“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.”

Revelation 3:2

The world lives today just as in the days of Noah, eating, drinking given in marriage, etc. (Matt. 24:38) Wrapped up into this life and its daily affairs as if there is no tomorrow. Running around like a chicken with its head cut off, as the old saying goes. Just as the Lord told Martha in (Luke10:41, “…Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:”) We allow our hearts and minds to be cumbered about with so many things of vanity and of no worth. (Running here – going there -working constantly for another dime – No care or time for the Lord) Amounting to no worth and void.

 The Lord went on to tell Martha in (Luke 10:42, “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”) Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus, to hear, to learn, to build, and to establish herself up in His most holy and gracious Words of faith. (Jude 1:20) Obtaining that sound faith created in Christ Jesus unto good works.

 Mary knew all else would take care of itself. In other words, place the Lord and His Word first in our lives and all other things work together for good (Ps. 1:2; Matt. 6:33; Rms. 8:28). Allow the leading of the Lord with His Word first in our hearts; obey, then all else falls into place. What joy, contentment, calm, and peace we then can have in doing the will of our Saviour.

 We must be on guard watching to bolster up the works of faith and of love with meekness, humility, and fear of the Lord by the Word. Living lives which really matter for others, for the saints, and above all in the will of the Lord. Enduring to a lasting treasure laid up in our eternal and heavenly home (Matt. 6:20-21). Let us consider the following:

• Watch and pray to arm ourselves against temptation (Matt. 26:41)
• Be warned against overly care and involvement taken of this world (Luke 21:34; I John 2:15-17)
• Do not allow idols: popping up in our hearts. Idolatry: anything which would come before our Lord Jesus Christ. (Worldliness – Self – Covetousness – Others – Etc.) (Deut. 11:16-17) (Is. 8:13 “Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.”)
• Walk circumspectly (Eph. 5:14-16) Watching on all sides.
• Watch and not sleep (Mk. 14:35-38; I Thess. 5:6-10)
• David’s charge to his son Solomon (I Kings 2:1-4)
• We are to be Watchmen (Ez. 3:17-21; Hab. 2:1)
• Consider the enemy sleeps not, thus we must watch (Neh. 4:7-9; Prov. 27:12; Matt. 24:43)
• Watch the speech of our tongue and mouth (Ps. 39:1; Ps. 141:3; Eccl. 5:1-3; James 3:5-6)
• Watch our ways of behavior (Prov. 16:17; Rom. 12:9-15; II Cor. 4:2; 8:21) (Sincere, unfeigned, honest, true, real)
• Beware of the leaven of false doctrine (Matt. 16:6-12; II Peter2:1)(Hyper-Dispensationalism; Charismatics-Tongues; Heresy concerning – Blood of Christ (some say only the Lord’s death is a propitiation (Rom. 3:23-26); Neo-Evangelicalism-Just get along-join hands with all; Music-Lets sing the 7/11 songs – words repeated over and over or the ones that the flesh likes – (not after Christ or speak of Him)
• No Provision for the flesh (Rom. 13:10-14)
• Pride or high-mindedness (Rom. 11:20-22) Remember: (“Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself;…”)
• Endeavour to reap a full reward in the Lord (II John 1:8)
• Patiently Watching for our Lord’s return (Matt. 25:13; Luke 12:43; Heb. 9:28)

If we strive to fight the good fight of faith, hold forth the Word of life, endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit, and patiently watch thereunto with all fervency and readiness of mind: It will prove to be treasures built up; in the life to come, as well as abounding in blessings with joy unspeakable and full of glory for our souls, today. (“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” I Peter 4:7)

“As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

 Mark 5:36

So often, and so many times, a trial of fear and of faith. When sickness hath come, when death hath taken, when despair hath robbed, when all seems lost: ought for the grace of God, for comfort of the Spirit, and for the peace that passeth all understanding. The prayers of saints lifted up where faith lives and holdeth sure as an anchor of our souls. Faith alive in Him our strength, our joy, our wisdom, our life, and our crown of rejoicing. For faith is the only remedy of such a thing as these. (“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Is. 41:10)

