Bible Pathways 6/26/2001

June 26

Read Psalms 1 -- 9

The key to receiving a blessing from God begins with three negative statements. The first is: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly (Psalms 1:1). The ungodly may live acceptable lifestyles that conform to the basic moral standards of society but, for the most part, they 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 believe themselves to be broad-minded and see no need of repentance or of believing that they need 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, and expect everyone to take their broad-minded position. They believe there is a God and often live as good a moral life as many Christians. Consequently, they see no need to repent of sin nor a need for a Savior. To stand up with them on issues that are not scriptural is to lose one's blessings from God. The Christian life is centered in God. The sinner's life is centered in self, self-will, and separation from God.

The third negative statement is: Nor sits in the seat of the scornful. The scorner makes known his belittling, antagonistic attitude against worshiping Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The scornful, for the most part, are like the Pharisees. They are very religious, but they stand firmly and openly against the Bible as the Only True Guide for Life 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 meditates day and night (1:2). If we delight in pleasing Jesus Christ, we will "meditate" upon His Word. As we meditate (carefully and prayerfully) upon His Word, 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).

True happiness is experienced by those who are the poor (humble) in spirit . . . who mourn (sorrow over sin) . . . who hunger . . . after righteousness (a right relationship with God) . . . who are the pure in heart (not double-minded, but have sincere motives to please the Lord) . . . and who are the peacemakers (helping people to resolve their differences and discover the King of peace) (Matthew 5:3-9).

One of the great blessings that is imparted to those who meditate upon God's Word comes silently and unnoticed, like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in His season (that is, in God's time, not in ours); his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper (Psalms 1:3).

Christ Revealed: As the Son of God (Psalms 2:7). 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; Heb. 1:5).

Word Studies: 2:2 anointed means Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek); 5:6 leasing means lies.

Prayer:

Government Official: Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI) · Pray for Evangelist Robert Shushu, Swahili translator in Tanzania · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by Carolyn and Walter Kilbourne · Country: Mozambique (19 million) on the eastern coast of Africa · Major language: Portuguese · Religious freedom · 40% worship of false gods, ancestral spirits, and some witchcraft; 23% Roman Catholic; 14% Protestant; 13% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Can you say you are ready for the Lord's coming (Malachi 3:2)?