Verse of the Day 1/4

Through the Bible - Genesis 10-12, Romans 4
 

Good morning,

In his book, "Courage: Winning Life's Toughest Battles," Edwin Cole recommends reading the Psalms and Proverbs to gain courage and wisdom. He suggests reading a chapter in Proverbs first thing in the morning and a chapter in Psalms at the end of the day.

I have followed a similar plan for several years, reading a psalm and/or Proverb every morning.  I say this not in a way of boasting, but in saying that it has helped strengthen, encourage,challenge me, and help get me through many circumstances.

If you want to draw closer to God, I would heartily recommend it.

For today's verses we'll go to Psalm 1:

Psalm 1:1-2 (English Standard Version)  Blessed is the man
   who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
   nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
²but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
   and on his law he meditates day and night.

Many Psalms have the word "selah" in parentheses between stanzas.  Literally it means to stop and think calmly about that.  While it is not here in this psalm, since it is a short psalm, it is easy to stop and think about it for a while.  Perhaps it will stay with you all day as you consider what this psalm has to say to you.

 

The psalm speaks of a man who is not swayed by society.  Notice the downward progression.  If you are walking along it is easy for someone to come along and try to sell you something.  You can keep on walking.  If you stop to listen, he knows he has your attention.  If you sit down and continue talking the seller, in this case, the scoffer, knows he has the opportunity to sell you something most likely a lie to lead you down the wrong path.

 

As you go along today, may we have the strength to keep on walking when someone tries to get our attention and sell us a lie.  The person most likely to be able to do so is that person who has God's Word in his heart and mind.  May God "chart your road"as He speaks to you through His Word.  (see below from The Message).

 

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

Psalm 1 (The Message)

Psalm 1

   How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road,
   you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.

 ^2-3 Instead you thrill to God's Word,
      you chew on Scripture day and night.
   You're a tree replanted in Eden,
      bearing fresh fruit every month,
   Never dropping a leaf,
      always in blossom.

 ^4-5 You're not at all like the wicked,
      who are mere windblown dust—
   Without defense in court,
      unfit company for innocent people.

 ⁶ God charts the road you take.
   The road they take is Skid Row.