Discover the joy of engaging with Scripture in daily life. Uncover how aligning with God’s teachings can foster true happiness, as illustrated in Psalm 1. Explore personal stories that highlight the power of a close relationship with Christ and how it shapes desires. Delve into the qualities of spiritual fruit, like love and patience, as reflections of genuine faith. Finally, embrace a heartfelt call for spiritual renewal and learn about supportive resources for new believers.
Embracing a daily routine of engaging with Scripture can foster joy and prevent negative thinking, enhancing overall well-being.
Being spiritually rooted in God's teachings is essential for producing resilience and fruitfulness in a believer's life, akin to a tree by water.
Deep dives
The Influence of Scripture
Delighting in the Word of God is emphasized as a crucial aspect of leading a happy and fulfilling life. Elevating the importance of Scripture not only nurtures personal faith but also helps individuals navigate daily challenges with a positive mindset. Engaging with the Bible first thing in the morning and before bedtime provides a spiritually enriching routine that can ground one's thoughts and actions throughout the day. This practice fosters joy, guidance, and a sense of hope, preventing the mind from dwelling on negativity or distractions.
Walking and Thinking the Right Way
To be happy, one must walk in accordance with spiritual principles and avoid ungodly influences. This concept is illustrated through Psalm 1, which outlines that a blessed person does not seek counsel from the wicked or associate with sinners. Instead, a person who delights in God's law meditates on it throughout the day, which cultivates a joyful and fulfilling life. Focusing on Scripture allows for a transformation in thought patterns, guiding individuals to make choices that align with their faith.
Rooted in Christ
Being spiritually rooted is depicted as a vital component for producing a fruitful and resilient Christian life. Like a tree planted by streams of water, those who remain steadfast in their faith enjoy stability and prosperity in their endeavors. The message encourages believers to abide in Christ and His teachings to yield spiritual fruit, defined by qualities like love, joy, and kindness. This rooting process involves commitment and consistency, ensuring that one remains productive and aligned with God's will amidst life’s challenges.
In the average home, you’ll find four Bibles. Or more accurately, in some homes there are four Bibles there but good luck finding them. What a shame because the Bible leads us to joy . . . it can keep us from sinning . . . it’s full of free counseling . . . it offers hope and freedom . . . and comforts us in affliction. Hopefully you can grab one of your four Bibles as Pastor Greg Laurie leads our study of the Psalms today on A NEW BEGINNING. And for a repeat of today’s study, go to harvest.org.
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A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.