call rest of the Psalms. seems like the call to walk in obedience to God's word, the to walk in obedience to God's word, the to walk in obedience to God's word, the blessing that comes to those who live by blessing that comes to those who live by blessing that comes to those who live by it, and even the judgment that comes to it, and even the judgment that comes to it, and even the judgment that comes to those who reject it. These are the major

those who reject it. These are the major those who reject it. These are the major points that are found in this psalm as points that are found in this psalm as points that are found in this psalm as well as throughout the psalms. And what well as throughout the psalms. And what well as throughout the psalms. And what strikes me is that out of all of the strikes me is that out of all of the strikes me is that out of all of the types of psalms to begin with, psalms of types of psalms to begin with, psalms of types of psalms to begin with, psalms of praise, psalms of thanksgiving, psalms praise, psalms of thanksgiving, psalms praise, psalms of thanksgiving, psalms of lament, we see that this begins with of lament, we see that this begins with of lament, we see that this begins with a wisdom psalm. Wisdom psalm a call to a wisdom psalm. Wisdom psalm a call to a wisdom psalm. Wisdom psalm a call to remember that God is the source of remember that God is the source of remember that God is the source of wisdom and he makes his wisdom available wisdom and he makes his wisdom available wisdom and he makes his wisdom available to us through his word. This is the to us through his word. This is the to us through his word. This is the heart of a wisdom psalm. And psalm 1 is heart of a wisdom psalm. And psalm 1 is heart of a wisdom psalm. And psalm 1 is a call a beckonclarian a call a beckonclarian a call a beckonclarian called to walk in wisdom and to delight called to walk in wisdom and to delight called to walk in wisdom and to delight in God by meditating on his word because in God by meditating on his word because in God by meditating on his word because those who do so are blessed. Again, in those who do so are blessed. Again, in those who do so are blessed. Again, in Psalm 1, we see the call to walk in Psalm 1, we see the call to walk in Psalm 1, we see the call to walk in wisdom and delight in God by meditating wisdom and delight in God by meditating wisdom and delight in God by meditating on his word because those who do so are on his word because those who do so are on his word because those who do so are blessed. I don't know if you know this, blessed. I don't know if you know this, blessed. I don't know if you know this, that word blessed in in the ancient that word blessed in in the ancient that word blessed in in the ancient Hebrew language, it means divinely Hebrew language, it means divinely Hebrew language, it means divinely favored. It means happy. It means favored. It means happy. It means favored. It means happy. It means fortunate. And one of the other things fortunate. And one of the other things fortunate. And one of the other things that I thought that was intriguing in that I thought that was intriguing in that I thought that was intriguing in the text is that th this this word the text is that th this this word the text is that th this this word blessed here in Psalm 1 is written not blessed here in Psalm 1 is written not blessed here in Psalm 1 is written not in singular but it's written in Hebrew in singular but it's written in Hebrew in singular but it's written in Hebrew in plural. Why is that important Justin?

in plural. Why is that important Justin? in plural. Why is that important Justin? It's important because it helps us to It's important because it helps us to It's important because it helps us to understand that the person in Psalm 1 understand that the person in Psalm 1 understand that the person in Psalm 1 does not just have one blessing but he does not just have one blessing but he does not just have one blessing but he is blessed with many blessings. These is blessed with many blessings. These is blessed with many blessings. These abundant blessings that he enjoys not abundant blessings that he enjoys not abundant blessings that he enjoys not because of his works. because of his works. because of his works. No. That's why one scholar says it like No. That's why one scholar says it like No. That's why one scholar says it like this that Psalm 1, I love this, is not a this that Psalm 1, I love this, is not a this that Psalm 1, I love this, is not a celebration of works or an exhortation celebration of works or an exhortation celebration of works or an exhortation to practice legalism, but it is a to practice legalism, but it is a to practice legalism, but it is a picture of obedience, covenant faith, picture of obedience, covenant faith, picture of obedience, covenant faith, disciplehip, and submission to God. And disciplehip, and submission to God. And disciplehip, and submission to God. And I love that because it affirms the I love that because it affirms the I love that because it affirms the central truth of the message, which is central truth of the message, which is central truth of the message, which is right there at the top of the bulletin right there at the top of the bulletin right there at the top of the bulletin in the fill in the blank. Here's the in the fill in the blank. Here's the in the fill in the blank. Here's the central point of the message. hears this central point of the message. hears this central point of the message. hears this the message in a sentence that the the message in a sentence that the the message in a sentence that the promise of a blessed life is only promise of a blessed life is only promise of a blessed life is only possible through Christ that this possible through Christ that this possible through Christ that this promise of a blessed life does not come promise of a blessed life does not come promise of a blessed life does not come to me because of what I earn or because to me because of what I earn or because to me because of what I earn or because of how hard I work. No, it is only of how hard I work. No, it is only of how hard I work. No, it is only possible because of in and through possible because of in and through possible because of in and through Christ.

Christ. Christ. It's not our works. It's not our good It's not our works. It's not our good It's not our works. It's not our good deeds. It's not how much money we have deeds. It's not how much money we have deeds. It's not how much money we have saved. It's not how much money we have saved. It's not how much money we have saved. It's not how much money we have invested. It's not how big our house is, invested. It's not how big our house is, invested. It's not how big our house is, how nice our car is, how many places we how nice our car is, how many places we how nice our car is, how many places we can travel. It's not in the temporary can travel. It's not in the temporary can travel. It's not in the temporary things, but it is in the eternal things, but it is in the eternal things, but it is in the eternal finished work of salvation. finished work of salvation. finished work of salvation. This is how we walk in this blessed This is how we walk in this blessed This is how we walk in this blessed life. And the psalmist says that it is life. And the psalmist says that it is life. And the psalmist says that it is demonstrated, you walking in the blessed demonstrated, you walking in the blessed demonstrated, you walking in the blessed life is demonstrated through your life is demonstrated through your life is demonstrated through your delight. delight. delight. text says, "Blessed is the man who walks text says, "Blessed is the man who walks text says, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor not in the counsel of the wicked, nor not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits stands in the way of sinners, nor sits stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight in the seat of scoffers, but his delight in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord." It's is in the law of the Lord." It's is in the law of the Lord." It's interesting. I found a a definition that interesting. I found a a definition that interesting. I found a a definition that that that uh uh helped to uh help me that that uh uh helped to uh help me that that uh uh helped to uh help me make sense of this word delight that make sense of this word delight that make sense of this word delight that it's more than just a surface emotion. it's more than just a surface emotion. it's more than just a surface emotion. Look at this definition. It's not in the Look at this definition. It's not in the Look at this definition. It's not in the fill in the blank, but just look at this fill in the blank, but just look at this fill in the blank, but just look at this definition. It says that delight is a definition. It says that delight is a definition. It says that delight is a heartle heartle heartle desire expressed through obedience, desire expressed through obedience, desire expressed through obedience, commitment and devotion. Delight is a commitment and devotion. Delight is a commitment and devotion. Delight is a heartle desire expressed through heartle desire expressed through heartle desire expressed through obedience, commitment and devotion.