 We so often look with fear and dread at what is around us and the dire straits we are in. All seeming lost and impossible. Yet, not to the One who declares nothing is impossible with me. (“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37) (“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matt. 19:26) There is no soul He cannot heal, there is no heart He cannot mend, there is no spirit He cannot revive, there is no body He cannot restore, and there is no anxious mind He cannot calm. In faith, the answer, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith and our Hope of glory. (“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Rom. 5:2) (“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13)

 There will be of course as long as we are in this world those who will deride, laugh, and scorn any who will attempt to do a work for the Lord.Just as they had done to our Saviour in this miracle account. (“And they laughed him to scorn….” Mk. 5:40) It did not hinder or stop our Saviour. He put them out. Amen. Let us also be absolute and resolved to follow the Lord and finish the course He has set before us.

 At His very Word (“…arise.”) The damsel, the daughter of Jarius arose and walked. All seemed lost and impossible minutes before. Yet, with Him, our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, nothing was impossible, and all things were made sure. He controls and commands all the elements. Down to the smallest nano bit or milli-second, and even to the contents of the world. For by Him doth all things move and have its being. He is in all, controls all, and by Him all things exist. (“And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Col. 1:17)

 Let us therefore brethren, not envision things to be impossible or unable to perform. For if we do this, it hinders our work, our faith, our peace, our strength and power with God, our comfort of the Spirit, and much more. Rather let us be diligent to build up and defend our state of piety of mind, faith, and affections as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Watching unto prayer all things in temperance. To be true, real and sincere in mind of our outlook, and behavior. Meek and humble in heart, trusting in the Lord of His grace and wisdom in all our distresses and to the end of all things. (“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” I Peter 1:13)

 Remembering always: (“…with God all things are possible.”) (“…Be not afraid, only believe.”)  My Dear child, tenderly whispers our Blessed Saviour.

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”

I Peter 1:18-19

Yes! Glory to the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace! (“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Is. 9:6)

 I am Redeemed! (Redeeme’d, how I love to proclaim it, Redeeme’d by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed thro’ His in-fin-ite mer-cy, His child and for-ev-er, I am. Refrain. Re – deem’d, (Bass: Re-deem’d,) Re – deem’d, (Bass: Re-deem’d,)  Re-deem’d by the blood of the Lamb: Re – deem’d, (Bass: Re-deem’d,) Re – deem’d, (Bass: Re-deem’d,) His child and for-ev-er, I am. Fanny Crosby; Arr. William J Kirkpatrick; 1882) Oh, what joy. Oh! what rejoicing of the heart to be redeemed. Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, that precious blood upon Mt. Calvary. Redemption in Christ Jesus alone. Redeemed – deliverance by paying the price. Oh my, what a great price our Saviour paid. (“As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:” Is. 52:14) (“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Is. 53:5) (See Acts 20:28; Heb. 9:11-12) (Most Blessed art thou O Lord. Forever thy praise and glory be herald. Thank you, Dear Lord and Saviour)Those who belittle or deny this supreme sacrifice of our Saviour are; this writer believes, in danger of the damnation of the mighty God. The doctrine of the blood of Christ is of such importance. As well as His death, burial, resurrection, deity, virgin birth, sinlessness (could not sin), Lordship, and much more.

 Hast thou been redeemed, my friend? Doest thou shout and proclaim it? Oh, what infinite and tender mercy to be His child forever – I am Redeemed. We must herald this good and wonderful news throughout the land. Jesus Christ hath shed His blood for thine and mine sinful souls. Yes! Looking unto Him the author finisher of our faith. (“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Rom. 3:23-26) What rejoicing, what clearing of ourselves, what zeal we ought to possess and manifest to have such a Redeemer as I.

 Even Mary exclaimed (“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” Luke 1:46-47) Mary knew she needed the Saviour and thus believed in Him. She was not immaculate. Jesus Christ in whom she believed was the immaculate One and the great Emmanuel. (“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matt. 1:23) Yes! Only one God and One mediator between men and God, the man Christ Jesus alone. (“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” I Tim. 2:5-6) Not the Pope, not the saints, not the bishop, not the preacher, not any man. Only the Lord Jesus Christ our mediator with God: Washed and cleansed by His blood, clothed in His righteousness, delivered from such great a death, saved and secure in Him, being made alive by His Spirit and life, conforming to His image. (“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Rom. 8:29) (See: Is. 1:18; John 3:5; Rom. 5:10; II Cor. 1:10; I Peter 1:5) (“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Rom. 8:34) Glory! Amen.

