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Who or what is a righteous person?

Proverbs 24:16 ESV
[16]  for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.24.16.ESV

Psalm 4:3 ESV
[3] But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.4.3.ESV

The righteous are the godly; those who seek God, His word, His Kingdom, His righteousness.

David was characterized as “a man after the heart of God.” The Psalms are evidence of David’s heart, as at least two-thirds of the Psalms are attributed to “the servant of the Lord.”

A righteous person is one who seeks to be a servant of the Lord and sees him/herself as such.

A righteous person is not perfect. Proverbs 24:16 tells us, the righteous falls seven times and rises again. Is that seven times a day, per week, in the span of a lifetime?

A righteous person is one who recognizes their sin, repents daily and seeks God’s grace and mercy. Many of the Psalms are prayers to God for mercy and forgiveness. Psalm 51 is a great example. David was confronted by Nathan the prophet, who revealed David’s great sins of adultery and murder involving Bathsheba and her husband Uriah, whom David sent to the frontline of battle, having him killed so that he could have Uriah’s wife Bathsheba. Yet God made a covenant with David and considered David to a righteous and godly person.

A righteous person is one who, like David, seeks after the heart of God, to walk in His ways.

A righteous person is one who repents and believes constantly. They’re always mindful of how God is at  work in their lives. They are conscientious of God’s presence on the inside, at the core of their heart and being. Psalm 139 is evidence of how God knows us inside out!

A righteous person is one who loves God with all of their heart, mind, soul and strength, AND their neighbor as themselves.

The righteous are those whom God hears when they call upon Him (Psalm 4:3) because their heart belongs to Him. Every day they deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him.

Are you a righteous person?

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and everything else will follow

Psalm 3:5 ESV
[5] I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.3.5.ESV

Psalm 4:8 ESV
[8] In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.4.8.ESV

When we willfully and prayerfully seek to follow God’s word, to walk in His commandments and His ways, we will be at peace within ourselves.

So often when we lie down at night to rest, we toss and turn because of the day that has just passed. The choices and decisions we make throughout the day may leave us grieving within our own heart and mind. Instead of sleep and rest, we lie awake pondering and worrying, holding onto anger, bitterness and rage.

Yet as God promised the Israelites, so He will keep in perfect peace, all of those who trust in Him and put His Kingdom first.

Instead of spending our days and nights worrying about all of your problems, let it go as you lie down to rest. Give it to the Lord in prayer. Forgive those who have sinned against you and make it a priority to seek the forgiveness of others you may have sinned against. As much as you are able to, live at peace with all  people. Dwell together in love and unity.

Every morning, start your day in prayer, giving your life and your will to God in humble submission to Him. Then you will walk in His ways, keeping His word, and when you do commit sin, you’ll be aware of it, seek forgiveness, and move on. This is repentance and sanctification in action in our lives. As you daily submit to God, He will transform you by the renewing of your mind. By the time your head hits your pillow at the end of your day, you will not be fretting against the Lord, you won’t be stewing in the day’s events or worrying about tomorrow, which will bring its own concerns and priorities.

Getting a good night’s sleep is a gift from God and is so important for living a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Morning, noon and at night, give it to the Lord in prayer, and His peace which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind, in Christ Jesus!

Amen!

Leviticus 26:3-7 ESV
[3]  “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, [4] then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. [5] Your threshing shall last to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last to the time for sowing. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely. [6] I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. And I will remove harmful beasts from the land, and the sword shall not go through your land. [7] You shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

https://bible.com/bible/59/lev.26.3-7.ESV

Psalms 29:1-11 NKJV
[1] Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength. [2] Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. [3] The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters. [4] The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty. [5] The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars, Yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon. [6] He makes them also skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox. [7] The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire. [8] The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; The Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh. [9] The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth, And strips the forests bare; And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!” [10] The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood, And the Lord sits as King forever. [11] The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.

https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.29.1-11.NKJV

Psalm 29 is a poetic declaration of the Voice of God over everything, from creation and the elements; the seas, mountains and forests, over animals and all of His Creation. He speaks over all of the earth, to the feeding and care of forest animals to caring for your soul.