obedience, commitment and devotion. obedience, commitment and devotion. Which again signifies that delighting in Which again signifies that delighting in Which again signifies that delighting in God is more than just a surface emotion. God is more than just a surface emotion. God is more than just a surface emotion. No, it is a deep desire of the heart. No, it is a deep desire of the heart. No, it is a deep desire of the heart. And the psalmist says, "When you have And the psalmist says, "When you have And the psalmist says, "When you have this deep desire of your heart to this deep desire of your heart to this deep desire of your heart to delight in God, you become like the delight in God, you become like the delight in God, you become like the person in Psalm 1." person in Psalm 1 person in Psalm 1." person in Psalm 1 person in Psalm 1." person in Psalm 1 does not walk according to the counsel does not walk according to the counsel does not walk according to the counsel of the ungodly. That does not walk of the ungodly. That does not walk of the ungodly. That does not walk according to the counsel of those whose according to the counsel of those whose according to the counsel of those whose teaching and lives are not in line with teaching and lives are not in line with teaching and lives are not in line with scripture. But we walk according to the scripture. But we walk according to the scripture. But we walk according to the word of God. As a church, we walk word of God. As a church, we walk word of God. As a church, we walk according to the word of God. We submit according to the word of God. We submit according to the word of God. We submit to the authority of the word of God. We to the authority of the word of God. We to the authority of the word of God. We stand on the foundation of the word of stand on the foundation of the word of stand on the foundation of the word of God and we are led by his spirit. And God and we are led by his spirit. And God and we are led by his spirit. And how beautiful today is it that we talk how beautiful today is it that we talk how beautiful today is it that we talk about elder candidates because these men about elder candidates because these men about elder candidates because these men that we're presenting before you are that we're presenting before you are that we're presenting before you are also men that believe in the word of God also men that believe in the word of God also men that believe in the word of God stand on the foundation of the word of stand on the foundation of the word of stand on the foundation of the word of God under the authority of scripture and God under the authority of scripture and God under the authority of scripture and are led by the spirit to be a part of a are led by the spirit to be a part of a are led by the spirit to be a part of a church that is led by men who are led by church that is led by men who are led by church that is led by men who are led by the spirit.

the spirit. the spirit. text also says that we do not stand with text also says that we do not stand with text also says that we do not stand with those who walk in the path of sin. The those who walk in the path of sin. The those who walk in the path of sin. The the the psalmist is not making an the the psalmist is not making an the the psalmist is not making an argument to suggest that you should argument to suggest that you should argument to suggest that you should never ever hang around unbelievers. You never ever hang around unbelievers. You never ever hang around unbelievers. You you should never hang around people who you should never hang around people who you should never hang around people who are lost. No, that's not what he's are lost. No, that's not what he's are lost. No, that's not what he's suggesting. What he's saying is that suggesting. What he's saying is that suggesting. What he's saying is that when you truly delight in God and his when you truly delight in God and his when you truly delight in God and his word, then your surroundings change and word, then your surroundings change and word, then your surroundings change and who you allow in your circle of who you allow in your circle of who you allow in your circle of influence and your circle of friends influence and your circle of friends influence and your circle of friends changes because our delight in God changes because our delight in God changes because our delight in God shapes our desire for godly shapes our desire for godly shapes our desire for godly relationships. My delight in God and his relationships. My delight in God and his relationships. My delight in God and his word, it shapes and transforms my desire word, it shapes and transforms my desire word, it shapes and transforms my desire for godly relationships. for godly relationships. for godly relationships. That's why the psalmist says that we That's why the psalmist says that we That's why the psalmist says that we delight in God. He mentions these two delight in God. He mentions these two delight in God. He mentions these two things. But then he also says, which is things. But then he also says, which is things. But then he also says, which is interesting. He says, "We do not sit in interesting. He says, "We do not sit in interesting. He says, "We do not sit in the seat of a scoffer." It's probably the seat of a scoffer." It's probably the seat of a scoffer." It's probably not a word you regularly use, but but not a word you regularly use, but but not a word you regularly use, but but but a scoffer is is one who is is but a scoffer is is one who is is but a scoffer is is one who is is boastful and arrogant and proud, and boastful and arrogant and proud, and boastful and arrogant and proud, and they think more highly of themselves they think more highly of themselves they think more highly of themselves than they should. They look down on than they should. They look down on than they should. They look down on others. They sit in the seat of pride.

others. They sit in the seat of pride. others. They sit in the seat of pride. Sitting in the seat of a scoffer is Sitting in the seat of a scoffer is Sitting in the seat of a scoffer is dangerous because Charles Spurgeon, he dangerous because Charles Spurgeon, he dangerous because Charles Spurgeon, he says this. Look at this. He says, "The says this. Look at this. He says, "The says this. Look at this. He says, "The seat of the scoffer may be very lofty, seat of the scoffer may be very lofty, seat of the scoffer may be very lofty, but it is very near to the gate of hell. but it is very near to the gate of hell. but it is very near to the gate of hell. Therefore, let us flee from it, for it Therefore, let us flee from it, for it Therefore, let us flee from it, for it shall soon be empty, and destruction shall soon be empty, and destruction shall soon be empty, and destruction shall swallow up the man who sits shall swallow up the man who sits shall swallow up the man who sits therein." therein." therein." Ladies and gentlemen, these are sobering Ladies and gentlemen, these are sobering Ladies and gentlemen, these are sobering words because they remind us that as words because they remind us that as words because they remind us that as Christians, as believers, as disciples Christians, as believers, as disciples Christians, as believers, as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are not to sit in of Jesus Christ, we are not to sit in of Jesus Christ, we are not to sit in the seat of a scoff or to sit in the the seat of a scoff or to sit in the the seat of a scoff or to sit in the seat of pride or arrogance, but we are seat of pride or arrogance, but we are seat of pride or arrogance, but we are to walk humbly. to walk humbly. to walk humbly. We're to extend grace because grace has We're to extend grace because grace has We're to extend grace because grace has been extended to us. And we're to been extended to us. And we're to been extended to us. And we're to delight in the fact and the truth that delight in the fact and the truth that delight in the fact and the truth that we delight in the God who delights in we delight in the God who delights in we delight in the God who delights in us. Ain't that good news today? that you us. Ain't that good news today? that you us. Ain't that good news today? that you and I delight in the God who delights in and I delight in the God who delights in and I delight in the God who delights in us and the one who makes it a makes us us and the one who makes it a makes us us and the one who makes it a makes us able to delight in him through the work able to delight in him through the work able to delight in him through the work of Jesus Christ that we can delight in of Jesus Christ that we can delight in of Jesus Christ that we can delight in him not as slaves or as sinners but we him not as slaves or as sinners but we him not as slaves or as sinners but we can delight in him as sons and can delight in him as sons and can delight in him as sons and daughters. That is who we are. We daughters. That is who we are. We daughters. That is who we are. We delight in him and we do this the delight in him and we do this the delight in him and we do this the psalmist says by delighting not just in psalmist says by delighting not just in psalmist says by delighting not just in his goodness, not just in his grace, but his goodness, not just in his grace, but his goodness, not just in his grace, but we delight in his law. According to we delight in his law. According to we delight in his law. According to Justin, the thinking about law, that Justin, the thinking about law, that Justin, the thinking about law, that that's probably not something I would that's probably not something I would that's probably not something I would just say I delight in. But when the just say I delight in. But when the just say I delight in. But when the scripture says his law, it's talking scripture says his law, it's talking scripture says his law, it's talking about his word. It's talking about his about his word. It's talking about his about his word. It's talking about his word, his standards, his principles, his

word, his standards, his principles, his word, his standards, his principles, his truths. We delight in his law. And truths. We delight in his law. And truths. We delight in his law. And here's the thing, notice the psalmist here's the thing, notice the psalmist here's the thing, notice the psalmist says we delight in his law, not the law. says we delight in his law, not the law. says we delight in his law, not the law. Because to delight in any other law is Because to delight in any other law is Because to delight in any other law is legalism, but to delight in his law is legalism, but to delight in his law is legalism, but to delight in his law is freedom. To delight in any other law is freedom. To delight in any other law is freedom. To delight in any other law is legalism, but his law is freedom. legalism, but his law is freedom. legalism, but his law is freedom. Because he says in Matthew 11, "Come to Because he says in Matthew 11, "Come to Because he says in Matthew 11, "Come to me because my yoke is easy. My burden is me because my yoke is easy. My burden is me because my yoke is easy. My burden is light. My law does not lead to light. My law does not lead to light. My law does not lead to condemnation. It leads to life." condemnation. It leads to life." condemnation. It leads to life." So when we consider what Jesus said in So when we consider what Jesus said in So when we consider what Jesus said in relation to Psalm 1, it proves the relation to Psalm 1, it proves the relation to Psalm 1, it proves the point. It proves the central message of point. It proves the central message of point. It proves the central message of of of the sermon that the promise of a of of the sermon that the promise of a of of the sermon that the promise of a blessed life is only possible through blessed life is only possible through blessed life is only possible through Christ. Christ. Christ. And we see that displayed in our And we see that displayed in our And we see that displayed in our delight. What do I delight in? And we delight. What do I delight in? And we delight. What do I delight in? And we also see it through what we meditate on. also see it through what we meditate on. also see it through what we meditate on. Um uh I don't know if you're like me, Um uh I don't know if you're like me, Um uh I don't know if you're like me, but but when I think of the word um but but when I think of the word um but but when I think of the word um meditate, may maybe um certain images or meditate, may maybe um certain images or meditate, may maybe um certain images or or pictures come in my mind. I I've even or pictures come in my mind. I I've even or pictures come in my mind. I I've even thought sometimes when you say thought sometimes when you say thought sometimes when you say meditation, I may maybe I have a flash meditation, I may maybe I have a flash meditation, I may maybe I have a flash of a picture of Eastern meditation in my of a picture of Eastern meditation in my of a picture of Eastern meditation in my mind. And but but here's the thing that mind. And but but here's the thing that mind. And but but here's the thing that I love. When you search the scriptures I love. When you search the scriptures I love. When you search the scriptures and look up the words in the original and look up the words in the original and look up the words in the original translation, do you know what the word translation, do you know what the word translation, do you know what the word meditate means? It literally means to meditate means? It literally means to meditate means? It literally means to talk to yourself about something over talk to yourself about something over talk to yourself about something over and over, which is good news for you and and over, which is good news for you and and over, which is good news for you and I in the room who like to talk to I in the room who like to talk to I in the room who like to talk to ourselves. Let's be honest, some of you, ourselves. Let's be honest, some of you, ourselves. Let's be honest, some of you, you're like me. You'll put your AirPods you're like me. You'll put your AirPods you're like me. You'll put your AirPods in and you're not talking to anybody.

in and you're not talking to anybody. in and you're not talking to anybody. You're just talking to yourself. You You're just talking to yourself. You You're just talking to yourself. You just don't want to look crazy. So, you just don't want to look crazy. So, you just don't want to look crazy. So, you have your AirPods. I've done it before. have your AirPods. I've done it before. have your AirPods. I've done it before. I promise you, right? But, but here's I promise you, right? But, but here's I promise you, right? But, but here's the thing. To meditate on God's word is the thing. To meditate on God's word is the thing. To meditate on God's word is to talk to myself about it over and over to talk to myself about it over and over to talk to myself about it over and over and over again. Here's the question, and over again. Here's the question, and over again. Here's the question, church. What are you meditating on? What church. What are you meditating on? What church. What are you meditating on? What are you talking to yourself about over are you talking to yourself about over are you talking to yourself about over and over and over again? Are you and over and over again? Are you and over and over again? Are you meditating on God's word or you meditating on God's word or you meditating on God's word or you meditating on something else? meditating on something else? meditating on something else? I had to sit with this question this I had to sit with this question this I had to sit with this question this week because as I processed through it, week because as I processed through it, week because as I processed through it, I was convicted because yes, I do by I was convicted because yes, I do by I was convicted because yes, I do by God's grace daily want to meditate and God's grace daily want to meditate and God's grace daily want to meditate and medit meditate daily on God's word. But medit meditate daily on God's word. But medit meditate daily on God's word. But here's the thing, church, let me be here's the thing, church, let me be here's the thing, church, let me be transparent. I also wrestle with a transparent. I also wrestle with a transparent. I also wrestle with a distracted mind. I wrestle with a distracted mind. I wrestle with a distracted mind. I wrestle with a distracted mind. Let me give you an distracted mind. Let me give you an distracted mind. Let me give you an example. Um there there are times early example. Um there there are times early example. Um there there are times early morning prayer and and maybe you can morning prayer and and maybe you can morning prayer and and maybe you can relate to this. There are times of early relate to this. There are times of early relate to this. There are times of early morning prayer where I'm praying uh one morning prayer where I'm praying uh one morning prayer where I'm praying uh one day in particular last week's praying day in particular last week's praying day in particular last week's praying for the kids and and Lord bless Harper for the kids and and Lord bless Harper for the kids and and Lord bless Harper and Hampton uh bless their their their and Hampton uh bless their their their and Hampton uh bless their their their their the steps they take take. Bless their the steps they take take. Bless their the steps they take take. Bless their relationships, praying for their their relationships, praying for their their relationships, praying for their future spouses, praying for their future spouses, praying for their future spouses, praying for their friends, praying for the decisions that friends, praying for the decisions that friends, praying for the decisions that they make, praying for them as they get they make, praying for them as they get they make, praying for them as they get ready to go to school. And right when I ready to go to school. And right when I ready to go to school. And right when I said school, my mind said, "Wait a said school, my mind said, "Wait a said school, my mind said, "Wait a minute. Did I pack their lunches this minute. Did I pack their lunches this minute. Did I pack their lunches this morning?" "Yeah, no, I packed the morning?" "Yeah, no, I packed the morning?" "Yeah, no, I packed the lunches." No, my wife says she got a lunches." No, my wife says she got a lunches." No, my wife says she got a license. Okay, Lord, thank you. Yes, it license. Okay, Lord, thank you. Yes, it license. Okay, Lord, thank you. Yes, it say go to school. Wait a minute. Does say go to school. Wait a minute. Does say go to school. Wait a minute. Does Hampton have her uniforms for school?

