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Father's Day

Jun 21, 2026    Rev. Wayne Hokanson

This message takes us deep into Psalm 1, a powerful introduction to the entire book of Psalms that presents us with a stark contrast: God's way or our way. The sermon uses the beautiful imagery of a tree planted by streams of water to illustrate what happens when we choose to ground ourselves in God's counsel rather than the counsel of the ungodly. What makes this particularly compelling is the progression described in verse 1—walking, standing, and sitting—which represents an inevitable decline when we allow ungodly influence into our lives. We start by walking alongside certain influences, then we stand and identify with them, and finally we sit down and take on their character. The challenge presented here is about intentional living: What counsel are we choosing? What influences are we allowing into our minds through music, media, and relationships? The psalmist reminds us that being blessed is not about fleeting happiness, but about living within the design of our Creator. When we meditate on God's law day and night, we become like that flourishing tree—deeply rooted, constantly nourished, bearing fruit in season, and prospering in whatever we do. This is not about legalism but about choosing daily to let God's Word influence our thoughts, shape our character, and direct our lifestyle choices so that we leave a legacy worth remembering.