 This joy of the Lord of our salvation. Whereby we have our power, energy, endurance, redemption, sanctification, glory, with much more, and to the end eternal life. (“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” I Peter 1:8) Christ Jesus our Redeemer, our joy, and our crown of rejoicing. Amen.

“For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Psalms 1:6

The Consummation of Both: What a sharp contrast between these. The righteous in the Lord, in His omniscience makes (Light, Day, Happy, Rejoicing, Prosperous, and Alive), the ungodly (Darkness, Night, Sadness, Gloom, Dying, and Death).

 The Lord is salvation and the source of all supply for the righteous. (“But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” Ps. 37:39 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;” II Cor. 3:5) (Also: Acts 17:28)

 The ungodly have nothing but ruin and destruction. (“And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; II Peter 2:5) (“But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” II Peter 3:7) Fire, smoke, and an horrible tempest shall the Lord cast upon this world of the ungodly. Is it not clear which way we ought to make our hearts go? (“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Ps. 34:15-18)

 The heart of the righteous is a heart of humility, faith, love, and obedience. Bringing in the abundance of showers of the Lord’s blessings, joy, and salvation. (“Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” Ps. 32:11) What joy of our Lord is indeed our strength. When our hearts are in tune with Him and His will. (Neh. 8:10) Our final resting place of joy and peace in the eternal heavens with our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. (“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” II Cor. 5:8)

 The heart of the ungodly is of self, rebellion, this world, unfaithful, hate, pride, and disobedience. Bringing in a deluge of destruction of chaos, weeping, moaning, and gnashing of teeth. (“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” Jude 1:14-15) A coming day in which the heavens shall be on fire, and this vile world of the ungodly shall be dissolved. Amen! The place of weeping and gnashing of teeth for the ungodly. (“There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” Luke 13:28)

 How ought not men fear and tremble at the furiousness and wrath of the Almighty Lord God? Who has made the only way of escape, dying for us. Dying for the ungodly. (“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom. 5:6) (“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8) Hallelujah! Amen! The way of the cross leads home. (“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Rom. 5:9) Amen. (Thank you, Dear Lord) Today is the day of salvation, my friend. Fear God, repent, look in faith to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Way, the truth, and the Life. (“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6)

“Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.”  

Psalms 1:5

The Doom of the Ungodly: Here the ungodly have no leg to stand. They have no clearing of themselves or justifying reason to clear their names. Their judgment of doom is sure. For they shall be brought to the judgment of that great white throne. Where death (body) and hell (soul) shall be joined to the judgment of the Almighty, with the books of their works (lives) shall be opened. Then to be cast into the Lake of Fire. (Rev. 20:11-15) For they found no place of repentance and believed not the love of the truth. (II Thess. 2:10)

 Therefore, also the ungodly that have given themselves over to lasciviousness, going the way of Cain, and down the path of lost rebellious perpetual sinners will have no place of standing among the righteous. Their judgment of doom is sure. For they have no fear of God before their eyes (Rom. 3:9-26), nor repented at the preaching of the mighty Word of God but laughed and scorned at its holy orientation. Thus, the sinner shall not stand among the righteous, but their end shall be to the destructive flames of the Lake of Fire. (See: Rev. 20:11-15) (“And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? “ I Peter 4:18) Heed the warning of God’s Holy Word. Fear the Almighty! (“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” Jude 1:11-19) Repent, turn from thy wicked ways and thinking. Know only thyself but a worthless, lost and undone sinner in the hands of the angry and living God. (“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Heb. 10:31) Trust alone in the living Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of God. Whose blood on Calvary alone, able to heal and cleanse from all unrighteousness. Whose righteousness alone, able to cloth thee so thy nakedness doth not appear. Look in faith to Jesus Christ alone, the precious Lamb of God without spot, wrinkle, or blemish. Jesus Paid it All! Amen! (“…it is finished:…”) (John 19:30)

 Christian friend, awake out of thy doleful slumber and apathy. Know it is high time to see that day is fastly approaching and it cometh as a thief in the night. Where all shall be dissolved. (“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” I Peter 3:10-14) (Also: I Thess. 5:2-11)

“The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.”

 Psalms 1:4

The Refuse of the Ungodly: Here begins the description of the void and wasted lives of the ungodly (Dead of this world). They have no time for God, consumed with self and this world. Heeding none of the Word of God. If any spiritual insight: just a mere outward show of Easter and Christmas observance; with no repentance or change of heart. Becoming hardened in sin and self so much as the Word of God has no effect upon their stoney hearts.

 Just the opposite of the righteous in character and position. The righteous are as fruitful trees whereas the ungodly follow the path of sin and self, becoming hardened scorners (scoffers) of the righteous. Just as it has been from the beginning, even so it is today. Considering Issac born after the Spirit, then persecuted by the one born (Ishmael) after the flesh (bondwoman). (“But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.” Gal. 4:29)

 The ungodly follow the path and way of sinners: heeding words of self-pride (I can pull myself up by my own boot straps)(look at me and all I have done)(I’m a valuable person)(do as I do); heeding this world’s wisdom (get all you can while you can)(do to others before they do it to you)(keep chasing that career, besides more money)etc.; heeding the whispering and destructive temptations of the devil (god of this world) (you don’t need that old outdated religion)(you’re ok)(wicked)(II Cor. 4:4). Blinding them to the glorious and shining light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only to become as the useless dirt (chaff) swept up and driven away, with no worth. Then in the time of the Lord’s return, the Lord shall thoroughly clean this old world out. Whose fan is in His hand and will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (“Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.” Luke 3:17) This is the path and the end of the ungodly. Fear God. (“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matt. 10:28)

 Yet there is hope in God, if they would see their awful sin, repent, and look to the Lamb of God Jesus Christ which taketh away the sin of the world. Trusting only in His merit and righteousness. Yes! Amen. (“…if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” II Tim. 2:25-26) (Also: John 1:29; John 6:47)

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Psalms 1:3

The Reward of the Righteous: Being born again by the Word of God (I Peter 1:23), we have our conversation and conduct (Phil. 3:20; I Peter 1:15; 3:16) wrought in Christ: (II Cor. 5:5) diverse from the world, separated unto an holy calling; and to be a peculiar people. Amen. Speech and action which cannot be condemned (II Peter 3:11).

 Thus, we have eternal and everlasting rewards. Not only in the life to come but in this life in Christ we live daily in this world. Christ, who is our life (Col. 3:4) and theWord is our endless source of divine and spiritual Bread: we are as a tree planted by the rivers of water. (Will your an-chor hold in the storms of life. When the clouds un-fold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift, and the ca-bles strain. Will your an-chor drift, or firm re-main? We have an an-chor that keeps the soul  Stead-fast and sure, while the bil-lows roll, Fast-ened to the Rock which can-not move, Grounded firm and deep in the Sav-ior’s love.  Priscilla J Owens;  Arr. William J. Kirkpatrick 1882) Planted deep into the Word and love of Christ Jesus our Saviour. We are as that tree by endless flowing rivers of faith, hope, charity, comfort, peace, and contentment. Giving us a full life of fruitful bearing in the cause and for the profit of Christ. (“Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.” Rom. 7:4) (“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” Phil.1:11)

 This fruit which we have in Christ cannot and will not fade, decay, or perish but will endure to our eternal stay of abode in glory by Christ Jesus our Saviour. (“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16)

 The things we endeavor or wish to gain in must be in the will and mind of Christ. Not to be driven into or riled up to do by the flesh but to be led of the Spirit in all holiness, love, righteousness, purity and peace. Knowing then the fruits which we bear will accomplish and prosper in the will of God and of Christ. Providing a treasure trove built up in the heavenlies by Christ Jesus for His faithful saints unto His glory and praise. (“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jer. 29:11)