Hampton have her uniforms for school? Hampton have her uniforms for school? And now my mind is drifting all over the And now my mind is drifting all over the And now my mind is drifting all over the place, right? And and so what I have place, right? And and so what I have place, right? And and so what I have done in in those moments is if I'm not done in in those moments is if I'm not done in in those moments is if I'm not careful, I can start to feel guilty careful, I can start to feel guilty careful, I can start to feel guilty before God because my brain is not before God because my brain is not before God because my brain is not focused. focused. focused. But what I've had to learn even over the But what I've had to learn even over the But what I've had to learn even over the past year, what I've had to learn and past year, what I've had to learn and past year, what I've had to learn and I'm still learning to do is to I'm still learning to do is to I'm still learning to do is to acknowledge what's going on in that acknowledge what's going on in that acknowledge what's going on in that moment and literally verbally say, moment and literally verbally say, moment and literally verbally say, "Lord, I thank you that you created my "Lord, I thank you that you created my "Lord, I thank you that you created my mind. You know, my mind tends to wander, mind. You know, my mind tends to wander, mind. You know, my mind tends to wander, but I thank you that your word reenters but I thank you that your word reenters but I thank you that your word reenters my mind. And I thank you for my anchor my mind. And I thank you for my anchor my mind. And I thank you for my anchor verse in Psalm 46:10 to be still and verse in Psalm 46:10 to be still and verse in Psalm 46:10 to be still and know that you are God. And I say that know that you are God. And I say that know that you are God. And I say that enough to myself until it anchors my enough to myself until it anchors my enough to myself until it anchors my wandering and my drift mind. wandering and my drift mind. wandering and my drift mind. What's your anchor verse? What's your anchor verse? What's your anchor verse? What's the verse that you say? What's What's the verse that you say? What's What's the verse that you say? What's the verse that comes from your heart the verse that comes from your heart the verse that comes from your heart when your mind is a drift? When you're when your mind is a drift? When you're when your mind is a drift? When you're anxious, when you're worried? What's the anxious, when you're worried? What's the anxious, when you're worried? What's the verse that centers your heart and mind? verse that centers your heart and mind? verse that centers your heart and mind? Psalm 46:10 is that verse for me.

Psalm 46:10 is that verse for me. Psalm 46:10 is that verse for me. Philippians 4:6 is another verse. But Philippians 4:6 is another verse. But Philippians 4:6 is another verse. But the reason why I remember my remember the reason why I remember my remember the reason why I remember my remember and remind myself of Psalm 46 and 10 is and remind myself of Psalm 46 and 10 is and remind myself of Psalm 46 and 10 is because it anchors, it reanchors, it because it anchors, it reanchors, it because it anchors, it reanchors, it reenters my heart and mind. And then it reenters my heart and mind. And then it reenters my heart and mind. And then it reminds me, hey Justin, guess what? The reminds me, hey Justin, guess what? The reminds me, hey Justin, guess what? The very things that you're thinking about, very things that you're thinking about, very things that you're thinking about, God's word has something to say about God's word has something to say about God's word has something to say about those things. When I'm thinking about my those things. When I'm thinking about my those things. When I'm thinking about my marriage, I can remember God's word marriage, I can remember God's word marriage, I can remember God's word because Ephesians 4:32 reminds me that because Ephesians 4:32 reminds me that because Ephesians 4:32 reminds me that I'm to be kind and tenderhearted, loving I'm to be kind and tenderhearted, loving I'm to be kind and tenderhearted, loving and forgiving. So my prayer as a and forgiving. So my prayer as a and forgiving. So my prayer as a husband, Lord, help me to be more husband, Lord, help me to be more husband, Lord, help me to be more tenderhearted and kind to my wife. Lord, tenderhearted and kind to my wife. Lord, tenderhearted and kind to my wife. Lord, I'm thinking about my kids, but thank I'm thinking about my kids, but thank I'm thinking about my kids, but thank you that your word has something to say you that your word has something to say you that your word has something to say about my kids, our kids. Thank you, about my kids, our kids. Thank you, about my kids, our kids. Thank you, Lord, that you have given Sharita and I, Lord, that you have given Sharita and I, Lord, that you have given Sharita and I, these two beautiful children, Harper and these two beautiful children, Harper and these two beautiful children, Harper and Hampton. Thank you that Psalm 139:14 Hampton. Thank you that Psalm 139:14 Hampton. Thank you that Psalm 139:14 reminds us that they are fearfully and reminds us that they are fearfully and reminds us that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and you know every step wonderfully made and you know every step wonderfully made and you know every step that they take. Lord, I think about our that they take. Lord, I think about our that they take. Lord, I think about our church. I think about the ways that church. I think about the ways that church. I think about the ways that you're moving. I think about the ways you're moving. I think about the ways you're moving. I think about the ways that you're growing our church. And I that you're growing our church. And I that you're growing our church. And I thank you that our church does not rest thank you that our church does not rest thank you that our church does not rest on my shoulders alone because you said on my shoulders alone because you said on my shoulders alone because you said in your word in Matthew 16 and 18 that in your word in Matthew 16 and 18 that in your word in Matthew 16 and 18 that you will build your church and nothing you will build your church and nothing you will build your church and nothing can stop you building your church.

can stop you building your church. can stop you building your church. I need you to see that this is what I need you to see that this is what I need you to see that this is what meditation is. I am applying what the meditation is. I am applying what the meditation is. I am applying what the scripture says to even the things my scripture says to even the things my scripture says to even the things my mind is drifting on and it reenters my mind is drifting on and it reenters my mind is drifting on and it reenters my heart and mind. I've got my anchor heart and mind. I've got my anchor heart and mind. I've got my anchor verses and I'm also applying scripture verses and I'm also applying scripture verses and I'm also applying scripture to what I'm thinking about. I'm to what I'm thinking about. I'm to what I'm thinking about. I'm meditating. I'm talking to myself over meditating. I'm talking to myself over meditating. I'm talking to myself over and over. and over. and over. This is important, church. And that's This is important, church. And that's This is important, church. And that's why this year in particular, we want to why this year in particular, we want to why this year in particular, we want to grow. We always want to do this, but grow. We always want to do this, but grow. We always want to do this, but this year we want to place in a a a this year we want to place in a a a this year we want to place in a a a focused attention on growing in the focused attention on growing in the focused attention on growing in the practice. Look at this. Growing in the practice. Look at this. Growing in the practice. Look at this. Growing in the practice of meditation on God's word by practice of meditation on God's word by practice of meditation on God's word by committing to memorizing passages of committing to memorizing passages of committing to memorizing passages of scripture. Spoiler alert. I know it's scripture. Spoiler alert. I know it's scripture. Spoiler alert. I know it's not vision Sunday yet. Normally, we give not vision Sunday yet. Normally, we give not vision Sunday yet. Normally, we give the initiatives for the coming year uh the initiatives for the coming year uh the initiatives for the coming year uh uh uh on vision Sunday, but just want to uh uh on vision Sunday, but just want to uh uh on vision Sunday, but just want to give you a a brief heads up, brief give you a a brief heads up, brief give you a a brief heads up, brief spoiler alert. I am so excited as a spoiler alert. I am so excited as a spoiler alert. I am so excited as a church. We are going to be walking church. We are going to be walking church. We are going to be walking through about 10 verses of scripture through about 10 verses of scripture through about 10 verses of scripture next month that we want to memorize next month that we want to memorize next month that we want to memorize together. All of our campuses, all of together. All of our campuses, all of together. All of our campuses, all of our campus is going to be doing this our campus is going to be doing this our campus is going to be doing this from our kids all the way up. We're from our kids all the way up. We're from our kids all the way up. We're going to be memorizing at least 10 going to be memorizing at least 10 going to be memorizing at least 10 verses of scripture. Each month, we'll verses of scripture. Each month, we'll verses of scripture. Each month, we'll have a different verse of scripture. I'm have a different verse of scripture. I'm have a different verse of scripture. I'm excited because again, this is not just excited because again, this is not just excited because again, this is not just memorization for the sake of memorization for the sake of memorization for the sake of memorization. So, we can pat ourselves memorization. So, we can pat ourselves memorization. So, we can pat ourselves on the back and say, "Look at me, how on the back and say, "Look at me, how on the back and say, "Look at me, how many scriptures I memorized." But the many scriptures I memorized." But the many scriptures I memorized." But the goal of memorization is that it helps us goal of memorization is that it helps us goal of memorization is that it helps us to meditate on God's word. And some of to meditate on God's word. And some of to meditate on God's word. And some of you, you're already excited because you you, you're already excited because you you, you're already excited because you love scripture memorization. Others of