God speaks power, strength and peace in your life, at the core of your being. Give Him all of your heart, mind, soul and strength and He will speak into your soul.

He will give you His Zoe: God will give you the “God-kind of life,” referring to the Greek word “zoe” which signifies a rich, abundant, and eternal life that comes directly from God, essentially sharing in His divine nature through faith in Jesus Christ; it’s not just existence, but a quality of life filled with love, joy, and purpose.

God speaks your name too. His sheep hear and know His voice and will not listen to the voice of strangers. His sheep know him and he knows them and calls them by name.

Read John 10:1-18

Judge not lest ye be judged!

Rushing to judgement fits right in here!

Rushing to judgement is a quick response, when we don’t have all of the facts.

Rushing to judgement assumes I’m right and they are wrong! Definitely rooted in pride, which goes before a fall. EGO is edging God out! Rushing to judgement does indeed edge God out!

Rushing to judgement neglects my part in this, “in as much as you judge others, you are judging yourself, because you do the same things, maybe even worse, and the same way you judge others it will be measured back to you!

There is a form of judgement called discernment, which is observing ones behavior and attitudes, along with their behavior. Discernment is actually a godly trait to be cultivated in the Christian life through prayer.

There is difference between discernment and rushing to judgement. Discernment comes through much prayer and seeking to live by grace through faith as we interact with people on a daily basis.

Rushing to judgement is actually the opposite of discernment because there’s no thoughtfulness or prayer put into it.

If we’re to truly love our neighbors as ourselves, we won’t be quck to judge them. We will listen to them more intently, giving them ample opportunity to explain themselves

This is 1 Corinthians ch.13 applied

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
[4] Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud [5] or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. [6] It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. [7] Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.13.4-7.NLT

Psalms 128:1-2 NLT
[1] How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! [2] You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.128.1-2.NLT

The world’s view of prosperity vs a godly, biblical view.

Biblical principle:

Fear the Lord

Proverbs 1:7 NLT
[7] Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.1.7.NLT

Walk in His ways

Proverbs 8:32 NLT
[32] “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.8.32.NLT

Psalm 119:1-3 ESV
[1]  Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! [2] Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, [3] who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! Then you will truly be happy, blessed and prosperous.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.119.1-3.ESV

The world’s view, worldly principle:

Be a good person

Do good deeds

Try your best to get along with everyone, but take care of yourself first.

Find your own way. Whatever looks good, go with that

Live your best life now. Enjoy your life and if there is anything left over, share with others

Earn your way into heaven. If your good stuff outweighs your bad stuff, you’re in!

If it were only that easy, we would not see all of the heartache, pain and suffering that goes on in this world, or in our own personal lives.

We suffer because we don’t seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first. We attempt to go our own way and consult with God after the fact, when our plans go awry.

Proverbs 16:1-3 NLT
[1] We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. [2] People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. [3] Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.16.1-3.NLT

When we fear the Lord, walk in His ways, commit our ways and plans to Him first, everything else will follow, and the life we experience will be eternally happy and blessed, in this life and in the next!

What’s your practice?

Galatians 5:16-21 NKJV
[16] I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. [19] Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, [21] envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

When I think of “those who practice such things” I immediately think of what “practice” means.

Athletes train and practice constantly and continually so that they can compete successfully in their sport. Olympic athletes train for years, practicing their sport habitually, so that they can make it onto the world stage. Every athlete practices so that they may maintain good strength, discipline and skills, in order to compete in their sport.

Whatever we do habitually and regularly is our practice.