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

Psalms 1:2

The Strength and Provision of the Righteous: This is none other than the Word of the Lord. (“…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4) The righteous feeds daily upon it. Jesus Christ our Bread of Life. They grow in power being fed from Him, the Living Word. Taking satisfaction, gladness, comfort, joy, (delight), etc. from every good Word written in and of  Him. Knowing every Word is their source of all their necessities and desires. For they walk daily in its precepts and obey its commands. (“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” I John 3:22) Being confident of the Lord’s promises and His work begun in us. (Phil. 1:6)

 One then may ask, “Why so much distress, heartache, trouble, or trials. Well, be assured, my friend, it is not the Lord’s doing. Unless we have departed out of the His Word: which brings His chastisement upon us to bring us back into His will and way (Heb. 12:5-11); or a period of trials (testing) from Him to prove our hearts (Ex. 16:4). Nevertheless, let us stay true, be strong, be faithful, holding forth the Word of Life for sinners to be converted and the Lord be magnified (Ps. 51).

 We not only delight (take faith, hope, joy, pleasure, comfort) in our Lord’s Word (commandments, promises, precepts, principles, etc.), we meditate (to dwell on, to resolve in mind, to contemplate, to turn over in thought, Webster 1828) all the day long upon it and when we lay our heads down to rest. It ought to be our lasting thoughts upon our beds (Ps. 4:8). Giving thanks and praise to our Saviour for His great sustaining love, care, and provision for us throughout that whole day. (“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” Ps. 4:8)

 Let us take hope, faith, and confidence in the promises of our Lord Jesus, remaining faithful and true to His Word. Confirming His Word abiding in us so we may be held harmless, perfect, and blameless. Being a shining light, the sons of God in a crooked and perverse nation. (“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” Phil. 2:15)

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”

Psalms 1:1

The Conduct of the Righteous: Our Third foundational principle of truth of the Conduct of the Righteous is (“nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”) This denotes the blessed saint which is not in a stationary abode (sitting) with a hardened, sullen, and lofty heart (seat) of the scorner. (Scorner: A contemner, a despiser, a scoffer, a derider. Webster 1828)

 Sadly, we find here a seemingly downward progression of one who first gets caught up (walking), listening and heeding the guidance (counsel) of those who have no fear of God and live wretched lives for self and this world (ungodly). Then instead of repenting continues, becoming soundly fixed upright (standing) in the deceitfulness and vanity (ways) of those going on in their sin (sinners) against the Holy God. Then at the end he is planted (sitteth) being deceived in his pride (seat) becomes a mocker and ridiculer (scorner) of the righteous. This is the one not blessed, living a life wrapped up (self) and blinded by this world’s temporal vanity. Unfortunately, this also can happen to a backslider full of his own ways. (Prov. 14:14) Yet this writer believes the Lord will chastise then take him home if he will not turn and repent.

 You will not find the blessed righteous saint in Christ at rest (sitting) upon his derriere thinking himself to be all that and then laughing and deriding (scorning) the Christian struggling and fighting in battle for the right in the Lord. For that one shall end in destruction. Yet the Blessed and Righteous Saint in Christ will:

• Be in church regularly: Planted and flourishing (Ps. 92:13); Desire and Seek to behold the beauty of the Lord in His house (Ps. 27:4); Concerned over the things of the house of God (I Tim. 3:15); Looking at the welfare of the saints (Phil. 4:16); Being kindly affectionate with longsuffering (Rom. 12:9-16; I Cor. 13:1-8; Col.3:12-15; I Thess. 5:9-25).
• Be in the Word: Dwelling in the saint (Col. 3:16); Born again of the Word (John 1:1; I Peter 1:23); Studying the Word and rightly dividing it (II Tim. 2:15); Wielding the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Eph. 6:17); Holding forth the Word of God (Witness and Preaching) (Phil. 2:16); Weeping, and bearing precious seed (Ps. 126:6); Walking in Truth (II John 1:4; III John 1:3)
• Be in Prayer: Without ceasing (Col. 1:9; I Thess. 5:17); For kings and rulers (I Tim. 2:1-2); For all saints (Eph. 6:18); To be on guard (Matt. 26:41; I Peter 4:7); For the lost (Rom. 10:1); Urgently and pressing (instant) (Rom. 12:12); Earnestly (James 5:17-18); For the weak and sickly (James 5:14-16); Laboring fervently (Col.4:12); Conquering worry and fear (Phil. 4:6-7).
• Be in a State of Tranquility: Trusting in the Lord (Is. 26:3; John 16:33); Because of the Word (Ps. 119:165); Contented with the Lord’s provisions (Phil. 4:11; I Tim. 6:6,8); Happy and joyous (Col. 1:11; Philemon 1:7; James 5:11; I Peter 1:8; I John 1:4 ); For His Lord controls the raging storms (Matt. 8:26; 14:28-29; Mk. 4:39; Luke 8:24); For His Lord doth deliver and will yet deliver. (Acts 12:11; II Cor. 1:10; II Tim. 3:11); andFor His Lord giveth the victory (Ex. 14:14; Duet. 3:22; Josh. 23:10; Judges 11:9; I Cor. 15:57; I John 5:4)

 Therefore, dearly beloved let us not seek (walketh) to heed any advice (counsel) of those who live with no fear of God (ungodly). Neither go to dwell or be cemented (standeth) in the manners and behaviors (ways) of those which constantly live in disobedience (sinners). Striving not to end up in an abode (sitteth) with a heart of loftiness and pride (seat) of a scoffer (scorner).

 Let us manifest this Conduct of Righteousness putting on our Lord Jesus Christ and making no provision for the flesh. Standing strong in the Lord: with our armour on; holding the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit in hand; shining and gleaming forth to His glory and praise.

(“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Rom. 13:14)

(“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Eph. 6:10)

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”

Psalms 1:1

The Conduct of the Righteous: Our Second foundational principle of truth of the Conduct of the Righteous is (“nor standeth in the way of sinners,…”) This denotes the saint which does not kneel, vacillate, or waver but is fixed, planted, upright, unmovable, erect, and unchangeable upon a sure foundation. (“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” I Cor. 3:11) The righteous in Christ Jesus do not adhere to, listen to, or dwell (stand) in the counsel, advisement, instruction, or guidance (ways) of this lost world’s sinners. (Sinner: One that has voluntarily violated the divine law; a moral agent who has voluntarily disobeyed any divine precept, or neglected any known duty. Webster 1828) Wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). The righteous will not follow their pernicious (destructive or injurious) ways. The righteous in Christ Jesus will stand:

• Being Fixed: Maintaining good works (Eph. 2:10); His heart unchangeable trusting in the Lord (Ps. 108:1; 112:7); Unmovable in the work of the Lord (I Cor. 15:58).
• Walking in the Right: Old paths and good ways (Jer. 6:16); In His Word (Ps. 119:11,105)
• In His Divine will: Sanctified (I Thess. 4:3-5); Patient (Heb. 10:36); In volunteer Obedience (Luke 22:42; Heb. 10:7)
• A soldier of the Lord: Separated from the world (Luke 8:14; II Tim 2:3-4) Loins girted about with truth (Eph. 6:14)
• As a staunch Bulwark: Standing fast (I Cor. 16:13; Phil. 4:1); Unmoveable (Ps. 119:31; I Cor. 15:58); Hardened (Acts 18:7); Enduring (I Cor. 13:7; Heb. 12:2); Strong (Eph. 6:10)
• In Salvation by Grace: Liberty in Christ (Gal. 5:1); Not of Works (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7); Gospel preached (I Cor. 15:1); True grace (Acts 20:24; Gal. 1:6-8; I Peter 5:12)
• Inheriting Life Eternal: Knowing His salvation (I John 5:13); Secure in our heavenly Father’s hand because of Christ (John 10:27-30); Kept by His mighty power (I Peter 1:5); Preserved in Christ (Jude 1:1); Amen!
• For the Deity of Christ (I Tim. 3:16; Phil. 2:5-11; Titus 2:13); For His precious blood shed for our sins (Col. 1:14; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:22); For His virgin birth (Matt. 1:18; Luke 1); For His true Word (KJVB) (Ps. 12:6-7; Is. 40:8; John 5:39)

Let us in these dark last days strive to stand strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. With our amour on and gleaming. Holding forth the Word of Life. For His glory and praise.