love scripture memorization. Others of love scripture memorization. Others of you are like, "Ah, I don't know how we you are like, "Ah, I don't know how we you are like, "Ah, I don't know how we going to do this." But here's a good going to do this." But here's a good going to do this." But here's a good thing. You're not doing it alone. We get thing. You're not doing it alone. We get thing. You're not doing it alone. We get to do it together. So, you'll hear more to do it together. So, you'll hear more to do it together. So, you'll hear more about that on Vision Sunday. But I'm about that on Vision Sunday. But I'm about that on Vision Sunday. But I'm excited because again, as we're talking excited because again, as we're talking excited because again, as we're talking about growing deeper in God's word, we about growing deeper in God's word, we about growing deeper in God's word, we want to be intentional of of course all want to be intentional of of course all want to be intentional of of course all of our lives, but even over the next of our lives, but even over the next of our lives, but even over the next year, we want to intentionally place year, we want to intentionally place year, we want to intentionally place emphasis on spending more time in God's emphasis on spending more time in God's emphasis on spending more time in God's word word word because at the end of the day, the because at the end of the day, the because at the end of the day, the psalmist says when we do that, there's psalmist says when we do that, there's psalmist says when we do that, there's some blessings that we can enjoy. What some blessings that we can enjoy. What some blessings that we can enjoy. What what's what what are these blessings? what's what what are these blessings? what's what what are these blessings? Three blessings he says that we can Three blessings he says that we can Three blessings he says that we can enjoy. number one that when we spend enjoy. number one that when we spend enjoy. number one that when we spend time in God's word, number one, God's time in God's word, number one, God's time in God's word, number one, God's word refreshes us. God refreshes us word refreshes us. God refreshes us word refreshes us. God refreshes us through his word. That's why he says through his word. That's why he says through his word. That's why he says like trees planted by streams of water, like trees planted by streams of water, like trees planted by streams of water, we are refreshed. we are refreshed. we are refreshed. I don't know if you're here and you need I don't know if you're here and you need I don't know if you're here and you need to be refreshed today, but know that to be refreshed today, but know that to be refreshed today, but know that God's word can and does refresh us. God's word can and does refresh us. God's word can and does refresh us. We're refreshed by God's word because We're refreshed by God's word because We're refreshed by God's word because our lives are rooted in it. Like those our lives are rooted in it. Like those our lives are rooted in it. Like those roots of a tree, we are refreshed by his roots of a tree, we are refreshed by his roots of a tree, we are refreshed by his word.

word. word. God's word blesses us. God blesses our God's word blesses us. God blesses our God's word blesses us. God blesses our lives and makes us a blessing to others. lives and makes us a blessing to others. lives and makes us a blessing to others. It's interesting to me that the text It's interesting to me that the text It's interesting to me that the text doesn't say that that that like trees we doesn't say that that that like trees we doesn't say that that that like trees we yield results. No, it says we yield yield results. No, it says we yield yield results. No, it says we yield fruit. Because at the end of the day, fruit. Because at the end of the day, fruit. Because at the end of the day, the results would be just for me, but the results would be just for me, but the results would be just for me, but the fruit is to be a blessing to others. the fruit is to be a blessing to others. the fruit is to be a blessing to others. What do you mean, Justin? Have you ever What do you mean, Justin? Have you ever What do you mean, Justin? Have you ever found a scripture that blessed you so found a scripture that blessed you so found a scripture that blessed you so much and you wanted to send it to much and you wanted to send it to much and you wanted to send it to everybody because you wanted to be a everybody because you wanted to be a everybody because you wanted to be a blessing to them and to bless them with blessing to them and to bless them with blessing to them and to bless them with what blessed you? Our lives are called what blessed you? Our lives are called what blessed you? Our lives are called to not just be blessed but to be a to not just be blessed but to be a to not just be blessed but to be a blessing to others. And then number blessing to others. And then number blessing to others. And then number three, I love this. God sustains us in three, I love this. God sustains us in three, I love this. God sustains us in every season by his grace. In every every season by his grace. In every every season by his grace. In every season, those who meditate on the word season, those who meditate on the word season, those who meditate on the word of God and delight in God, yes, you will of God and delight in God, yes, you will of God and delight in God, yes, you will have hard days. Yes, you will have have hard days. Yes, you will have have hard days. Yes, you will have difficult seasons. Yes, you will have difficult seasons. Yes, you will have difficult seasons. Yes, you will have tough times. But the psalmist says that tough times. But the psalmist says that tough times. But the psalmist says that you will thrive by God's grace in every you will thrive by God's grace in every you will thrive by God's grace in every season. That's why he says the leaf does season. That's why he says the leaf does season. That's why he says the leaf does not wither and in all he does he not wither and in all he does he not wither and in all he does he prospers because God by his grace prospers because God by his grace prospers because God by his grace sustains us in every season as we sustains us in every season as we sustains us in every season as we delight in him and we meditate on his delight in him and we meditate on his delight in him and we meditate on his word.

word. word. Okay, Justin, I I hear all of that. Okay, Justin, I I hear all of that. Okay, Justin, I I hear all of that. That's good. That's great. But but That's good. That's great. But but That's good. That's great. But but what's the takeaway from a message like what's the takeaway from a message like what's the takeaway from a message like this? Psalm 1, even as as as short and this? Psalm 1, even as as as short and this? Psalm 1, even as as as short and as brief as it is, is powerp packed. I as brief as it is, is powerp packed. I as brief as it is, is powerp packed. I love this psalm. And I I I thought and I love this psalm. And I I I thought and I love this psalm. And I I I thought and I said, "Holy Spirit, Lord, what what what said, "Holy Spirit, Lord, what what what said, "Holy Spirit, Lord, what what what do you want me to to to raise to to the do you want me to to to raise to to the do you want me to to to raise to to the attention of our church? What how how attention of our church? What how how attention of our church? What how how can we wrap this message up?" up. And can we wrap this message up?" up. And can we wrap this message up?" up. And and as I thought and I processed through and as I thought and I processed through and as I thought and I processed through that question, I realized that where the that question, I realized that where the that question, I realized that where the Lord was leading me and where he wanted Lord was leading me and where he wanted Lord was leading me and where he wanted to lead us today is this to to sit with to lead us today is this to to sit with to lead us today is this to to sit with this internal tension that says, "God, I this internal tension that says, "God, I this internal tension that says, "God, I delight in you." And yet there are delight in you." And yet there are delight in you." And yet there are things in my life that can distract my things in my life that can distract my things in my life that can distract my focus and dull my delight. God, I focus and dull my delight. God, I focus and dull my delight. God, I delight in you. I do. And yet, I also delight in you. I do. And yet, I also delight in you. I do. And yet, I also know that there are things, if I'm not know that there are things, if I'm not know that there are things, if I'm not careful, in my life that can distract my careful, in my life that can distract my careful, in my life that can distract my focus and dull my delight. So, here's a focus and dull my delight. So, here's a focus and dull my delight. So, here's a question to wrestle with today, church. question to wrestle with today, church. question to wrestle with today, church. What are the things, what are the things What are the things, what are the things What are the things, what are the things in my life and yours that can, if we're in my life and yours that can, if we're in my life and yours that can, if we're not careful, distract my focus and dull not careful, distract my focus and dull not careful, distract my focus and dull my delight?

