January 2

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The Second Day, the Second Step
The first day is easy. The clock strikes the hour. The calendar turns the page. The New Year begins—a fresh start—a grace gift from God’s amazing mind.

You step out with new promises and renewed dreams of victory over old and stubborn foes. The first day is one of enthusiasm and optimism as old failures fade in the light of another chance.

Then, the clock continues to tick and the pages of the calendar turn again and it is the second day. The impulse that was so strong yesterday is not so powerful today. The second step on this journey is not as brisk and forceful as the first.

But you still make it, that second step on the second day.

You make it because it isn’t about momentum or inertia or human strength. It is about obedience to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus and He has you by the arm.

• His strength is your strength.
• In the heavenly books His record of absolute obedience has been inscribed by your name.
• His empowering Spirit dwells within you.
• You will not sit in the seat of the scornful.
• You will not walk in the way of sinners.
• You will examine the wisdom of the wicked and cast it aside.
• You will delight in the Word of God day and night.

Like an ancient tree by a flowing, living stream, you will spread your leaves and bear your fruit again today just as you did yesterday and eventually, when all the fruit is harvested from your branches, the world will be a better place.

Because on the second day, you did not falter.

Scripture:
Psalm 1 NIV
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to be that “blessed” person in Psalm 1. So, by Your grace, I will walk in the Path of Life today. At all intersections I will stand in You and for You and I will only sit in the seats of praise and trust in You. Let all the scriptures I have ever read course through me like life-giving water through a strong, fruitful tree. Make this constant infusion of spirit and truth my source of joy and strength throughout the day ahead. This is my season of fruitfulness. In Your name, for Your glory, Amen.

Song:
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Traditional

1. I am weak but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong.
I’ll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Refrain:
Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it Jesus is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, Dear Lord, let it be.

2. Through this world of toils and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee. (Refrain)

3.When my earthly life is o’er, Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er To Thy Kingdom shore, to Thy Shore. (Refrain)

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2016 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved