St. Aidan's Anglican Church
  • Home
  • Worship Online
  • The Preachers Blog
  • Hope Explored Course
  • Bible in a Year
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Prayer Requests
  • Request Pastoral Care
  • Youth
  • Give
  • Statement of Faith
  • Video Archive
    • 2025 Videos
    • 2024 Videos
    • Real Lives
    • 2023 Videos
    • 2022 Videos
    • 2021 Videos
    • 2020 Videos
  • Sermon Audio Archive
    • 2020 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centered Eternities November 2019
      • The Real Joy of Easter - Holy Week 2019
    • 2018 Sermons
    • 2018 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centred Church Spring 2018
      • A Gospel Shaped Church Fall 2018
    • 2017 Sermon Series >
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
      • The Saviour King Lent 2017
      • The Victorious King Holy Week 2017
      • The Living King Easter 2017
      • The Brother King Fall 2017
      • Worship the King Advent 2017
    • 2016 Sermon Series >
      • Real Obedience Lent 2016
      • Unity of the Church
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
    • 2015 Sermon Series >
      • Real Gifts 2015
      • Real Mission 2015
      • Mission Discerned
    • 2014 Sermon Series >
      • Real Church 2014
      • Real Lives 2014
    • 2013 Sermon Series >
      • Real God 2013
    • Sermon Archive From 2014 - 2017
  • Christianity 101

the  Preachers  blog

Blogs are posted every Wednesday, except in July and August

Blessed is the One

1/3/2022

 
 Psalm 1      Lynne McCarthy     1/3/22

Observe :   This psalm (and the entire book) begins with a beatitude, ‘blessed’ (= ‘happy’) to describe the life of one whose decisions and actions result in blessing. This person chooses (in heart and mind) not to walk in the ways of sinners, stand in the company of the wicked, or sit scoffing at those for whom faith in God is foundational. This person finds true joy and life in absorbing the word of God. The image of a tree (the Tree of Life; the tree whose leaves heal the nations in the new Eden (Rev. 22)) planted by clear, flowing water, ideal conditions to grow and flourish, portrays this person.

In contrast, those who reject God’s word cannot expect to be grounded and strong but are lightweights, blown around by every wind of change and trend, finally simply disappearing, while the person tree-grounded in the Lord and His word will flourish for a long, long time.

Interpret:   Derek Kidner writes that Psalm 1 was perhaps especially composed to be an introduction to the book, aspects of Wisdom literature in making right choices and the company one keeps. The bad advice one accepts, the wrong ways one chooses, and mocking that hardens against repentance show three ways to abandon the Lord’s company.

The entrance to the law of the Lord is concisely presented, with good results for those who choose to walk in it. The first stanza of this poem reminds us of the “sit, walk, stand” of Ephesians (2:6; 4:1; 6:11); in Watchman Nee’s book of this title he illustrates the position of the believer towards God. In the Psalm, the believer runs from these positions held by those who defy Him. The contrasts are simply presented but striking: law of the Lord vs wicked counsel; growth vs. dryness; grounded vs. windswept.

The images are glorious: a deep-rooted, fruitful tree, living organism, flowing water, seasonal fruit, long-lasting leaves (for healing the nations in Revelation 22); we see Isaiah’s delightful vision where “the trees of the fields will clap their hands” at the Lord’s presence; and in Jesus, bearing eternal-life fruit on that terrible tree, for our salvation. Studying and applying what is learned from Scripture produces fruit that nourishes and blesses.

Apply:    This short, powerful Psalm introduces us to the practices of the Christ-way of life: what to avoid, what to embrace.  The basis is in knowing Scripture (the Law of the Lord), reading it often. Maybe we can’t ponder “day and night” as the exemplary person of the Psalm, but we can turn to it, often. In it we find wisdom, direction, solace, joy, the Way, the Truth, the Life. Sharing with others what the Spirit reveals expands the wonder of God’s Word and work within and among us.

Avoiding “occasions of sin” via others, what we read and hear, where we go, and what we speak, will keep us growing and bearing fruit in season. This is where corporate prayer comes in; heartfelt confession in worship services or directly to others; accepting with gratitude the forgiveness of God and others, or where we are enabled to forgive.  As we absorb the Word, these practices become part of us.

Ask:     If I think carefully, how and where do I sit, walk, stand?  Am I firmly planted in the Word so I can offer good fruit to those starving for real food? This new year, with the hope of real transformation, how will I bear fruit?

Pray:   Lord, I love this tree! And, I want to love Your Word. Let me determine, day by day, to put aside my doings and turn to Your Word’s nourishment and life, to share with others who sit, walk or stand in other places than Yours.  Draw them to Yourself, Lord Jesus, so they too may live.

Songs:   Everything He Does Shall Prosper - Psalms Project 
                 Psalm 1 - Poor Bishop Hooper 
                 Psalm 1 - Sons of Korah

Comments are closed.
    Picture
    Picture

    Preachers Blog

    In 2025, each week's blog is a follow-up reflection written by the preceding Sunday’s preacher to dig deeper into the sermon topic and explore engaging discussion questions.

    ​All past blogs remain available if you wish to catch up with any days missed.

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    Who is Jesus?
At St Aidan's, it's our desire to know our Real God,
to grow as a Real Church and
​ to live Real Lives for Him.

Picture
St Aidan’s Anglican Church
274 Campbell Street | Winnipeg, MB R3N 1B5
Phone: 204.489.3390 Email: [email protected]
  • Home
  • Worship Online
  • The Preachers Blog
  • Hope Explored Course
  • Bible in a Year
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Prayer Requests
  • Request Pastoral Care
  • Youth
  • Give
  • Statement of Faith
  • Video Archive
    • 2025 Videos
    • 2024 Videos
    • Real Lives
    • 2023 Videos
    • 2022 Videos
    • 2021 Videos
    • 2020 Videos
  • Sermon Audio Archive
    • 2020 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centered Eternities November 2019
      • The Real Joy of Easter - Holy Week 2019
    • 2018 Sermons
    • 2018 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centred Church Spring 2018
      • A Gospel Shaped Church Fall 2018
    • 2017 Sermon Series >
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
      • The Saviour King Lent 2017
      • The Victorious King Holy Week 2017
      • The Living King Easter 2017
      • The Brother King Fall 2017
      • Worship the King Advent 2017
    • 2016 Sermon Series >
      • Real Obedience Lent 2016
      • Unity of the Church
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
    • 2015 Sermon Series >
      • Real Gifts 2015
      • Real Mission 2015
      • Mission Discerned
    • 2014 Sermon Series >
      • Real Church 2014
      • Real Lives 2014
    • 2013 Sermon Series >
      • Real God 2013
    • Sermon Archive From 2014 - 2017
  • Christianity 101