Turn from wickedness

101408
Psalm 1:3
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

This scripture is talking about the man who is righteous. This man meditates on the law of God day and night and he takes delight in God’s law. Also, the man who does not choose to be wicked is like a tree that never withers because it is planted by streams of water. The righteous man is fruitful and prosperous.

Acts 3:26
26When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

This talks about Jesus, whom God raised up for the redemption of all mankind. Before Jesus was crucified, He was sent to the people to bless them. The blessing is the gift of repentance so that those who were living in the ways of wickedness could turn and live in righteousness.

Oh Lord, help me to always be a righteous person. I see how easily a person can fall back into their flesh’s wicked ways. I know that I am doing really well right now, but it’s like if I sort of side eye, and look a bit behind me, I see the devil crouching at my heal, waiting for me to turn around. What I am learning today is that I cannot turn around. I must cling to God’s word and His promises. If I press on towards God’s purity and holiness, I will be that tree planted by streams of water. My hope lies in this…that I don’t have to overcome wickedness on my own. I have the strength of Jesus Christ within me, alive and kicking, helping me to overcome whatever temptation may come my way. Whenever I sense myself drifting, I need to repent and come back to Jesus. As I check my heart this morning, where do I see myself drifting towards wickedness? Well, I can tell that if I let my physical fatigue get to me that will keep me from doing God’s work. Also, I can get upset pretty easily, so I must always remember to have patience and joy in my “initial reaction” pocket. Finally, I see that fear is still keeping me from facing my giants. So daily applying what I learned in Saturday’s devotion, to only fear the Lord, is very important in keeping to righteousness. I claim God’s blessing. I stand on His promise.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word. Lord, I love You and I desire to be made holy and righteous. Please forgive me for my sins. Lord, I run from wickedness and I pursue You! Keep me from sinning. Please help me especially in the areas of physical endurance, reactions, and fears. I trust in You alone. I dedicate my heart, my life, my family to You once again. In Jesus Christ’s precious name I pray, Amen.