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Friend, blessed is the man planted by the rivers of water!

Psalms 1:1-6  Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2  but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4  The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5  Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6  for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. 

Psalm 1 opens with a sobering warning about the quiet, deadly slide into sin. The man without God doesn’t become a scorner overnight -- he drifts there gradually. First, he walks in ungodly counsel, entertaining worldly thoughts. Then, he stands in the path of sinners, embracing their way of life. Finally, he sits in the seat of the scornful, hardened in heart and mocking what is sacred. This progression -- from a man without God to scorner -- reveals how small compromises grow into full rebellion, dulling the conscience and deadening the soul.

In contrast, the righteous man doesn’t merely avoid sin, rather he delights in His Word. God's Word isn’t a burden to him, but a feast for his soul. It renews his mind, directs his steps, and transforms his desires. He doesn’t follow God out of duty, but out of joy. His obedience is not performance-based -- it’s affection. He is like a tree, planted by rivers of water -- strong, steady, and nourished by the Spirit. His roots go deep, and his fruit appears in season, feeding others and glorifying God. He is not shaken by droughts or storms, because his source is divine. His secret is not willpower, but the indwelling presence of the Lord. Like an artesian spring, the Holy Spirit flows from within -- wisdom, love, joy, power. He doesn’t merely try to live like Yeshua (Jesus) -- it's deeper ... he lives through Yeshua. The life of a believer is not just imitation, it’s impartation. It is Christ in us -- the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

This man is truly blessed. Not because life is easy, but because God is with him. His prosperity is measured not in wealth, but in fruitfulness and eternal purpose. The Lord knows his way -- approves of it, delights in it, and watches over it.

While the wicked seem to flourish for a time, they are like chaff -- weightless, rootless, and blown away. But the righteous man, grounded in truth and filled with grace, will stand forever.

Friend, in the end, Psalm 1 is not just poetry -- it’s a choice of lifestyles. We are either descending in sin or being deeply rooted in Him. One life ends in emptiness, the other in everlasting joy. And the secret is not striving harder, but receiving deeper. Yeshua alone can make you a fruitful tree by rivers of water -- thriving now and flourishing forever. Blessed is the man whose roots run deep in Him.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(George, Baht Rivka & Obi - Baltimore, Maryland | Elianna - Married living in Missouri)

Editor's Note: We’re heading back to Israel leading an incredible 10-day, 10-night journey from October 19–30. As always, we’re keeping the group to just one bus to ensure a more personal and intimate experience — so space is limited! Read More...

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