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Bible Pathways 06/26/2002


June 26

Read Psalms 1 -- 9

In Today's Reading:

The blessed and the ungodly; David's prayers of confidence and trust in God; prayer for protection, mercy, and deliverance; psalms of God's glory and praise for His justice.

Verse for Today:

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord; and in His Law doth he meditate day and night (1:1-2)

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 moral standards of society, but, for the most part, they live and act as though the Creator does not exist. Therefore, they assume that any religion or none at all is equally acceptable.

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 may 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 with them on issues that are not scriptural is to lose one's blessings from God. In every decision, the Christian life is to be focused on God . . . what would Jesus do? The sinner's life is centered in self and what "I" want.

The third negative statement is: Nor [sits] in the seat of the scornful. The scorner makes known his antagonistic attitude against worshiping Jesus Christ as the only Savior and Lord. The scornful, for the most part, are very religious, but they stand firmly against the Bible as the Only Reliable Guide for Life and against Jesus Christ as the only Savior and assurance of life eternal (see John 14:6).

The blessed person has an attitude of delight . . . in the Law of the Lord; and in His Law [he meditates] day and night (Psalms 1:2). If we delight in pleasing Jesus Christ, we will meditate upon His Word. As we do this, 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 be peacemakers (helping people to discover the King of peace), for Jesus alone imparts a permanent Peace into one's life (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 (in God's time, not in ours); . . . 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; Hebrews 1:5).

Word Studies:

2:2 anointed (one) = Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek); 5:6 leasing = lies.

Prayer Needs:

Government Official: Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI) · Pray for your Pastor · Country: Laos (5 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Lao and French · Great suppression of all Christian activities · 58% Buddhist; 33% belief in spirits and ancestor worship; 2% Christian; 1% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in times of trouble (Matthew 8:24-25).

Optional Reading: Philippians 3

Memory Verse for the Week: John 8:31-32



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