Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT) - 1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

5 Uphill Environments:

1. An IMMORAL environment

1. Sinful Environments are hard places to flourish. 
2. Lot chose the city of Sodom, and it was hard on him. 
3. We live in the world's immoral environment, but you can be wise in your home environment.

2. A TEMPTING environment

1. There is only one thing to do in a tempting environment, run.
2. 2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT) - "22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."

3. A DOUBTING environment

1. A doubting environment can be an uphill battle. The faith walk believes in GOD FOR EVERYTHING.
2. In Mark 5, Jesus had to kick out the mourners and criers.
3. In Nazareth, Jesus could do no mighty work.

4. A CONTENTIOUS environment

1. Strife is disorienting. Disunity is like quicksand.
2. James 3:16 (NLT) "For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind."

5. A FOOLS environment

1. Jim Rohn says you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
2. Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) - "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble."

5 Downhill Environments

1. An ORDERLY environment

1. When you clean up your environment, you will be shocked at how your mind starts to think.
2. When you put something in order, you will be able to:
   1. Think clearly
   2. Work effectively
   3. Feel relaxed
   4. Rest well

2. A PRESENCE environment

1. Your goal is to create an environment where God and man coexist!
2. Cleanse your house from immoral things.
3. Do the daily disciplines in your home.
4. Put on worship music.

3. A STRATEGIC environment

1. Exert your willpower to create a strategic environment.
2. You shouldn't always create environments of convenience and comfort; sometimes, you should create environments that help you be the person you want to be. 
3. Set yourself up for success.

4. A POSITIVE environment

1. Faith-filled - It's easy to go downhill when you expect that God will do something. 
2. Joyful - Rejoice in the Lord. David had to do this at Ziklag. 
3. Encouraging - Paul and Silas had to encourage one another.

5. A MISSIONAL environment

1. One that is hurting - Go where there is pain.
2. One that is stretching - Go where you are challenged. 
3. Missional environments make you feel purposeful and like your life has meaning.

Psalm 1:3 (NLT) - 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Plant yourself:

• In the house of the Lord
• With the people of the Lord
• With the ways of the Lord.