Bible Reading: Psalm 1, 1 Peter 3:8-14
“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.” – Psalm 1:1 (KJV)
There are all sorts of ways of getting riches and some people desire riches without considering the consequences of their actions. Because they desire riches, they go to the extent of covenanting with demons only to regret their actions when the associated sorrow begin to unfold.
The only source of riches without sorrow is God Almighty. He is the only one who can bless without adding sorrow (Prov. 10:22). But all blessings have conditions attached to them. The conditions attached to the blessings of God are simple because the most difficult part which is forgiveness of sins had been done by our Lord Jesus Christ. The additional conditions are to ensure we remain with Christ and they are summarized in Psalm 1:1 (KJV): “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.”
So to be a man blessed by God, you need to ensure you do not follow or seek the counsel of the unbelievers. This is clearly stated in 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV): “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
Secondly, you are not expected to follow the example of sinners because they will lead you astray. So where people are cheating, stealing or doing anything against the commandment of God, move away from there because “evil pursues sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid” – Prov. 13:21(KJV).
Thirdly, you should not be friendly with those who scorn things of God. They dishonour God and He says “… for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed”– 1 Sam 2:30KJV. He further says that if you want to be blessed by him, you should delight in his word meditating on it day and night! ( Psalm 1:2).
If you do all these, you shall be blessed. This means, you will prosper, be fruitful at the right time, will not lose any of your own (Psalm 1:3) and you shall be guided by the Lord ( Psalm 1:6).
Prayer: Father, help me to be obedient to your word at all times in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero