Psalm 1:2-3 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers. English Standard Version (ESV)
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers. English Standard Version (ESV)
In yesterday's devotional from Matthew 6 regarding prayer we ended with the thought of praying for God to "tone our conduct, be a law for our actions, and to rule our thoughts". A common way, perhaps the best way through the ages that God answers that type of prayer is through His word. There are many "voices" competing for our attention and verse 1 describes the person who listens to the world. It is a downward progression, first walking along with it, than standing, picture having a discussion about the worlds ways and finally sitting in the seat of and along with the "scoffers", scoffers of Christianity. It is a picture of being comfortable with it, right at home with it. It is easy to picture this in our politically correct world.
But the one who is finds his or her direction from the Word of God and communion with Him is, and will be blessed "like a tree planted" near the stream of life giving water. The roots go deep and he is sustained in all seasons.
Instead of being more and more comfortable with the world, we should be at home and abide in His Word. James Smith writes:
The true Christian . . .
learns the doctrines with satisfaction,
believes the promises with joy,
accepts the invitations with gratitude,
receives the cautions with fear,
listens to the exhortations with pleasure,
walks by the precepts with delight,
reads it with reverence,
searches it with diligence, and
implores the promised teaching and guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand it.
Beware of slighting, despising, or neglecting the Bible.
Read it daily,
pray over it incessantly, and
meditate on what it reveals continually!
May we have the attitude, the heart of the psalmist in Psalm 119, and let Him "chart the road you take". (The Message)
Psalm 119:15-17 New International Version (NIV)
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Blessings,
Mike
Psalm 1The Message (MSG)
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.
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.
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.
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.
The road they take is Skid Row.
Mike Follow the verse of the day at mikesvotd.blogspot.com
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