June 26, 2004
Read Psalms 1 - 9
In Today's Reading:
The blessed and the ungodly; David's confidence in God; prayer for protection, mercy, and deliverance
The key to receiving a blessing from God begins with three negative statements. The first is: Blessed (Divinely favored, Fortunate) is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly (Psalm 1:1). The ungodly may live acceptable lifestyles that conform to the basic moral standards of a society but still live and act as though the Creator God does not exist. Therefore, they assume that any religion, or none at all, is equally acceptable. In doing this, they accept no accountability to God and see no need of a Savior.
The second negative statement is: Nor stands in the way of sinners. Sinners speak, act, think, and live to please themselves. They may be honest, upright, and generous in the eyes of the majority of people. They may even believe there is a God and may live a good, moral life. Consequently, they are deceived and see no need to repent of sin because they do not think they are sinners. The Christian life is centered in God - but the sinner's life is centered on himself.
The third negative statement is: Nor sits in the seat of the scornful. The scornful makes known his belittling, antagonistic attitude against God the Father as Creator of all things and against worshiping Jesus Christ as God the Son - the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). The scornful, for the most part, stand firmly and openly against the Bible and Jesus Christ as the only way to be saved and reach heaven.
The blessed person has an attitude of delight . . . in the Law of the LORD; and in His Law he does meditate day and night (Psalm 1:2). If we delight in pleasing Jesus Christ, we will "meditate" upon His Word. As we meditate prayerfully in His Law, the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts, revealing the meaning of His Word for our lives. Such people have a desire to be led by the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13).
One of the great blessings that is imparted to those who meditate upon God's Word comes silently and unnoticed as they become like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever (whatever) he does shall prosper (Psalm 1:3).
Christ Revealed:
As the Son of God (Psalm 2:7). For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16; also Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5).
Word Studies:
2:2 anointed (one) = Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek); 5:6 leasing = lies.
Pray For:
The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Rick Hash · Government Official: Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI) · Country: Germany (82 million) in north-central Europe · Major language: German · Religious freedom · 37% Protestant; 36% Roman Catholic; 3% Muslim; .7% Greek/Serbian/Russian Orthodox
Prayer Suggestion: Pray for those who wrong you (Acts 7:59-60).
Prayer Suggestion: Pray for those who wrong you (Acts 7:59-60).
Optional Reading: Philippians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:18