my delight? my delight? There are three things that I want you There are three things that I want you There are three things that I want you to consider today. to consider today. to consider today. The first one is this. Anxiety. The first one is this. Anxiety. The first one is this. Anxiety. Anxiety in particular, anxiety that is Anxiety in particular, anxiety that is Anxiety in particular, anxiety that is rooted in fear and doubt. rooted in fear and doubt. rooted in fear and doubt. Anxiety has a way of distracting your Anxiety has a way of distracting your Anxiety has a way of distracting your focus and dulling your delight in God. focus and dulling your delight in God. focus and dulling your delight in God. Justin, how do you know that? I know Justin, how do you know that? I know Justin, how do you know that? I know that because in my own life, I find it that because in my own life, I find it that because in my own life, I find it hard, dare I even say impossible to hard, dare I even say impossible to hard, dare I even say impossible to truly delight in God and be anxious at truly delight in God and be anxious at truly delight in God and be anxious at the same time. the same time. the same time. I cannot fully delight in God when which I cannot fully delight in God when which I cannot fully delight in God when which he is calling me to and be anxious at he is calling me to and be anxious at he is calling me to and be anxious at the same time. Because I don't know the same time. Because I don't know the same time. Because I don't know about you, but when Justin becomes about you, but when Justin becomes about you, but when Justin becomes anxious, instead of me running to the anxious, instead of me running to the anxious, instead of me running to the father to trust him with what he is father to trust him with what he is father to trust him with what he is doing, I try to grasp on to things doing, I try to grasp on to things doing, I try to grasp on to things around me that I can control or fix or around me that I can control or fix or around me that I can control or fix or solve. My wife laughs at me because solve. My wife laughs at me because solve. My wife laughs at me because anytime I start cleaning up at home, anytime I start cleaning up at home, anytime I start cleaning up at home, she's like, "You anxious, aren't you?" I she's like, "You anxious, aren't you?" I she's like, "You anxious, aren't you?" I start throwing stuff away. It be start throwing stuff away. It be start throwing stuff away. It be Barbie's on the floor. I'm th She's Barbie's on the floor. I'm th She's Barbie's on the floor. I'm th She's like, "Le leave Barbie alone. Put leave like, "Le leave Barbie alone. Put leave like, "Le leave Barbie alone. Put leave Barbie alone." Right. But but we all do.

Barbie alone." Right. But but we all do. Barbie alone." Right. But but we all do. Those who struggle, especially if you Those who struggle, especially if you Those who struggle, especially if you wrestle with anxiety, the thought is, wrestle with anxiety, the thought is, wrestle with anxiety, the thought is, "Let me reach for something I can "Let me reach for something I can "Let me reach for something I can control. Let me reach for something I control. Let me reach for something I control. Let me reach for something I can put my hands on and fix because now can put my hands on and fix because now can put my hands on and fix because now it brings me a sense of calm." But then it brings me a sense of calm." But then it brings me a sense of calm." But then I'm reminded again, "But wait, I'm not I'm reminded again, "But wait, I'm not I'm reminded again, "But wait, I'm not in control." in control." in control." And then the fear sets in and then the And then the fear sets in and then the And then the fear sets in and then the worry sets in and then I feel flooded. worry sets in and then I feel flooded. worry sets in and then I feel flooded. But here's where God's word breaks But here's where God's word breaks But here's where God's word breaks through all of that. 2 Timothy 1:7, "God through all of that. 2 Timothy 1:7, "God through all of that. 2 Timothy 1:7, "God has not given me the spirit of fear." has not given me the spirit of fear." has not given me the spirit of fear." Philippians 4:6, "Be anxious for Philippians 4:6, "Be anxious for Philippians 4:6, "Be anxious for nothing." nothing." nothing." If you wrestle with anxiety or you know If you wrestle with anxiety or you know If you wrestle with anxiety or you know someone who does, mark those scriptures someone who does, mark those scriptures someone who does, mark those scriptures down and read them this week. Meditate down and read them this week. Meditate down and read them this week. Meditate on them this week. 2 Timothy 1:7, on them this week. 2 Timothy 1:7, on them this week. 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4 and 6. 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4 and 6. 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4 and 6. 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4 and6. 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4 and6. 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4 and6. 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:6. Philippians 4:6. Philippians 4:6. Be anxious for nothing. Be anxious for nothing. Be anxious for nothing. He's not given me the spirit of fear. He's not given me the spirit of fear. He's not given me the spirit of fear. Ladies and gentlemen, anxiety is real. Ladies and gentlemen, anxiety is real. Ladies and gentlemen, anxiety is real. And it can doesn't have to, but it can And it can doesn't have to, but it can And it can doesn't have to, but it can if we're not careful. Delight our it can if we're not careful. Delight our it can if we're not careful. Delight our it can dull our delight in God if we're not dull our delight in God if we're not dull our delight in God if we're not careful. But that's why the word tells careful. But that's why the word tells careful. But that's why the word tells us be anxious for nothing. Bring that us be anxious for nothing. Bring that us be anxious for nothing. Bring that anxiety before God and trust in him. Can anxiety before God and trust in him. Can anxiety before God and trust in him. Can I give you another one? This This one's I give you another one? This This one's I give you another one? This This one's hard. Uh um but but let let's let's hard. Uh um but but let let's let's hard. Uh um but but let let's let's let's embrace this one together. Not let's embrace this one together. Not let's embrace this one together. Not only can anxiety if we're not careful, only can anxiety if we're not careful, only can anxiety if we're not careful, busyiness, busyiness, busyiness, busyiness busyiness busyiness can keep me from experiencing God's can keep me from experiencing God's can keep me from experiencing God's presence. Business can keep me from