Paul is telling us to develop a new practice. True followers will desire to turn away from their flesh with its sinful passions and desires. We once practiced these works of the flesh, and continue to do so if we’re not “walking in the Spirit.” We cannot walk in the Spirit if we’re not filled with the Spirit. We cannot be filled with the Spirit if we’re walking in (practicing) the works of the flesh. Our flesh and spirit are at war with one another, so that we do not do the things we want. Paul wrote extensively about this ongoing spiritual warfare. Romans and the Pauline Epistles all touch on the reality and presence of the battle of our flesh and spirit. Those who call themselves followers of Christ have entered this constant state of warfare, where their spirit is battling against their flesh, with their thoughts, emotions and feelings fighting against what God commands and requires of those who choose to follow Him.

Galatians 5:22-26 NKJV
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. [24] And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Our new practice is walking in the Spirit, which is a daily choice. Putting on our new man every day is important. We cannot walk in the flesh and overcome the wicked intentions that invade us. Only in the Spirit can we walk away from the lusts and desires of our flesh. In Christ we are victorious!

When we recognize that there is nothing good in our flesh, we will be led to repent and believe the Gospel, which is the good news of Christ’s atonement for the sins of the world. Jesus said to repent and believe. That’s a part of our new practice. It is the reason for our new practice.

Proverbs 27:19 NLT
[19] As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.27.19.NLT

What’s in your heart reveals who you really are. God sees the real you, your every thought, intention and motive. There is no facade to put on, on the inside of you, at the core of your being. You can’t pull the wool over God’s eyes. So often we hide ourselves, the inner self, from those around us. But we can’t hide from God

“The heart reflects the man” means that a person’s true character and inner nature are revealed through their actions and choices, just as a reflection in water shows you what you truly look like; this phrase originates from Proverbs 27:19 which says, “As water reflects the face, so one’s heart reflects the man.”.

Inner truth:
The “heart” is often used metaphorically to represent someone’s true intentions, desires, and motivations, which are not always readily apparent to others. But God knows my deepest intentions and motives. He knows my every thought:

Psalms 139:1-4 NLT
[1] O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. [2] You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. [3] You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. [4] You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.139.1-4.NLT

Actions speak louder than words:
This Proverb suggests that by observing someone’s behavior, you can understand their true character, even if they try to hide it. It also implies that individuals should be mindful of their actions and how they reflect their inner selves.
So often we see ourselves through the lenses we are wearing. The further one is from God, the more self-centered he will be. Pride and arrogance can distort how we see ourselves. When a man looks at his own reflection, as in water or in a mirror, he sees himself, walks away and forgets what kind of man he really is. God’s word is like a mirror. Seeing yourself through the lens of God’s word will keep you from becoming two-faced. Two-faced people are those who hide behind a mask or facade.  Two-faced people act one way in front of the church crowd, but just the opposite in public, outside of church.

Are you the same person you see in the mirror or water, reflecting back at you as you gaze at yourself?

James 1:22-25 NLT
[22] But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. [23] For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. [24] You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. [25] But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.22-25.NLT

Psalms 126:5-6 NLT
[5] Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. [6] They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.126.5-6.NLT

Many times the Israelites faced hard times and opposition from the enemy, but God delivered them every time as they learned to trust Him and look to Him.

You and I have an enemy that loves to wreak havoc in our lives, causing anguish and heartache. Stress and anxiety come from the times when we try to figure it all out on our own, when we go it alone. But the God of Israel is our God. He has brought us all together in Christ,  making one new creation; one church, one baptism, one body. Know that the tears of sorrow and sadness we endure now will become tears of joy and blessings in His time.

The work of planting seeds yields a harvest that will bring great joy if we remain patient in the growth process. When we sow seeds into the lives of others, we will reap a great harvest in due time. Patience builds endurance, and endurance breeds hope. Hope brings joy. Hope is what we are sowing into the lives of those we minister to.