presence. Business can keep me from presence. Business can keep me from experiencing God's presence. experiencing God's presence. experiencing God's presence. We live in a culture and and I know this We live in a culture and and I know this We live in a culture and and I know this goes without saying, but we live in a goes without saying, but we live in a goes without saying, but we live in a culture that is ruthlessly busy. culture that is ruthlessly busy. culture that is ruthlessly busy. Especially if you're in a season of Especially if you're in a season of Especially if you're in a season of life, my wife, with young kids, we're life, my wife, with young kids, we're life, my wife, with young kids, we're always busy. And I get it. And I'm not always busy. And I get it. And I'm not always busy. And I get it. And I'm not saying there's anything wrong inherently saying there's anything wrong inherently saying there's anything wrong inherently wrong with being busy because many of wrong with being busy because many of wrong with being busy because many of our lives lend to that busyness. But our lives lend to that busyness. But our lives lend to that busyness. But here's where the danger comes. The here's where the danger comes. The here's where the danger comes. The danger comes when busyness keeps us from danger comes when busyness keeps us from danger comes when busyness keeps us from experiencing God's presence because we experiencing God's presence because we experiencing God's presence because we don't make time to slow down. That's why one scholar says it like That's why one scholar says it like this. He says, "Our adversary this. He says, "Our adversary this. He says, "Our adversary majors in three things, noise, hurry, majors in three things, noise, hurry, majors in three things, noise, hurry, and crowds." If he can keep us engaged and crowds." If he can keep us engaged and crowds." If he can keep us engaged in muchness, he will rest satisfied. in muchness, he will rest satisfied. in muchness, he will rest satisfied. Maybe the tool the enemy is using in Maybe the tool the enemy is using in Maybe the tool the enemy is using in your life in this season is hurry. But your life in this season is hurry. But your life in this season is hurry. But you're always in a hurry. and you are you're always in a hurry. and you are you're always in a hurry. and you are not able to truly experience and rest in not able to truly experience and rest in not able to truly experience and rest in the beauty of what God has for you the beauty of what God has for you the beauty of what God has for you because you're always your heart, not because you're always your heart, not because you're always your heart, not just your day, but your heart is always just your day, but your heart is always just your day, but your heart is always in a hurry. Church, I want you to sit in a hurry. Church, I want you to sit in a hurry. Church, I want you to sit with that and consider for a moment how with that and consider for a moment how with that and consider for a moment how different would your life be if you made different would your life be if you made different would your life be if you made time to slow down and experience God's time to slow down and experience God's time to slow down and experience God's presence. Slow down and experience God's presence. Slow down and experience God's presence. Slow down and experience God's presence. Not just in corporate worship, presence. Not just in corporate worship, presence. Not just in corporate worship, but even in personal worship when you're but even in personal worship when you're but even in personal worship when you're in your car, when you're at home, when in your car, when you're at home, when in your car, when you're at home, when you're around doing what you're doing, you're around doing what you're doing, you're around doing what you're doing, spending time in God's word, reading the spending time in God's word, reading the spending time in God's word, reading the scriptures, in community with others.

scriptures, in community with others. scriptures, in community with others. And even I'll add this in just because And even I'll add this in just because And even I'll add this in just because this is how I relate and this is where I this is how I relate and this is where I this is how I relate and this is where I feel and sense God's presence in nature. feel and sense God's presence in nature. feel and sense God's presence in nature. One of the things I love doing, don't One of the things I love doing, don't One of the things I love doing, don't let it be a rainstorm outside or it's let it be a rainstorm outside or it's let it be a rainstorm outside or it's raining. I am sitting on the patio. I raining. I am sitting on the patio. I raining. I am sitting on the patio. I love sitting out on the patio in the love sitting out on the patio in the love sitting out on the patio in the rain. I love being in nature. I sense rain. I love being in nature. I sense rain. I love being in nature. I sense God's presence and and it's beautiful God's presence and and it's beautiful God's presence and and it's beautiful when it's not 55 million degrees outside when it's not 55 million degrees outside when it's not 55 million degrees outside but but I and again I don't know what but but I and again I don't know what but but I and again I don't know what that is for you where where you sense that is for you where where you sense that is for you where where you sense God's presence. Yes, obviously here we God's presence. Yes, obviously here we God's presence. Yes, obviously here we want to continue to gather in uh on want to continue to gather in uh on want to continue to gather in uh on Sunday mornings and gathering in our Sunday mornings and gathering in our Sunday mornings and gathering in our small groups and gathering personally small groups and gathering personally small groups and gathering personally wherever you sense God's presence. But wherever you sense God's presence. But wherever you sense God's presence. But again the point church is we need to again the point church is we need to again the point church is we need to learn to slow down learn to slow down learn to slow down because God is trying to invite us. God because God is trying to invite us. God because God is trying to invite us. God is inviting us, beckoning us. Experience is inviting us, beckoning us. Experience is inviting us, beckoning us. Experience my presence. I long to experience his my presence. I long to experience his my presence. I long to experience his presence when we get to heaven. But I presence when we get to heaven. But I presence when we get to heaven. But I don't want to be so busy and in such a don't want to be so busy and in such a don't want to be so busy and in such a hurry that I miss it here. hurry that I miss it here. hurry that I miss it here. And sometimes that means I have to be And sometimes that means I have to be And sometimes that means I have to be willing to say no to some things because willing to say no to some things because willing to say no to some things because right now I don't need a life that's right now I don't need a life that's right now I don't need a life that's more busy. I need to make time to slow more busy. I need to make time to slow more busy. I need to make time to slow down and experience God's presence. And down and experience God's presence. And down and experience God's presence. And then the last one, not only anxiety, not then the last one, not only anxiety, not then the last one, not only anxiety, not only busyiness. You ready for this one?

only busyiness. You ready for this one? only busyiness. You ready for this one? The loss of awe. The loss of awe. The loss of awe. The loss The loss The loss of awe. of awe. of awe. The loss of awe and a familiarity with The loss of awe and a familiarity with The loss of awe and a familiarity with sacred things. sacred things. sacred things. Have you ever had a season in your life, Have you ever had a season in your life, Have you ever had a season in your life, maybe you're in one right now, you ever maybe you're in one right now, you ever maybe you're in one right now, you ever had a season in your life where you felt had a season in your life where you felt had a season in your life where you felt like you were living on autopilot? like you were living on autopilot? like you were living on autopilot? You you you felt stagnant in your faith You you you felt stagnant in your faith You you you felt stagnant in your faith journey. Your your your spiritual journey. Your your your spiritual journey. Your your your spiritual practices felt routine and empty. It practices felt routine and empty. It practices felt routine and empty. It felt coming to church felt like a felt coming to church felt like a felt coming to church felt like a checkbox item. You have no motivation to checkbox item. You have no motivation to checkbox item. You have no motivation to pray, no motivation to read your word, pray, no motivation to read your word, pray, no motivation to read your word, no motivation to give or serve, and you no motivation to give or serve, and you no motivation to give or serve, and you find every excuse to not spend time in find every excuse to not spend time in find every excuse to not spend time in community because you just want to be community because you just want to be community because you just want to be alone. You want to isolate. I don't know alone. You want to isolate. I don't know alone. You want to isolate. I don't know if you've ever been there. I don't know if you've ever been there. I don't know if you've ever been there. I don't know if you are there. If you are there, my if you are there. If you are there, my if you are there. If you are there, my prayer for you right now is that God prayer for you right now is that God prayer for you right now is that God would breathe fresh wind in yourselves. would breathe fresh wind in yourselves. would breathe fresh wind in yourselves. And my encouragement, my challenge, I And my encouragement, my challenge, I And my encouragement, my challenge, I implore you, as much as everything in implore you, as much as everything in implore you, as much as everything in you wants to back away from community, you wants to back away from community, you wants to back away from community, please don't. Because if there was ever please don't. Because if there was ever please don't. Because if there was ever a time you need Christian community in a time you need Christian community in a time you need Christian community in those hard seasons, you need it now.

those hard seasons, you need it now. those hard seasons, you need it now. God has given you the gift of community. God has given you the gift of community. God has given you the gift of community. Don't forsake that beautiful gift. Don't forsake that beautiful gift. Don't forsake that beautiful gift. Church, there are so many things, Church, there are so many things, Church, there are so many things, anxiety, busyiness, the loss of all that anxiety, busyiness, the loss of all that anxiety, busyiness, the loss of all that can distract our focus and dull our can distract our focus and dull our can distract our focus and dull our delight. And that is why when we look to delight. And that is why when we look to delight. And that is why when we look to Psalm 1, we recognize it as an Psalm 1, we recognize it as an Psalm 1, we recognize it as an invitation. God is inviting us, draw invitation. God is inviting us, draw invitation. God is inviting us, draw closer to me, fellowship. Draw closer to closer to me, fellowship. Draw closer to closer to me, fellowship. Draw closer to me, son, daughter. Draw closer to me. me, son, daughter. Draw closer to me. me, son, daughter. Draw closer to me. Draw closer to me. Delight in me. Draw closer to me. Delight in me. Draw closer to me. Delight in me. Meditate on my word. Meditate on my word. Meditate on my word. And meditate on my word through And meditate on my word through And meditate on my word through memorization. Again, not memorization memorization. Again, not memorization memorization. Again, not memorization just for the sake of memorization so you just for the sake of memorization so you just for the sake of memorization so you can pat yourself on the back and say, can pat yourself on the back and say, can pat yourself on the back and say, "How good of a Christian I am because I "How good of a Christian I am because I "How good of a Christian I am because I memorized 10 scriptures." No. memorized 10 scriptures." No. memorized 10 scriptures." No. I use and I apply and I practice the I use and I apply and I practice the I use and I apply and I practice the spiritual discipline of meditating on spiritual discipline of meditating on spiritual discipline of meditating on his word. And memorization is an his word. And memorization is an his word. And memorization is an opportunity for me to grow in opportunity for me to grow in opportunity for me to grow in meditation. Because when I meditate on meditation. Because when I meditate on meditation. Because when I meditate on it and I memorize it, then I sing about it and I memorize it, then I sing about it and I memorize it, then I sing about it and I pray his word and I look for it and I pray his word and I look for it and I pray his word and I look for evidence of his word all around me and evidence of his word all around me and evidence of his word all around me and it comes out of me and it overflows.

it comes out of me and it overflows. it comes out of me and it overflows. And that's what I want. That's what we And that's what I want. That's what we And that's what I want. That's what we want as teaching pastors, as elders. We want as teaching pastors, as elders. We want as teaching pastors, as elders. We want all of us as a church that God's want all of us as a church that God's want all of us as a church that God's word would overflow out of us in greater word would overflow out of us in greater word would overflow out of us in greater ways this year, fellowship. God is ways this year, fellowship. God is ways this year, fellowship. God is calling us. Hear my heart. God is calling us. Hear my heart. God is calling us. Hear my heart. God is calling us to spend more time in his calling us to spend more time in his calling us to spend more time in his word this year. word this year. word this year. And so maybe that means, and I'm myself And so maybe that means, and I'm myself And so maybe that means, and I'm myself included, maybe that means we've got to included, maybe that means we've got to included, maybe that means we've got to turn off the the Netflix. We've got to turn off the the Netflix. We've got to turn off the the Netflix. We've got to turn off the TV. We've got to turn off turn off the TV. We've got to turn off turn off the TV. We've got to turn off off the the social media. We've got to off the the social media. We've got to off the the social media. We've got to we've got to put away the distractions we've got to put away the distractions we've got to put away the distractions and zero in on his word. Make more time. and zero in on his word. Make more time. and zero in on his word. Make more time. Maybe for some of us, you got to get up Maybe for some of us, you got to get up Maybe for some of us, you got to get up early, which means you got to go to bed. I don't know what that is for you. But I don't know what that is for you. But God is calling us to spend time in his God is calling us to spend time in his God is calling us to spend time in his word. More time in his word this year word. More time in his word this year word. More time in his word this year because when we do, as we do, we are because when we do, as we do, we are because when we do, as we do, we are changed. So, here's how I want to end. changed. So, here's how I want to end. changed. So, here's how I want to end. I want to pray this prayer over you and I want to pray this prayer over you and I want to pray this prayer over you and then as I read it, I want us to pray it then as I read it, I want us to pray it then as I read it, I want us to pray it together because I realize that yes, if together because I realize that yes, if together because I realize that yes, if we're not careful, spending time in we're not careful, spending time in we're not careful, spending time in God's word and the desire to spend time God's word and the desire to spend time God's word and the desire to spend time in God's word, if we're not careful, we in God's word, if we're not careful, we in God's word, if we're not careful, we can treat it like another thing I have can treat it like another thing I have can treat it like another thing I have to do. I don't want us to see it that to do. I don't want us to see it that to do. I don't want us to see it that way. And I also want us to recognize way. And I also want us to recognize way. And I also want us to recognize that we need God by his spirit to give that we need God by his spirit to give that we need God by his spirit to give us a hunger for his word. Because some us a hunger for his word. Because some us a hunger for his word. Because some of us have so many things on our plate of us have so many things on our plate of us have so many things on our plate that it feels like spending time in the that it feels like spending time in the that it feels like spending time in the word is a quick checkbox item. But Lord, word is a quick checkbox item. But Lord, word is a quick checkbox item. But Lord, no, I want a spiritual appetite for your no, I want a spiritual appetite for your no, I want a spiritual appetite for your word. So that's why here's the prayer.

word. So that's why here's the prayer. word. So that's why here's the prayer. Let's put it on the screen. I want to Let's put it on the screen. I want to Let's put it on the screen. I want to read this over you and then I want us to read this over you and then I want us to read this over you and then I want us to read it together and we'll close. The read it together and we'll close. The read it together and we'll close. The prayer is this. Father, give me prayer is this. Father, give me prayer is this. Father, give me by the power of your spirit. Give me a by the power of your spirit. Give me a by the power of your spirit. Give me a spiritual appetite for your word and let spiritual appetite for your word and let spiritual appetite for your word and let it fill my heart and mind with your it fill my heart and mind with your it fill my heart and mind with your truth today and every day in Jesus name. truth today and every day in Jesus name. truth today and every day in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. If you want to pray that prayer and If you want to pray that prayer and If you want to pray that prayer and you're ready to pray that prayer and you're ready to pray that prayer and you're ready to pray that prayer and understand the implications of praying understand the implications of praying understand the implications of praying that prayer because when you ask him for that prayer because when you ask him for that prayer because when you ask him for an appetite for his word, he'll give it an appetite for his word, he'll give it an appetite for his word, he'll give it to you. But are you willing to make it a to you. But are you willing to make it a to you. But are you willing to make it a priority as it should be? Let's pray priority as it should be? Let's pray priority as it should be? Let's pray this prayer together. Father, give me a this prayer together. Father, give me a this prayer together. Father, give me a spiritual appetite for your word and let spiritual appetite for your word and let spiritual appetite for your word and let it fill my heart and mind with your it fill my heart and mind with your it fill my heart and mind with your truth today and every day in Jesus name. truth today and every day in Jesus name. truth today and every day in Jesus name. Amen. Thanks again for listening to the word Thanks again for listening to the word of God. We are blessed to reach you of God. We are blessed to reach you of God. We are blessed to reach you throughout the week through whatever throughout the week through whatever throughout the week through whatever platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're needing prayer or you want to talk to needing prayer or you want to talk to needing prayer or you want to talk to someone about your walk with Jesus, someone about your walk with Jesus, someone about your walk with Jesus, reach out to us at reach out to us at reach out to us at fellowshipar.com/cont.