Moses stood in the gap, between God and men. God delivered the Israelites from bondage, from slavery in Egypt. Today God uses you and I, as he breathes life into us. Then we are able to come along side of others who are in the midst of their own bondage to sin. God fills us with love, compassion and empathy for those who are hurting, who have become weary and downtrodden, trampled and crushed by their own sinful habits, past hurts, and hangups. This is what matters in life; bearing one anothers burdens in fulfillment of God’s grest commandment to love Him and one another

Jeremiah 31:1-10 NKJV
[1] “At the same time,” says the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.” [2] Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword Found grace in the wilderness— Israel, when I went to give him rest.” [3] The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. [4] Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tambourines, And shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice. [5] You shall yet plant vines on the mountains of Samaria; The planters shall plant and eat them as ordinary food. [6] For there shall be a day When the watchmen will cry on Mount Ephraim, ‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion, To the Lord our God.’ ” [7] For thus says the Lord: “Sing with gladness for Jacob, And shout among the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save Your people, The remnant of Israel!’ [8] Behold, I will bring them from the north country, And gather them from the ends of the earth, Among them the blind and the lame, The woman with child And the one who labors with child, together; A great throng shall return there. [9] They shall come with weeping, And with supplications I will lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters, In a straight way in which they shall not stumble; For I am a Father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn. [10] “Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, And declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’

https://bible.com/bible/114/jer.31.1-10.NKJV

The harvest we reap will be a harvest of souls; lost people returning to God. Like lost sheep who wandered, being found by the Great Shepherd. This brings true joy as we see hurting people made whole in Jesus Holy name!

Luke 9:57-62 NKJV
[57] Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” [58] And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” [59] Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” [60] Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” [61] And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” [62] But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

https://bible.com/bible/114/luk.9.57-62.NKJV

It’s this “let me first “ mindset that keeps many from being fully committed to following Jesus.I must put His Kingdom and His righteousness first, and everything else that the world seeks after will fall into proper perspective.

I can’t be self-centered or self serving if I’m to be a fully surrendered, readily available, servant of the Lord. Worldly commitments tie me down; job, career, finances (especially debt), even family ties.
This isn’t to say I’m to abandon all of my responsibilities. I must be a faithful husband, father, citizen, taxpayer and I must pay my debts and give proper attention to my priorities. But what is my first and most important priority? That’s the real question here.

Three individuals who were given an invitation to follow Jesus and serve Him, and they all had other concerns and priorities.
What could be more important than following Jesus?
Jesus is looking for those who will put His Kingdom and His righteousness first.

Putting me first will keep me from truly following Christ. He’s looking for faithful obedient servants, those who are available to serve Him.

Proverbs 25:28 NLT
[28] A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.25.28.NLT

Proverbs 25:28 NKJV
[28] Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.

https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.25.28.NKJV

Self-control is a part of the fruit of the Spirit. It is the God given ability to rule over one’s spirit. Self control is the ability to control one’s self.

The fruit of the Spirit is given to those who choose to walk in the Spirit, who have opened their heart to God’s presence, who have humbled themselves in His sight so that He will lift them up. Self control is the ability to restrain one’s impulses, desires, and actions, making conscious choices that align with God’s will, even when faced with temptation. This is the biblical principle and definition of wisdom, which is the God given ability to rule one’s own self, in his inner being, in his own heart where the glory of God dwells.

Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
[22] But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.5.22-23.NLT

Self-control is seen as a vital aspect of living a Christian life, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome negative tendencies and live righteously.

Self control is the ability to exercise restraint. In Christ we have been set free from the law, through grace. Yet we’re not to use our freedom to indulge our flesh with its lusts and desires. We’re to crucify our flesh by  denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following Him.

Self-control is a weapon of our warfare

II Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJV
[4] For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, [5] casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

https://bible.com/bible/114/2co.10.4-5.NKJV

The power of God, living in us, enables us to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives as we walk through life daily. Walking in the Spirit is to walk with self-control.

Titus 2:11-13 ESV
[11] For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, [12] training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, [13] waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

https://bible.com/bible/59/tit.2.11-13.ESV